Second world record for two Calvatia species (Agaricaceae: Basidiomycota) / Segundo registro mundial para duas espécies de Calvatia (Agaricaceae: Basidiomycota)

Abstract Calvatia is a genus of gasteroid fungi, comprising about 47 species worldwide. In this paper we report the second worldwide occurrence of two poorly known species of Calvatia, recorded in the Cerrado biome of Brazil: C. oblongispora and C. nodulata. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations, including scanning electron micrographs of hyphae and basidiospores are provided, as well a discussion on their taxonomy and geographic distribution.

Resumo Calvatia é um gênero de fungos gasteroides que compreende cerca de 47 espécies em todo o mundo. Neste artigo relatamos a segunda ocorrência de duas espécies pouco conhecidas de Calvatia, registradas no bioma Cerrado do Brasil: C. oblongispora e C. nodulata. Descrições morfológicas detalhadas e ilustrações são fornecidas, incluindo micrografias eletrônicas de varredura de hifas e basidiósporos, bem como uma discussão sobre sua taxonomia e distribuição geográfica.

Does dredging activity exert an influence on benthic macrofauna in tropical estuaries? Case study on the northern coast of Brazil

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dredging activities on the structure of the macrobenthic community of a port complex in São Luís do Maranhão (2°S, Brazil). Sampling was performed on four occasions: pre-dredging, dredging 1 (25% of the material dredged), dredging 2 (75% of the material dredged) and post-dredging. Total mean density was 430.8 ± 55.0 ind/m², with 147.76 ± 280.82 ind/m² at pre-dredging, 161.90 ± 285.67 ind/m² at dredging 1, 53.83 ± 72.15 ind/m² at dredging 2 and 67.29 ± 72.58 ind/m² after dredging, revealing a reduction during dredging 2. The most representative groups were Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Crustacea and Mollusca. Lumbrineris sp. (Polychaeta) was present in all sampling periods and was the dominant species. Richness and Shannon diversity of the species were higher in the pre-dredging and post-dredging periods, with reductions during the dredging activities (dredging 1 and 2). Principal component analysis revealed a correlation with granulometry and heavy metals in the sediment. The dredging activities led to a reduction in the macrobenthic community. Moreover, post-dredging recovery was insufficient for the recovery of the community.(AU)

First record of the exotic Indothais lacera (Gastropoda, Muricidae) in Brazil

Bioinvasions are one of the main causes of the decline of native biodiversity. Indothais lacera (Born, 1778) is a car-nivorous gastropod, native to the Indo-Pacific. We present the first records of I. lacera on the Brazilian coast and the first re-cord of this invasive species in the Western Atlantic. The specimens were found in two locations in the Baía de Todos os Santos, Bahia state, northeast of Brazil. Live specimens were collected in the Itapagipe Peninsula, in Ribeira, Salvador, and dry samples (empty shells) were collected in the extreme north of Itaparica Island. Molecular analyses indicate that there was more than one event of introduction of I. lacera in the bay and alert to the potential impacts that this species can have on the benthic com-munity in the region. We suspect that this exotic species is affecting a native population of Thaisella, which was previously lo-cally abundant but has since become rare.(AU)

Spatial variability of the stability of cohesive soil aggregates under conservation practices / Variabilidade espacial da estabilidade dos agregados de solo coeso sob práticas conservacionistas

The knowledge and characterization of aggregate stability are relevant to select adequate management and to avoidits degradation. Thus, this studyaimed to characterize the spatial variability of aggregate stability in cohesive soilsunder crop conservation systems. The experiment was performed intwo different areas of soybean production: no-tillage System (NTS) and livestock farming integration system (LFI), In each production area, a sampling mesh composed of 50 collection points, with a regular spacing of 40 m, at 0.00-0.20 mdepth, wascarried out. The results were expressed as a percentage of aggregates retained in sieves 2; 1; 0.5 and 0.25 mm, the values obtained were used to calculate the Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) and Mean Weight Diameter (MWD). In the LFI system, which had a strong degree of spatial dependence (DSD), the attributes showed a moderate DSD, except for MWD. Generally, the reachedvalues of the attributes in the LFI system were lower than those found in the NTS system, showing less variability in the management system with no-tillage. Spatial distribution of the kriging maps demonstrated the LFI system leading to the formation of larger aggregates in the soil when compared to ones to the same attributes in the NTS. All attributes showed a strong to moderatespatial dependence. The soil managed with the LFI system revealed greater aggregate stability when compared to the NTS, which in turn presented less spatial variability than the LFI system and shows a more homogeneous soil.(AU)

O conhecimento e a caracterização da estabilidade dos agregados são relevantes para selecionar um manejo adequado e evitar sua degradação. Portanto, este estudoteve como objetivo caracterizar a variabilidade espacial da estabilidade de agregados em solos coesos sob sistemas de conservação de culturas. O experimento foi conduzido em duas áreas distintas de produção de soja: sistema de plantio direto (NTS) e sistema de integração pecuária (LFI). Foi realizada uma amostragem de 50 pontos de coleta, com espaçamento regular de 40 m, na profundidade de 0,00-0,20 m, em cada área de produção.Os resultados foram expressos como porcentagem de agregados retidos nas peneiras 2; 1; 0,5 e 0,25 mm, os valores obtidos foram utilizados para calcular o Diâmetro Médio Geométrico (DMM) e o Diâmetro Peso Médio (DMM). No sistema LFI, que possuía alto grau de dependência espacial (DDS), os atributos apresentaram um DSD moderado, exceto para MWD. De maneira geral, os valores de escopo dos atributos no sistema LFI foram inferiores aos encontrados no sistema NTS, apresentando menor variabilidade no sistema de manejo do plantio direto. A distribuição espacial dos mapas de krigagem mostrou que o sistema LFI leva à formação de agregados maiores no solo em comparação com outros com os mesmos atributos no NTS. Todos os atributos apresentaram dependência espacial de forte a moderada. O solo manejado com o sistema LFI revelou maior estabilidade dos agregados em relação ao NTS, que por sua vez apresentou menor variabilidade espacial do que o sistema LFI e apresenta um solo mais homogêneo.(AU)

Distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos no hipoadrenocorticismo primário agudo em cães: Uma revisão / Hydroelectrolytic disorders in acute primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: A review

O hipoadrenocorticismo canino é uma endocrinopatia caracterizada, na sua forma mais comum, pela deficiência de glicocorticoides e mineralocorticoides. Pacientes não tratados podem desenvolver a forma aguda da doença (crise addisoniana), apresentação grave com risco de óbito, caso não sejam realizadas as intervenções adequadas. Entre as alterações apresentadas estão: distúrbios eletrolíticos (como hiponatremia, hipercalemia, hiperfosfatemia e hipercalcemia), desequilíbrio hídrico (desidratação e choque hipovolêmico) e acidobásico. Fluidoterapia intravenosa adequada é a base do manejo inicial da crise addisoniana, que irá reestabelecer o volume intravascular e hidratação, reduzindo a concentração sérica de fósforo e potássio, a acidose lática, a azotemia pré-renal e a acidose metabólica. A reposição de glicocorticoides também contribui para a normalização dessas alterações. Entre as possíveis complicações do tratamento está a mielinólise pontina, decorrente de aumento rápido na concentração sérica de sódio. Diante disso, o conhecimento dos distúrbios associados à essa endocrinopatia auxilia na suspeição e manejo adequado da doença.(AU)

Canine hypoadrenocorticism is an endocrinopathy characterized, in its most common form, by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency, often resulting from immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal glands. Untreated patients may develop the acute form of the disease (Addisonian crisis), a severe presentation with a risk of death if appropriate interventions are not performed. Among the changes presented are: electrolyte disorders (such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia and hypercalcemia), water imbalance (dehydration and hypovolemic shock) and acid-base disorder. Adequate intravenous fluid therapy is the basis for the initial management of Addisonian crisis, which will restore intravascular volume and hydration, reducing serum phosphorus and potassium concentrations, lactic acidosis, pre-renal azotemia and metabolic acidosis. Glucocorticoid replacement also contributes to the normalization of these changes. Among the possible complications of the treatment is pontine myelinolysis, resulting from a rapid increase in serum sodium concentration. In view of this, knowledge of the disorders associated with this endocrinopathy helps in the suspicion and adequate management of the disease.(AU)

Performance of 'BRS Magna' vines grown under different training systems, rootstocks and production cycles

Over the past decade, the business of producing juice from grapes (Vitis labrusca L. and hybrids) has been expanding in response to increasing consumption encouraged by campaigns promoting the benefits grape juice can have on health. This study aimed to determine the effect of the production cycle, vine training system, and rootstock on the yield and physical and physical-chemical characteristics of 'BRS Magna' grapes grown in the Vale do Submédio São Francisco in the northeastern region of Brazil. The study was conducted in Petrolina, Pernambuco, over eight production cycles (2017 to 2020). The grapevines were trained in three vine training trellis systems: espalier, lyre, and pergola; and grafted onto two rootstocks: IAC 572 and IAC 766. The production cycle, training system, and rootstocks affected the yield components, vigor, and physical characteristics of the BRS Magna grapes. The combination of the pergola training system and rootstock IAC 766 stood out from the others, providing mean yields estimated at 26 t ha -1 per production cycle. The soluble solids content (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and SS TA -1 ratio were affected neither by the training system nor the rootstock, and higher values for SS and lower values for TA were obtained in the first, second, fourth and eighth production cycles. Thus, the pergola training system and rootstock IAC 766 are recommended for promoting yield gains in the 'BRS Magna' grape in the Vale do Submédio São Francisco.(AU)

Medium and large sized mammals and the effect of habitat heterogeneity from a Caatinga shrubby forest at Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil

In xeric environments, such as Caatinga Biome, habitat characteristics such as phytophysiognomy type and presence of water bodies can represent higher resource availability. In this context, the present study investigated the effect of phytophysiognomies and presence of water bodies in the abundance and community structure of medium and large mammal species (MLM) in the Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil. To evaluate these variables we conduct an effort of 373 camera-trap days, between August 2012 and November 2014. We recorded 12 MLM species, distributed in six orders and 11 families. From those, Kerodon rupestris is the only one listed in the Brazilian List of Threatened Fauna. Regarding the habitat, the Mann-Whitney showed a significant higher frequency to the Shrubby habitat and the ANOSIM showed no shifts in the community structure between Arboreal and Shrubby. Concerning the presence of water bodies, both the Mann-Whitney and the ANOSIM showed significant higher frequency to the habitat with water presence. We observed that both phytophysiognomy and water bodies are important variables which affect mainly the abundance of mammalian species from semiarid environments. Nonetheless, whereas the forest remnants get smaller the existence of water bodies becomes a preponderant factor to the MLM species and its community structure.(AU)

An overview of the taxonomic instability of endangered Golden and Zhobi mahseer in Pakistan

Abstract In South and South East Asia three genera of fish species i.e. Tor, Neolissochilus and Naziritor are commonly known as Mahseer with at least 47 species. Among these 23 belongs to genus Tor, 22 to Neolissochilus and one to Naziritor i.e. Naziritor zhobensis. Recently another species added to genus Naziritor is Naziritor chelynoides in India. Among Tor species Tor putitora (Hamilton) is the most widely distributed Mahseer in Pakistan and other countries of the Indian subcontinent. However, based alone on morphological characters some authors identify the Pakistani counterparts as Tor macrolepis (Heckel), (a species presumed to be found exclusively in the Indus River system) distinct from Tor putitora (a species found in Ganga Brahmaputra River system). In order to resolve this taxonomic ambiguity, present study carried out meristic and morphometric measurements of Mahseer collected from a total of 11 water bodies of Pakistan. Ratios between the morphometric characters were calculated and statistically analyzed using t-test and correlation coefficient. Two species identified as Tor putitora and Naziritor zhobensis were the sole Mahseer inhabitants of Indus system in Pakistan. Tor putitora occurred at all surveyed sites while Nazirtor zhobensis had a distribution range from river Zhob to tributaries of river Gomal the right bank tributaries of River Indus. The study corroborates that there are no unequivocal morphological synapomorphies in any existing populations of both species. The study further demonstrates that head length, a character frequently used in Mahseer taxonomy, is not a good measure for species identification. Finally the present study establishes that Naziritor zhobensis still exists in the water bodies of Pakistan and that golden Mahseer occurring in Indus riverine system of Pakistan is Tor putitora.

Resumo No sul e sudeste da Ásia, três gêneros de espécies de peixes, ou seja, Tor, Neolissochilus e Naziritor, são comumente conhecidos como Mahseer com pelo menos 47 espécies. Entre estas, 23 pertencem ao gênero Tor, 22 a Neolissochilus e um a Naziritor, ou seja, Naziritor zhobensis. Recentemente, outra espécie adicionada ao gênero Naziritor é Naziritor chelynoides na Índia. Entre as espécies de Tor, Tor putitora (Hamilton) é o Mahseer mais amplamente distribuído no Paquistão e em outros países do subcontinente indiano. No entanto, com base apenas em caracteres morfológicos, alguns autores identificam as contrapartes paquistanesas como Tor macrolepis (Heckel) (uma espécie que se presume ser encontrada exclusivamente no sistema do rio Indo), distinta de Tor putitora (uma espécie encontrada no sistema do rio Ganga Brahmaputra). A fim de resolver essas ambiguidades taxonômicas, o presente estudo realizou medidas merísticas e morfométricas de Mahseer coletadas em um total de 11 corpos dágua do Paquistão. As razões entre os caracteres morfométricos foram calculadas e analisadas estatisticamente usando o teste t e o coeficiente de correlação. Duas espécies identificadas como Tor putitora e Naziritor zhobensis foram os únicos habitantes Mahseer do sistema fluvial Indo no Paquistão. Tor putitora ocorreu em todos os locais pesquisados, enquanto Nazirtor zhobensis tinha uma faixa de distribuição do rio Zhob aos afluentes do rio Gomal, afluentes da margem direita do rio Indo. O estudo corrobora que não há sinapomorfias morfológicas inequívocas em nenhuma das populações existentes de ambas as espécies. O estudo demonstra ainda que o comprimento da cabeça, um caractere frequentemente usado na taxonomia de Mahseer, não é boa medida para identificação das espécies. Finalmente, o presente estudo estabelece que Naziritor zhobensis ainda existe nos corpos dágua do Paquistão e que o Mahseer dourado ocorrendo no sistema fluvial Indo do Paquistão é Tor putitora.

Spatial distribution of Echinolitorina peruviana (Lamarck, 1882) for intertidal rocky shore in Antofagasta (23° S, Chile) / Distribuição espacial de Echinolitorina peruviana (Lamarck, 1882) para costa rochosa entremarés em Antofagasta (23 ° S, Chile)

Abstract The intertidal rocky shores in continental Chile have high species diversity mainly in northern Chile (18-27° S), and one of the most widespread species is the gastropod Echinolittorina peruviana (Lamarck, 1822). The aim of the present study is do a first characterization of spatial distribution of E. peruviana in along rocky shore in Antofagasta town in northern Chile. Individuals were counted in nine different sites that also were determined their spectral properties using remote sensing techniques (LANDSAT ETM+). The results revealed that sites without marked human intervention have more abundant in comparison to sites located in the town, also in all studied sites was found an aggregated pattern, and in six of these sites were found a negative binomial distribution. The low density related to sites with human intervention is supported when spectral properties for sites were included. These results would agree with other similar results for rocky shore in northern and southern Chile.

Resumo As costas rochosas entremarés no Chile continental apresentam alta diversidade de espécies, principalmente no norte do país (18-27 ° S), e uma das espécies mais difundidas é o gastrópode Echinolittorina peruviana (Lamarck, 1822). O objetivo do presente estudo é fazer uma primeira caracterização da distribuição espacial de E. peruviana no costão rochoso da cidade de Antofagasta no norte do Chile. Os indivíduos foram contados em nove locais diferentes onde também foram determinadas suas propriedades espectrais usando técnicas de sensoriamento remoto (LANDSAT ETM +). Os resultados revelaram que os locais sem intervenção humana marcada apresentam maior abundância em comparação aos locais localizados no município. Também em todos os locais estudados foi encontrado um padrão agregado, sendo que em seis desses locais foi encontrada uma distribuição binomial negativa. A baixa densidade relacionada a sites com intervenção humana é suportada quando as propriedades espectrais para sites foram incluídas. Esses resultados concordariam com outros resultados semelhantes para costões rochosos no norte e no sul do Chile.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Diversity of avian species, their ecosystems and climate conditions in two zones of High Atlas (central Morocco) for ecotouristic purposes

The analysis of avian diversity and their natural ecosystems at a regional scale is the first step to understanding and classifying a specific region's ecological importance and, therefore, adopting sustainable economic activities and implementing suitable conservation measures. This study investigated the avian richness and natural ecosystems in Eastern and central High Atlas between 2015 and 2021. Transects and point-count methods were used to identify and estimate populations of birds and to delimit the nature of ecosystems. A total of 175 bird species among resident-breeders, migrantbreeders, migrant-winterers, and accidental-visitors were documented. These birds belong to 19 orders and are grouped into 51 families. Among recorded birds, 20 species were categorized as species of ectouristic interest due to their roles in birdwatching, hunting, racing sports, and trade activities. These species were observed in natural and human-made ecosystems, with the majority in wetlands. The abundance of a wide range of ecosystems and various bioclimatic stages is suggested to be behind the avian richness of these mountainous areas. Finally, these natural landscapes and their avian richness could be used for ecotouristic purposes. Visitors could profit from the view of landscapes and observation of the most iconic and rare animal species, which is suggested to increase the income for local populations and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

Ichthyofauna on the move: fish colonization and spread through the São Francisco Interbasin Water Transfer Project

Projects on river basin integration are keen social-economical drivers in dry regions like the Brazilian semiarid, however, there are concerning ecological impacts implied in those projects. In a long-term analysis, ichthyofauna colonization and spread through the East Axis of the São Francisco River Integration Project (SFIP) was monitored to assess possible impacts on the receiving Paraíba River basin. The fish were collected semiannually (2012 to 2021) from 19 sites in the São Francisco (SF) and Paraíba (PB) basins. A total of 69 fish species were recorded, with distinct fish assemblages between SF (n = 50), PB (n = 35), and the SFIP artificial reservoirs (n = 25). The SFIP reservoirs were colonized by species from the donor basin (SF). In a pioneer finding, Anchoviella vaillanti was recorded for the first time in the receiving basin and it is in the process of establishment. The two SF species that reached PB through the SFIP canals (A. vaillanti and Moenkhausia costae) may be using their year-round reproduction and wide diet to successful spread and colonize the new environment. Since we detected species with potential to reach the receiving basin and became invasives, the implementation of barriers to contain their spread are recommended.(AU)

Projetos de integração de bacias hidrográficas são socialmente importantes em regiões como o semiárido brasileiro, porém há impactos ecológicos preocupantes implícitos nesses grandes projetos de infraestrutura. A colonização e dispersão da ictiofauna pelo Eixo Leste do Projeto de Integração do Rio São Francisco (PISF) foi monitorada para avaliar possíveis impactos na bacia receptora do rio Paraíba do Norte. Os peixes foram coletados semestralmente (2012 a 2021) em 19 locais das bacias do São Francisco (SF) e Paraíba (PB). Foram registradas 69 espécies de peixes, sendo 50 nos pontos do SF, 25 nos reservatórios artificiais ao longo do PISF e 35 nos pontos do PB. As assembleias de peixes das bacias do SF, PB e dos reservatórios do PISF foram significativamente distintas. Os reservatórios do PISF foram colonizados por espécies provenientes da bacia doadora (SF). Anchoviella vaillanti foi registrada pela primeira vez na bacia receptora do PB e está em processo de estabelecimento. As duas espécies do SF que chegaram ao PB pelos canais do PISF (A. vaillanti e Moenkhausia costae) apresentaram dieta e estratégias reprodutivas que permitem o sucesso na disseminação e colonização. Uma vez que foram detectadas espécies com potencial de atingir a bacia receptora, recomenda-se o monitoramento e manejo contínuos.(AU)

Behavior and nest architecture of the bee Caenohalictus alexandrei (Hymenoptera, Halictinae)

In Colombia, few studies have focused on nest architecture, behavior or sociality of wild bees. This study provides ba-sic information on the nests of Caenohalictus alexandrei and presents behavioral observations outside the nests, derived from direct field observation of 40 nests and 39 male sleeping cavities in two localities of the Savanna of Bogota, Colombia. We rec-ognized four different behavioral activities carried out by adult females: foraging, guarding, opening and closing of the en-trance of the nest, with foraging being the most frequent of them. The observed activities were carried out more frequently from 9:00 h to 13:00 h. Males were observed performing two behavioral activities in the sleeping cavities: staying at the cavity entrance and cavity departure. A third male activity, corporal grooming, was carried out outside the sleeping cavity. Our field observations indicate that more than one adult female was active simultaneously performing the different tasks within a sin-gle nest. The nests presented different levels of complexity in their architecture, depending on the age of the nest and num-ber of adult females in them. Descriptions of the nesting sites and behavioral activities as well as illustrations of the nest ar-chitecture are provided.(AU)

Breeding biology of the Maguari Stork Ciconia maguari (Aves, Ciconiidae) in the Pampa, and an outline in other Brazilian biomes

The Maguari Stork (Ciconia maguari) is one of the three species of the family Ciconiidae that occur in South America. Despite abundant in landscapes dominated by wetlands and grasslands, detailed studies on its biology are scarce. This study is aimed at investigating aspects of the breeding of Maguari Storks in Brazil. Photographic records were searched in the WikiAves database. A total of 65 records, obtained by citizens along 13 years in 32 municipalities, showed evidences of breeding activities in Brazil. Most (86%) of these records were gathered in the Pampa biome, in southern Brazil. Nests were large platforms and contained 1-3 young. Nests built on the ground were in grasslands or reed patches. Those built on shrubs were at boundaries between lakes and grasslands, and were often in colonial nesting sites with egrets and herons. Incubation occurred between July and November, and nestlings were found between August and December. Juveniles able to fly were recorded between late October and February. Most records of breeding activities were obtained at sites located < 300 m above sea level. As the Maguari Stork is a conspicuous and charismatic species, its conservation could substantially benefit from the awareness of landowners to promote eco-tourism in their properties, attracting birdwatchers. For this, it should be ensured the integrity of grasslands, marshes, and lakes with microhabitats often used for nesting (woody plants and reed patches).(AU)

Studies of Brazilian birds along altitudinal gradients: a critical review

Brazil is home to many mountain ranges which harbor diverse avifauna. However, studies on the altitudinal distribution of Brazilian birds are still few and many have never been published, hampering both the dissemination of basic information and conservation actions. Here we present a critical review of ornithological studies undertaken in Brazilian mountain ranges, and propose a classification of geographic scope, altitudinal gradient, and methodology. Since 1922, 184 ornithological studies included altitude in some way in Brazil, encompassing a variety of research topics and species. About a quarter of these studies were never published in peer-reviewed journals, and 39% do not provide basic data on elevation nor link the bird species with sampling plots, thus limiting their applicability. The majority of studies are concentrated (83%) in southern and southeastern Brazil, especially in the Serra do Mar range, and so most data are associated with the Atlantic Forest. Gaps remain in other regions, such as Amazonia (Pantepui region). Most studies either did not sample the entire elevation gradient, were not standardized, lacked explicit hypothesis, or did not account for a seasonal sampling embracing the four seasons of the year, so interpretation of the observed patterns remains difficult. With this compilation, we organize the available information and point to future altitudinal research on birds, in addition to highlighting the importance of preserving habitats along altitudinal gradients in the mountainous regions in Brazil.(AU)

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)

The role of habitat complexity in the survival rates of migratory (native) and sedentary (non-native) species of fish larvae

The increasing losses of original features of many riverine environments and the consequent decline of native aquatic species are now a widely recognized problem. The main river basins of South America have been undergoing constant changes in their communities of fish, with native migratory species disappearing and the rising of sedentary exotic ones. However, few studies report experiments that qualify and/or quantify this correlation. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the predation mortality of two species of fish larvae (native and non-native) regarding their habitat features. The hypothesis that natural features of habitat (aquatic vegetation and water turbidity) controls the survival rates of fish larvae was tested. The experiments highlight the importance of community structure on population dynamics. The native fish larvae showed to be more adapted than the non-native to using the aquatic plants for refuge. The habitat complexity can be closely related to the persistence of native migratory fish species.(AU)

Detection of coffee fruits on tree branches using computer vision

Coffee farmers do not have efficient tools to have sufficient and reliable information on the maturation stage of coffee fruits before harvest. In this study, we propose a computer vision system to detect and classify the Coffea arabica (L.) on tree branches in three classes: unripe (green), ripe (cherry), and overripe (dry). Based on deep learning algorithms, the computer vision model YOLO (You Only Look Once), was trained on 387 images taken from coffee branches using a smartphone. The YOLOv3 and YOLOv4, and their smaller versions (tiny), were assessed for fruit detection. The YOLOv4 and YOLOv4-tiny showed better performance when compared to YOLOv3, especially when smaller network sizes are considered. The mean average precision (mAP) for a network size of 800 × 800 pixels was equal to 81 %, 79 %, 78 %, and 77 % for YOLOv4, YOLOv4-tiny, YOLOv3, and YOLOv3-tiny, respectively. Despite the similar performance, the YOLOv4 feature extractor was more robust when images had greater object densities and for the detection of unripe fruits, which are generally more difficult to detect due to the color similarity to leaves in the background, partial occlusion by leaves and fruits, and lighting effects. This study shows the potential of computer vision systems based on deep learning to guide the decision-making of coffee farmers in more objective ways.

The Peculiar Characteristics of the Marketing System of Indigenous Village Chickens

For smallholder farmers, indigenous village chickens (IVCs) serve as a source of food, income, and ritual items. In practice, there is a high demand for IVC products, and when this demand is coupled with low investment in production inputs, it makes IVC production a rewarding rural business. Regardless of a lot of complaints about its efficacy, the marketing system of IVCs remains a viable transaction method and perfectly matches the extensive production system. This study documented the marketing system of IVCs operating in smallholder settings using a cross-sectional study. There is high volatility in the demand for IVC products, which is attributable to the demographic structure of the community and the weak purchasing power of consumers. The market price of live birds is fixed in line with the specifics of the multifaceted demand of the local community. Agroecology significantly affects the age at which the birds reach marketable size (t = 3.508, df = 113, p = 0.001, 95% CI -1.9359 to -0.5384). There is an inclined tendency to sell live birds rather than eggs (x-squared = 46.512, df = 1, p-value = 9.104e-12) and most of the home-hatched birds are sold out. Due to the involvement of hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers that are living in rural areas, millions of actors are needed to execute the market transaction, which significantly reduces the income accrued by smallholder farmers and the utility of consumers.(AU)

Installation of the germination test on corn (Zea mays) seeds: comparison of vacuum and manual systems / Instalação do teste de germinação em sementes de milho (Zea mays): comparação dos sistemas a vácuo e manual

In the corn crop, some challenges interfere with achieving high productivity. Technologies and research contribute to efficient solutions, including seed technology, a fundamental element for good product development. The adoption and diffusion of technologies and agricultural practices significantly affect productivity gains. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of germination test installation in corn using the vacuum system and the manual system. The experiment was conducted in a Quality Control Laboratory in Uberlândia ­ MG, Brazil. It consisted of two stages. First, a vacuum system was built for this purpose to install the test. A manual system was used in the second installation, using acrylic seed counters. The hypothesis was that the vacuum system is more efficient in test installation capacity since equipment makes the procedure faster. However, flaws in the vacuum instrument were found, requiring adjustments or technological improvements. The results showed that the vacuum system reduced the capacity to install the germination test for corn seeds by 60% compared to the current manual installation system. The system was disapproved, requiring adjustments to reduce the test installation time, ensuring greater efficiency and speed. With this, suggestions for adaptations and improvements to the system will be forwarded.(AU)

Na cultura do milho são observados desafios que interferem no alcance da alta produtividade. Tecnologias e diversas pesquisas contribuem com soluções eficientes, entre elas a tecnologia de sementes, elemento fundamental para o bom desenvolvimento da produção. A adoção e difusão de tecnologias e práticas agrícolas resultam em efeitos significativos para ganhos de produtividade. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o rendimento de instalação do teste de germinação na cultura do milho, utilizando-se o sistema a vácuo e o manual. O experimento foi conduzido em um Laboratório de Controle de Qualidade, situado na cidade de Uberlândia - MG. Constituiu-se em duas etapas. Na primeira, para a instalação do teste, aplicou-se um sistema a vácuo construído especialmente para esta finalidade. Na segunda instalação, foi utilizado o sistema manual, empregando-se contadores de sementes em acrílico. A hipótese apresentada foi que o sistema a vácuo é mais eficiente quanto à capacidade de instalação do teste, visto que a utilização de equipamentos torna o procedimento mais rápido. Porém, foram encontradas falhas relacionadas ao instrumento a vácuo, sendo necessários ajustes ou mesmo melhorias da tecnologia. Os resultados evidenciaram que o sistema a vácuo reduziu a capacidade de instalação do teste de germinação para sementes de milho em 60%, quando comparado com o sistema atual de instalação manual. O sistema foi reprovado, necessitando de ajustes para reduzir o tempo de instalação do teste, garantindo maior eficiência e rapidez. Com isso, serão encaminhadas sugestões de adaptações e melhorias no sistema.(AU)