Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of the urban park of Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

Green areas in urban landscapes are under strong anthropogenic pressure, and, at the same time are fundamen-tal to maintaining biodiversity, as they provide resources for many animal and plant species. Knowing these species is funda-mental for its maintenance and conservation, and inventories are extremely important for monitoring fauna and conserving it. Therefore, the goal of this research is to inventory the butterflies species in the park of the Instituto Butantan (Ibu), locat-ed in an urban area in the city of São Paulo, southeast Brazil. The surveys of butterflies were conducted through visual census-es from August 2017 to July 2019 and recorded a total of 324 butterfly species. The most speciose family was Hesperiidae, fol-lowed by Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae, Riodinidae, and Papilionidae. Among the sampled species, there is Euselasia zarawhich is a new record for the state of São Paulo. Neither the species accumulation nor the richness estimator curves tended to reach an asymptote, suggesting that additional butterflies' species will be recorded with more sampling effort on the site. Even with a flora composed mainly of exotic and ornamental plants, the park of Instituto Butantan exhibits a very rich butter-fly community. This community exhibits a pattern of seasonally variation, with the peak of species richness related to the rainy season. When compared with Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira (USP), another nearby urban green area, which is larger, more heterogeneous and sampled over a longer period, it is possible to notice that the Ibu butterfly community is a subsample of this larger one. These results highlight the potential that urban parks have for the maintenance and conserva-tion of butterfly species.(AU)

Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) / Cães ferozes no parque nacional Chitral gol, Paquistão: uma ameaça potencial para o futuro do Markhor da Caxemira ameaçado (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Abstract Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Resumo Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

Seasonal distribution and habitat use preference of Barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) in Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park, Punjab Pakistan / Distribuição sazonal e preferência de uso de habitat de veados-latidos (Muntiacus vaginalis) no Parque Nacional Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta, Punjab Paquistão

Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

Fatores de micro-hábitat associados ao hábitat do veado (Muntiacus vaginalis) foram examinados e comparados entre as estações de verão e inverno. As características do hábitat e o hábitat preferido foram medidos, localizando sinais diretos e indiretos. Para quantificar a utilização do hábitat de cervos-latidos, cada local de estudo selecionado foi amostrado para a diversidade floral de 2015 a 2017. Quadrats foram implantados ao longo de linhas de transecto para determinar a distribuição sazonal., Veados-latidos não foram distribuídos uniformemente pelos tipos de vegetação na área de estudo; ocorreram com mais frequência na floresta de folhas largas do que na floresta de pinheiros Chir, em uma faixa de elevação de 550-850 m, em vegetação densa, em encostas íngremes. O hábitat mais preferido incluía árvores e arbustos com 30% e 69% de cobertura, respectivamente. O veado-latido evitou uma cobertura de árvores mais espessa, possivelmente porque impede o movimento e a fuga de predadores. Nenhuma diferença significativa (χ2 = 6,37; df = 3; p = 0,19) na cobertura vegetal sazonal foi registrada.

Potentially harmful materials in the feces of wild ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) and health implications / Materiais potencialmente nocivos encontrados nas fezes de quatis (Nasua nasua) selvagens e implicações para a saúde

In ecological parks, the proximity to tourist activities facilitates the exploration of garbage by coatis, with possible serious consequences for the animals health . We described the contents of wild coatis feces from three ecological parks. After analyzing 62 samples, fragments of plants and animals were identified in all feces. In the feces of two parks, seeds were present between 36.4% and 48.6% of the samples. Arthropod fragments were identified in 100% of the samples from two parks, but only 87.3% in a third park. Scales, bones or bird feathers were present in some samples. Undigested material of industrial origin was detected in 34.3% to 54.5% of the samples, such as fragments of paper, string, plastic, aluminum, latex and glass. Results are in line with other studies on the diet of wild coatis, but the intake of foreign bodies, potentially harmful to health, is described for the first time. Clinical problems resulting from ingesting waste can be dental fractures, mucosal erosions, intestinal perforation, peritonitis, impaction, diarrhea, weight loss, intoxication and infections. Coatis in the three parks are at risk of health, and actions are needed to avoid clinical and potentially fatal problems. Four actions are recommended to avoid ingesting foreign bodies: increasing the environmental education of visitors; improving the storage of waste generated in parks; periodically monitor the health of coatis, in order to make interventions when possible; make a permanent program to study the ecology of species in the three parks.

Em parques ecológicos, a proximidade com atividades turísticas facilita a exploração do lixo por quatis (Nasua nasua), com possíveis consequências graves para saúde dos animais. Descrevemos o conteúdo de fezes de quatis selvagens de três parques ecológicos. Após análise de 62 amostras, fragmentos de plantas e animais foram identificados em todas as fezes. Nas fezes de dois parques, as sementes estiveram presentes entre 36,4% e 48,6% das amostras. Foram identificados fragmentos de artrópodes em 100% das amostras de dois parques, mas apenas 87,3% em um terceiro parque. Escamas, ossos ou penas de pássaros estavam presentes em algumas amostras. Detectou-se material não digerido de origem industrial em 34,3% a 54,5% das amostras, como fragmentos de papel, barbante, plástico, alumínio, látex e vidro. Os resultados estão de acordo com outros estudos sobre a dieta de quatis selvagens, mas a ingestão de corpos estranhos, potencialmente prejudicial à saúde, é descrito pela primeira vez. Os problemas clínicos decorrentes da ingestão de lixo podem ser fraturas dentais, erosões de mucosas, perfuração intestinal, peritonite, impactação, diarreia, emagrecimento, intoxicação e infecções. Os quatis nos três parques estão com a saúde em risco, sendo necessárias ações para evitar problemas clínicos e potencialmente fatais. Quatro ações são recomendadas para evitar a ingestão de corpos estranhos: aumentar a educação ambiental dos visitantes; melhorar o armazenamento dos resíduos gerados nos parques; monitorar periodicamente a saúde dos quatis, de forma a fazer intervenções quando possível; fazer um programa permanente de estudo da ecologia das espécies nos três parques.

Molecular screening of Bartonella in free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from Paraná State, Southern Brazil / Avaliação molecular de Bartonella em capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) de vida livre do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

Bartonella is an emerging group of facultative intracellular bacteria causing circulatory and systemic disorders. Hosts for Bartonella are mostly mammals, specifically rodents, having a growing number of Bartonella species related to their infection. Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are abundant native rodents of Brazil, commonly found in urban parks. In the present study, we aimed to perform molecular screening of capybaras for Bartonella spp. Blood samples were collected from 17 free-ranging animals captured in Paraná State, Southern Brazil. None of the collected samples tested positive for the BartonellanuoG gene by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), although all of them successfully amplified the mammal endogenous glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) gene. Additionally, all animals were infested exclusively by Amblyomma dubitatum ticks at the time of sampling. This study was part of an active surveillance program, which is critical for monitoring animal health status, particularly in capybaras.(AU)

Bartonella é um grupo emergente de bactérias intracelulares facultativas que causam doenças circulatórias e sistêmicas. Mamíferos são os principais hospedeiros das bartonelas, especificamente roedores, com crescente número de espécies de Bartonella relacionadas a estes animais. Capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) são abundantes roedores do Brasil, comumente encontrados em parques urbanos. Nosso objetivo no presente estudo foi realizar uma triagem molecular das capivaras para Bartonella spp. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 17 animais de vida livre capturados no estado do Paraná, Sul do Brasil. Nenhuma das amostras coletadas apresentou resultado positivo para o gene nuoG de Bartonella pela reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa (qPCR), apesar de todas elas amplificarem com sucesso o gene endógeno de mamíferos gliceraldeído-3-fosfato desidrogenase (gapdh). Adicionalmente, todos os animais estavam infestados exclusivamente por carrapatos Amblyomma dubitatum no momento da coleta. Este estudo foi parte do programa de vigilância ativa, que é importante para monitorar a condição de saúde dos animais, particularmente em capivaras.(AU)

Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil / Sazonalidade do Tapaculo-de-Brasília (Scytalopus novacapitalis) e ocupação de área em ambientes ripários de altitude após queimadas não naturais e invasão por javaporco no Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, Brasil

The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (ψ=0.91) and lower in autumn (ψ=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

O tapaculo-de-Brasília, Scytalopus novacapitalis, Sick 1958, é uma espécie de ave rara, geograficamente restrita e ameaçada de extinção que habita vegetação ripária do Cerrado, principalmente matas de galeria. No Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, sudeste do Brasil, áreas úmidas estão ameaçadas devido a frequentes queimadas não naturais e a invasão por javaporco, Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758. Avaliamos os possíveis efeitos da sazonalidade na quantidade de registros de S. novacapitalis em habitats sem perturbação e buscamos responder questões sobre como o fogo e a invasão por javaporco pode afetar a ocupação de área pela ave. Transecções paralelas aos ambientes ripários foram usadas para amostrar n=21 áreas, totalizando 7,5 km, de 2014 a 2019. Os resultados indicaram que a estação do ano influenciou na quantidade de registros espontâneos e de registros induzidos por playback, os quais foram mais abundantes durante o período reprodutivo. O uso de playback aumentou significativamente a quantidade de registros em todas as estações. A probabilidade de ocupação considerando toda área de estudo foi maior no fim da primavera (ψ=0,91) e menor no outono (ψ=0,73). Em áreas queimadas (n=8 trechos), o primeiro mês após o fogo apresentou a menor probabilidade de ocupação, mas houve uma rápida recuperação no 2º mês, e estabilização similar na área controle a partir do 3º mês. Após n=11 trechos terem sido invadidos por javaporcos, a estimativa de ocupação de área indicou pequena queda nos dois primeiros meses, mas a partir do 3º mês, o padrão de decréscimo ampliou a discrepância com áreas não perturbadas. É importante continuar monitorando a população de S. novacapitalis e suas ameaças, para subsidiar ações de manejo, principalmente para evitar queimadas não naturais frequentes nas florestas ripárias e bloquear o acesso de javaporcos às áreas úmidas.

Birds of Parque Estadual do Tainhas, an important protected area of the highland grasslands of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Parque Estadual do Tainhas - PET (Tainhas State Park) is a protected area with significant extensions of natural grasslands located in highland grasslands of northeastern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, and recognized as an Important Bird Area. Our aim was to record the bird species richness of PET with a greater sampling effort than previous studies at the site, including unpublished data such as occurrence status of most species and evidence of breeding of some of them in the park. We surveyed birds between 2012 and 2018 performing aleatory trails covering mainly the central portion of PET (1,500 ha). We also added records from published studies. We listed 208 species, of which 203 were recorded during our fieldwork (including 18 species of conservation concern). The estimated richness was 222.22 (SD = 10.91) species, according to Jackknife 1 method. This result represents a 58% increase in the species richness of the park and shows that long-term monitoring of the bird community allows to access more accurate richness and to identify the regular species (core avifauna) of the park. The presence of 55 breeders and threatened species shows the importance of this protected area for breeding and conservation of grassland birds, such as Urubitinga coronata, Cinclodes pabsti, Xolmis dominicanus, Anthus nattereri, Xanthopsar flavus, and Sporophila melanogaster.

Birds of Parque Estadual do Tainhas, an important protected area of the highland grasslands of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Parque Estadual do Tainhas - PET (Tainhas State Park) is a protected area with significant extensions of natural grasslands located in highland grasslands of northeastern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, and recognized as an Important Bird Area. Our aim was to record the bird species richness of PET with a greater sampling effort than previous studies at the site, including unpublished data such as occurrence status of most species and evidence of breeding of some of them in the park. We surveyed birds between 2012 and 2018 performing aleatory trails covering mainly the central portion of PET (1,500 ha). We also added records from published studies. We listed 208 species, of which 203 were recorded during our fieldwork (including 18 species of conservation concern). The estimated richness was 222.22 (SD = 10.91) species, according to Jackknife 1 method. This result represents a 58% increase in the species richness of the park and shows that long-term monitoring of the bird community allows to access more accurate richness and to identify the regular species (core avifauna) of the park. The presence of 55 breeders and threatened species shows the importance of this protected area for breeding and conservation of grassland birds, such as Urubitinga coronata, Cinclodes pabsti, Xolmis dominicanus, Anthus nattereri, Xanthopsar flavus, and Sporophila melanogaster.(AU)

Medium- and large-sized mammal composition in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and adjacent areas, state of Goiás, Brazil

The Cerrado is the second largest Brazilian biome and only 2.8% is represented by protected areas. Considering the relevance of the Cerrado and Conservation Units in preserving the mammalian diversity, we provided the first assessment of the diversity of medium- and large-sized mammal species in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (CVNP) and surroundings. We tested the effectiveness of the CVNP by assessing the difference in species composition within the park and its surroundings. We sampled CVNP in the rainy (October-December 2013) and dry seasons (March-June 2014) in order to characterize the seasonality within the community. We selected 36 sampling sites to evaluate the composition of the medium and large mammals in the CVNP and its surroundings, 18 in the CVNP and 18 in the park surroundings. We ordered mammalian composition and frequency of individuals data by using a Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling analysis (NMDS). We assessed the effect of season (dry and rainy seasons) and locality (within the CVNP and surroundings) on mammalian species richness with a two-way analysis of variance (Two-way ANOVA). We recorded 23 species, 13 within the CVNP and 17 species in its surroundings. Composition and frequency of records differed between dry and rainy seasons, with higher richness in the rainy season. Species’ composition and the frequency of records were also different between within the CVNP and its surroundings, with higher richness in the surroundings. These results provide information for the increase of the knowledge of mammalian ecology but also is useful as a tool for future strategies to the conservation of these species. More attention should be given to the monitoring of these species in the long term because this area still harbor some viable populations.

Medium- and large-sized mammal composition in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and adjacent areas, state of Goiás, Brazil

The Cerrado is the second largest Brazilian biome and only 2.8% is represented by protected areas. Considering the relevance of the Cerrado and Conservation Units in preserving the mammalian diversity, we provided the first assessment of the diversity of medium- and large-sized mammal species in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (CVNP) and surroundings. We tested the effectiveness of the CVNP by assessing the difference in species composition within the park and its surroundings. We sampled CVNP in the rainy (October-December 2013) and dry seasons (March-June 2014) in order to characterize the seasonality within the community. We selected 36 sampling sites to evaluate the composition of the medium and large mammals in the CVNP and its surroundings, 18 in the CVNP and 18 in the park surroundings. We ordered mammalian composition and frequency of individuals data by using a Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling analysis (NMDS). We assessed the effect of season (dry and rainy seasons) and locality (within the CVNP and surroundings) on mammalian species richness with a two-way analysis of variance (Two-way ANOVA). We recorded 23 species, 13 within the CVNP and 17 species in its surroundings. Composition and frequency of records differed between dry and rainy seasons, with higher richness in the rainy season. Species composition and the frequency of records were also different between within the CVNP and its surroundings, with higher richness in the surroundings. These results provide information for the increase of the knowledge of mammalian ecology but also is useful as a tool for future strategies to the conservation of these species. More attention should be given to the monitoring of these species in the long term because this area still harbor some viable populations.(AU)

Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and Neospora caninum in geese (Anser sp.) from urban parks and captivity / Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. e Neospora caninum em gansos (Anser sp.) de parques urbanos e cativeiro

Geese, ducks, mallards, and swans are birds of the order Anseriformes, which are found in the wild, in zoos and parks, and raised for meat consumption. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp., and Neospora caninum are protozoans of several species of animals. Wild and domestic birds can serve as intermediate hosts, disseminators and potential sources of infection of these protozoa to humans through contaminated meat. The aims of this study were: (i) to perform a serological survey of T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and N. caninum in geese (Anser sp.) from public parks and from captivity and (ii) to compare seroprevalence between these two locations. Antibodies were detected by Immunofluorescence antibody test using the serum of 149 geese. Antibodies to Sarcocystis sp., T. gondii, and N. caninum were detected in 28.18%, 18% and 0.67% of geese, respectively; 57% of geese from urban parks and 26.53% of geese from captivity were seropositive for at least one protozoa. The results indicate environmental contamination, particularly for the occurrence of antibodies against T. gondii a zoonosis that causes toxoplasmosis and is transmitted through oocyte ingestion. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and N. caninum in geese from urban parks in Curitiba, Brazil.(AU)

Gansos, patos, marrecos e cisnes são aves da ordem Anseriformes, encontrados em vida livre, zoológicos, parques e criados para consumo da carne. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. e Neospora caninum são protozoários capazes de infectar diversas espécies animais. Aves domésticas e silvestres podem ser hospedeiras intermediárias e servir como disseminadoras e potenciais fontes de infecção para seres humanos por meio da carne. O objetivo do estudo foi 1) realizar a soroprevalência de T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. e N. caninum em gansos (Anser sp.) provenientes de parques públicos e de um cativeiro e 2) comparar a soroprevalência entre os locais. Foi realizada sorologia de 149 Anser sp. pelo método da reação de imunofluorescência indireta. Anticorpos para Sarcocystis sp., T. gondii e N. caninum foram encontrados em 28,18%, 18%, e 0,67% dos animais, respectivamente; 57% dos gansos dos parques públicos e 26,53% dos animais cativos foram soropositivos para algum dos protozoários. A ocorrência de anticorpos para tais protozoários indica contaminação ambiental, ressaltando a alta prevalência de anticorpos para T. gondii, zoonose transmitida por ingestão dos oocistos. Sugere-se investigação da água e medidas ambientais para reduzir a contaminação dos animais e do ambiente. Este é o primeiro trabalho que avaliou sorologicamente gansos provenientes de parques urbanos de Curitiba, Paraná para T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. e N. caninum.(AU)

Presentación de parasitos con potencial zoonótico en la arena de plazas de recreación de escuelas municipales de educación infantil del municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil / Presence of parasites with zoonotic potential in the sand of recreational squares of municipal schools of child education in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil / Presença de parasitos com potencial zoonótico na areia de praças de recreação de escolas municipais de educação infantil do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

Este estudio, tuvo como objetivo, analizar la contaminación de la arena de plazas de recreación de las escuelas municipales de educación infantil, del municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Se recolectar muestras de arena de 20 escuelas, provenientes de cuatro barrios. Las muestras fueron procesadas por el método de centrifugado-flotación. Muestras de 11 escuelas, 55% del total, fueron positivas para parásitos con potencial zoonótico. Ancylostoma fue el género más prevalente, siendo encontrado en nueve escuelas, el 45% del total. En los barrios, lo que presentó mayor contaminación, fue el Fragata, con 80,0% (4/5 escuelas), el barrio Tres Ventas, no presentó muestras positivas, siendo de esta forma, el que presentó menor porcentaje de contaminación. La aparición de parásitos, indican que las medidas preventivas deben ser adoptadas, impidiendo el acceso de animales al espacio interno de las escuelas, evitando la contaminación de la arena y demás lugares por huevos y larvas de parásitos con potencial zoonótico, como los encontrados en este estudio y así disminuir la exposición de niños y demás personas a estos agentes.(AU)

This study, had as objective, to analyze the contamination of the sand of recreation squares of the municipal schools of pre-school education, in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Sand samples were collected from 20 schools from four neighborhoods. The samples were processed by the centrifugal-flotation method. Samples from 11 schools, 55% of the total, were positive for parasites with zoonotic potential. Ancylostoma was the most prevalent genus, being found in nine schools, 45% of the total. Among the neighborhoods, the one that presented the highest contamination, was the Fragata, with 80,0% (4/5), the Três Vendas neighborhood, did not present positive samples, being, in this way, the one that presented smaller percentage of contamination. The occurrence of parasites indicates that preventive measures should be adopted, preventing the access of animals to the internal space of schools, avoiding the contamination of sand and other sites by eggs and larvae of parasites with zoonotic potential, as those found in this study and thus reduce the exposure of children and others to these agents.(AU)

Este estudo, teve como objetivo, analisar a contaminação da areia de praças de recreação das escolas municipais de educação infantil, do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de areia de 20 escolas, provenientes de quatro bairros. As amostras foram processadas pelo método de centrifugo-flutuação. Amostras de 11 escolas, 55% do total, foram positivas para parasitos com potencial zoonótico. Ancylostoma foi o gênero mais prevalente, sendo encontrado em nove  escolas, 45% do total.  Dentre os bairros, o que apresentou maior contaminação, foi o Fragata, com 80,0% (4/5 escolas), o bairro Três Vendas, não apresentou amostras positivas, sendo desta forma, o que apresentou menor percentual de contaminação. A ocorrência de parasitos, indicam que medidas preventivas devem ser adotadas, impedindo o acesso de animais ao espaço interno das escolas, evitando a contaminação da areia e demais locais por ovos e larvas de parasitos com potencial zoonótico, como os encontrados neste estudo e assim diminuir a exposição de crianças e demais pessoas a estes agentes.(AU)

Presentación de parasitos con potencial zoonótico en la arena de plazas de recreación de escuelas municipales de educación infantil del municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil / Presence of parasites with zoonotic potential in the sand of recreational squares of municipal schools of child education in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil / Presença de parasitos com potencial zoonótico na areia de praças de recreação de escolas municipais de educação infantil do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

Este estudio, tuvo como objetivo, analizar la contaminación de la arena de plazas de recreación de las escuelas municipales de educación infantil, del municipio de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Se recolectar muestras de arena de 20 escuelas, provenientes de cuatro barrios. Las muestras fueron procesadas por el método de centrifugado-flotación. Muestras de 11 escuelas, 55% del total, fueron positivas para parásitos con potencial zoonótico. Ancylostoma fue el género más prevalente, siendo encontrado en nueve escuelas, el 45% del total. En los barrios, lo que presentó mayor contaminación, fue el Fragata, con 80,0% (4/5 escuelas), el barrio Tres Ventas, no presentó muestras positivas, siendo de esta forma, el que presentó menor porcentaje de contaminación. La aparición de parásitos, indican que las medidas preventivas deben ser adoptadas, impidiendo el acceso de animales al espacio interno de las escuelas, evitando la contaminación de la arena y demás lugares por huevos y larvas de parásitos con potencial zoonótico, como los encontrados en este estudio y así disminuir la exposición de niños y demás personas a estos agentes.

This study, had as objective, to analyze the contamination of the sand of recreation squares of the municipal schools of pre-school education, in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Sand samples were collected from 20 schools from four neighborhoods. The samples were processed by the centrifugal-flotation method. Samples from 11 schools, 55% of the total, were positive for parasites with zoonotic potential. Ancylostoma was the most prevalent genus, being found in nine schools, 45% of the total. Among the neighborhoods, the one that presented the highest contamination, was the Fragata, with 80,0% (4/5), the Três Vendas neighborhood, did not present positive samples, being, in this way, the one that presented smaller percentage of contamination. The occurrence of parasites indicates that preventive measures should be adopted, preventing the access of animals to the internal space of schools, avoiding the contamination of sand and other sites by eggs and larvae of parasites with zoonotic potential, as those found in this study and thus reduce the exposure of children and others to these agents.

Este estudo, teve como objetivo, analisar a contaminação da areia de praças de recreação das escolas municipais de educação infantil, do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de areia de 20 escolas, provenientes de quatro bairros. As amostras foram processadas pelo método de centrifugo-flutuação. Amostras de 11 escolas, 55% do total, foram positivas para parasitos com potencial zoonótico. Ancylostoma foi o gênero mais prevalente, sendo encontrado em nove  escolas, 45% do total.  Dentre os bairros, o que apresentou maior contaminação, foi o Fragata, com 80,0% (4/5 escolas), o bairro Três Vendas, não apresentou amostras positivas, sendo desta forma, o que apresentou menor percentual de contaminação. A ocorrência de parasitos, indicam que medidas preventivas devem ser adotadas, impedindo o acesso de animais ao espaço interno das escolas, evitando a contaminação da areia e demais locais por ovos e larvas de parasitos com potencial zoonótico, como os encontrados neste estudo e assim diminuir a exposição de crianças e demais pessoas a estes agentes.

Biology of Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) from two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) em dois parques urbanos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Estudos sobre a biologia de morcegos, englobando hábitos alimentares, reprodução e parasitologia são importantes para conhecer o papel desses pequenos mamíferos no ecossistema, porém poucas pesquisas apresentam essas informações. O presente artigo foi feito no intuito de reunir informações sobre a biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus, e comparar os resultados entre dois parques urbanos da cidade Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF), e Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), sendo este último consideravelmente maior que o anterior. Trabalhos de campo de longa duração foram conduzidos nas duas áreas, e dados sobre a biometria, reprodução, parasitos e dieta foram obtidos. Os animais foram capturados com redes de neblina e colocados em sacos de algodão, de onde foi retirado o material fecal para posterior análise. Eles foram medidos vivos e foi observada a condição reprodutiva; ectoparasitos foram coletados e, quando possível, esfregaços sanguíneos foram feitos. Os animais foram soltos ao final do trabalho de campo. Em laboratório as fezes e os esfregaços foram analisados. Como resultado, foram capturados 53 espécimes de Phyllostomus hastatus, 13 do PNMF e 40 do PEPB. Encontramos indivíduos com medidas menores no parque mais antropizado - PNMF; a reprodução ocorreu entre setembro e dezembro nos dois parques; a dieta incluiu Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera e Diptera. Sobre ectoparasitos, Diptera e Acari foram encontrados; não havia hemoparasitos nas amostras de sangue. Apesar de no menor parque haver mais animais afetados por influência antrópica, nossos resultados reforçam a ideia de que a criação de áreas preservadas pequenas é importante para a manutenção de espécies, pois elas podem servir como corredores ecológicos e fornecem alimentos para os animais.

Studies about bats biology encompassing diet, reproduction and parasitology are important to understand the role of these small animals in the ecosystem. However, few studies present such information. Therefore, the present paper was made to congregate information about biology of Phyllostomus hastatus, and compare the results between two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro City (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF) and Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), the latter being considerably larger than the other one. Long-term fieldworks were conducted in both areas and data on biometry, reproduction, parasites and diet were assembled. Animals were captured in mists nets and put in cotton sacs, from where fecal material was collected for further analysis. They were measured alive and inspected for reproductive stage; ectoparasites were collected and blood smears were made whenever possible. Bats were released at the end of the fieldwork. The feces and blood material were analyzed at the lab. Thus, 53 specimens of Phyllostomus were captured, 13 from PNMF and 40 from PEPB. We found individuals with smaller measurements at the most anthropized park – the Freguesia Park; reproduction occurred between September and December at both parks; diet included Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera. Concerning ectoparasites, Diptera and Acari were recorded; no haemoparasites were found in the blood smears. Although specimens from the smaller park seem to be most affected by anthropization, our results reinforce the idea that the creation of small parks is important for species maintenance, since it may serve as ecological corridor and as a food source for the animals.

Biology of Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) from two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas, 1767) (Chiroptera, Mammalia) em dois parques urbanos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Estudos sobre a biologia de morcegos, englobando hábitos alimentares, reprodução e parasitologia são importantes para conhecer o papel desses pequenos mamíferos no ecossistema, porém poucas pesquisas apresentam essas informações. O presente artigo foi feito no intuito de reunir informações sobre a biologia de Phyllostomus hastatus, e comparar os resultados entre dois parques urbanos da cidade Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF), e Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), sendo este último consideravelmente maior que o anterior. Trabalhos de campo de longa duração foram conduzidos nas duas áreas, e dados sobre a biometria, reprodução, parasitos e dieta foram obtidos. Os animais foram capturados com redes de neblina e colocados em sacos de algodão, de onde foi retirado o material fecal para posterior análise. Eles foram medidos vivos e foi observada a condição reprodutiva; ectoparasitos foram coletados e, quando possível, esfregaços sanguíneos foram feitos. Os animais foram soltos ao final do trabalho de campo. Em laboratório as fezes e os esfregaços foram analisados. Como resultado, foram capturados 53 espécimes de Phyllostomus hastatus, 13 do PNMF e 40 do PEPB. Encontramos indivíduos com medidas menores no parque mais antropizado - PNMF; a reprodução ocorreu entre setembro e dezembro nos dois parques; a dieta incluiu Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera e Diptera. Sobre ectoparasitos, Diptera e Acari foram encontrados; não havia hemoparasitos nas amostras de sangue. Apesar de no menor parque haver mais animais afetados por influência antrópica, nossos resultados reforçam a ideia de que a criação de áreas preservadas pequenas é importante para a manutenção de espécies, pois elas podem servir como corredores ecológicos e fornecem alimentos para os animais.(AU)

Studies about bats biology encompassing diet, reproduction and parasitology are important to understand the role of these small animals in the ecosystem. However, few studies present such information. Therefore, the present paper was made to congregate information about biology of Phyllostomus hastatus, and compare the results between two urban parks at Rio de Janeiro City (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Parque Natural Municipal da Freguesia (PNMF) and Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca (PEPB), the latter being considerably larger than the other one. Long-term fieldworks were conducted in both areas and data on biometry, reproduction, parasites and diet were assembled. Animals were captured in mists nets and put in cotton sacs, from where fecal material was collected for further analysis. They were measured alive and inspected for reproductive stage; ectoparasites were collected and blood smears were made whenever possible. Bats were released at the end of the fieldwork. The feces and blood material were analyzed at the lab. Thus, 53 specimens of Phyllostomus were captured, 13 from PNMF and 40 from PEPB. We found individuals with smaller measurements at the most anthropized park the Freguesia Park; reproduction occurred between September and December at both parks; diet included Curcubitaceae, Urticaceae, Bombacaceae, Lythraceae, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera. Concerning ectoparasites, Diptera and Acari were recorded; no haemoparasites were found in the blood smears. Although specimens from the smaller park seem to be most affected by anthropization, our results reinforce the idea that the creation of small parks is important for species maintenance, since it may serve as ecological corridor and as a food source for the animals.(AU)

Levantamento e diagnóstico de populações de Callicebus nigrifrons no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce e seu entorno / Survey of populations of Callicebus nigrifrons in the Rio Doce State Parc and its surroundings

Callicebus nigrifrons is one of the seven primate species that occur in the Rio Doce State Parc (PERD), which is part of the Atlantic Rain Forest Biosphere Reserve. The present study aims raise populations of C. nigrifrons and diagnose their conservation status in PERD and environment.The survey was conducted in July 2018, through interviews with the local population and researchers (n=24) and active search with playback support and characterization of forest fragments (n=22), in three regions: the interior of the park, north and south surroundings.. The occurrence of the species was recorded in the three regions by direct observation, vocalization in response to playback and / or interviewees' reports. Most of the sampled areas presented as small fragments with low vegetation quality, surrounded by pastures or eucalyptus plantations, especially in the vicinity of PERD. Although it is a species with a certain flexibility to live in small fragments and disturbed, the isolation, reduction and degradation of the habitats in the long term, can impact the genetic variability and availability of resources and, consequently, the viability of the populations of C. nigrifrons in these places. Therefore, the protection, recovery and recomposition of the connectivity of forests are measures of great importance to promote the survival of the species in PERD and especially in its surroundings.

Levantamento e diagnóstico de populações de Callicebus nigrifrons no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce e seu entorno / Survey of populations of Callicebus nigrifrons in the Rio Doce State Parc and its surroundings

Callicebus nigrifrons is one of the seven primate species that occur in the Rio Doce State Parc (PERD), which is part of the Atlantic Rain Forest Biosphere Reserve. The present study aims raise populations of C. nigrifrons and diagnose their conservation status in PERD and environment.The survey was conducted in July 2018, through interviews with the local population and researchers (n=24) and active search with playback support and characterization of forest fragments (n=22), in three regions: the interior of the park, north and south surroundings.. The occurrence of the species was recorded in the three regions by direct observation, vocalization in response to playback and / or interviewees' reports. Most of the sampled areas presented as small fragments with low vegetation quality, surrounded by pastures or eucalyptus plantations, especially in the vicinity of PERD. Although it is a species with a certain flexibility to live in small fragments and disturbed, the isolation, reduction and degradation of the habitats in the long term, can impact the genetic variability and availability of resources and, consequently, the viability of the populations of C. nigrifrons in these places. Therefore, the protection, recovery and recomposition of the connectivity of forests are measures of great importance to promote the survival of the species in PERD and especially in its surroundings.(AU)

Determinantion of visitors willingness to pay to enter Karagol Natural Park of Ankara, Turkey / Determinantes para a “vontade de pagar” dos visitantes do Parque Natural Karagol de Ancara, Turquia

The objectives of this study were to assess visitors attitudes, if visitors would be willing to pay to enter Lake Karagol, and what factors affect their decision to pay. The contingent valuation method was used to estimate the economic value of the lake by assessing willingness to pay (WTP). Double dichotomous questions were used in the survey. Respondents were first asked whether or not they would be willing to pay the starting bid. They could either answer in the affirmative (that is, accepted bid) or in the negative (that is, reject the starting bid). The average WTP for an entrance fee was found to be about USD 0.22 for all observations when zero bids were included, and about USD 4.40 when zero bids were excluded. Result of the probit model showed that respondents with a higher income, respondents who were young, and the working status of the respondents had significant impacts on the probability of the WTP.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as atitudes dos visitantes e se eles estavam dispostos a pagar entrada no Lago Karago e quais eram os fatores que afetavam a sua decisão. O método de avaliação contingente foi usado para estimar o valor econômico do Lago usando a decisão dos visitantes de estarem dispostos a pagar entrada. Perguntas duplamente dicotômicas foram usadas no questionário. Os inquiridos foram questionados primeiro se estariam dispostos a pagar um valor inicial. Eles poderiam responder afirmativamente (aceitavam o valor) ou negativamente (rejeitavam o valor). O valor médio (vontade de pagar) de uma entrada foi de 0.22 dólares estadunidenses para todas as respostas, incluindo o mínimo de 0 e de 4.40 dólares estadunidenses excluindo o mínimo de 0. O resultado do modelo de lucro mostrou que os inquiridos com maior valor salarial e mais jovens com estatuto de trabalhadores tinham mais impacto na probabilidade de vontade de pagar.(AU)

Understory bird community from Wildlife Protected Areas of the Quedas do Rio Bonito Ecological Park / Comunidade de aves de sub-bosque do Parque Ecológico Quedas do Rio Bonito

The bird diversity is threatened and many studies have focused on preservation and conservation efforts. For example, few public Wildlife Protected Areas are created, which increase the requirement for private initiatives to support the conservation challenge. The Quedas do Rio Bonito Ecological Park is a private protected areas located in the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Here, we present the median richness (54 bird species, 20 families and seven orders) of this protected area in relation to other studies in southeastern Brazil, as well as seasonal variations, similarities between areas and the estimation of understory stratum richness. Therefore, this article presents arguments to support future studies, since knowledge about the community in different areas is primordial to Biological Conservation projects.(AU)

A diversidade de aves está ameaçada e muitos estudos têm se concentrado em esforços de preservação e conservação. No entanto, poucas áreas protegidas públicas de vida selvagem são criadas, o que aumenta a necessidade de iniciativas privadas para apoiar o desafio da conservação. O Parque Ecológico Quedas do Rio Bonito é uma dessas áreas privadas protegidas localizada no sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Aqui, apresentamos a riqueza mediana (54 espécies, 20 famílias alocadas em sete ordens) desta área protegida em relação a outros estudos no sudeste do Brasil, bem como foram observadas variações sazonais, semelhanças entre áreas e a estimativa de riqueza do estrato do subbosque. Portanto, este artigo apresenta argumentos para auxiliar futuros estudos, uma vez que o conhecimento sobre a comunidade em diferentes áreas é primordial para projetos de Conservação Biológica.(AU)

Understory bird community from Wildlife Protected Areas of the Quedas do Rio Bonito Ecological Park / Comunidade de aves de sub-bosque do Parque Ecológico Quedas do Rio Bonito

The bird diversity is threatened and many studies have focused on preservation and conservation efforts. For example, few public Wildlife Protected Areas are created, which increase the requirement for private initiatives to support the conservation challenge. The Quedas do Rio Bonito Ecological Park is a private protected areas located in the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Here, we present the median richness (54 bird species, 20 families and seven orders) of this protected area in relation to other studies in southeastern Brazil, as well as seasonal variations, similarities between areas and the estimation of understory stratum richness. Therefore, this article presents arguments to support future studies, since knowledge about the community in different areas is primordial to Biological Conservation projects.

A diversidade de aves está ameaçada e muitos estudos têm se concentrado em esforços de preservação e conservação. No entanto, poucas áreas protegidas públicas de vida selvagem são criadas, o que aumenta a necessidade de iniciativas privadas para apoiar o desafio da conservação. O Parque Ecológico Quedas do Rio Bonito é uma dessas áreas privadas protegidas localizada no sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Aqui, apresentamos a riqueza mediana (54 espécies, 20 famílias alocadas em sete ordens) desta área protegida em relação a outros estudos no sudeste do Brasil, bem como foram observadas variações sazonais, semelhanças entre áreas e a estimativa de riqueza do estrato do subbosque. Portanto, este artigo apresenta argumentos para auxiliar futuros estudos, uma vez que o conhecimento sobre a comunidade em diferentes áreas é primordial para projetos de Conservação Biológica.