Biológical invasions in agroecosystems of continental Ecuador: ecological niche of alien species and low risk agricultura! Crops / Invasiones biológicas en agroecosistemas de ecuador continental: nicho ecológico de especies exóticas y cultivos agrícolas bajo riesgo

RESUMEN En Ecuador las especies exóticas invasoras (EEI) provocan consecuencias negativas en los aspectos ecológicos, económicos y de seguridad alimentaria. Los agroecosistemas hacen parte de los sectores productivos a nivel mundial, pero son vulnerables a sufrir invasiones biológicas por la constante actividad humana y por el traslado de vegetación, tierra y semillas, por lo que deben ser constantemente monitoreados, pues desempeñan un papel importante en la economía al ser fuente de empleo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la influencia potencial de las EEI sobre los agroecosistemas de Ecuador continental a través del modelado del nicho ecológico. Se usó como método de modelación el algoritmo de máxima entropía y se emplearon los registros de presencia de seis especies de plantas, tres insectos y un molusco en sus regiones nativas y en zonas invadidas a nivel mundial. Los registros provienen de Global Biodiversity Information Facility y de Tropicos. Como variables explicativas se emplearon 19 variables bioclimáticas y seis variables de vegetación. Se obtuvieron los mapas de distribución geográfica potencial, las áreas de superposición de la distribución de las especies y la delimitación de las zonas de mayor riesgo. Se determinó que las condiciones ambientales de las regiones Sierra y Amazónica son idóneas para una posible invasión de seis y siete especies. Además, más del 50 % de la cobertura agropecuaria del país podría ser afectada por las especies Wasmannia rochai, Spondias purpurea L., Lissachatina fúlica y Conium maculatum L., siendo los cultivos de ciclo corto los más vulnerables a la invasión por estas especies.

ABSTRACT In Ecuador, invasive alien species (IAS) cause negative consequences in ecology, economy, and food security. Agroecosystems belong to one of the productive sectors worldwide but are vulnerable to biological invasions by constant human activity and the transfer of vegetation, soil, and seeds, so they must be constantly monitored because of their important role in the economy to be a source of employment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential influence of IAS on the agroecosystems of continental Ecuador through the modeling of the ecological niche. The maximum entropy algorithm was used as a modeling method, and the presence register in the native region and invaded areas at a global level of six plant species, three insect species and one mollusc species were used. Data were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and Tropicos. As explanatory variables, 19 bioclimatic variables, and six vegetation variables were used. Maps of potential geographical distribution, the overlap areas of the distribution of the species, and the delimitation of the zones of greater risk were obtained. It was determined that the environmental conditions of the Sierra and the Amazonian regions are ideal for a possible invasion of most species. Moreover, more than 50 % of the agricultural coverage of the country could be affected by Wasmannia rochai, Spondias purpurea L., Lissachatina fulica, and Conium maculatum L., with short cycle crops being the most vulnerable to invasion.

Transcriptome analysis of Catarina scallop (Argopecten ventricosus) juveniles treated with highly-diluted immunomodulatory compounds reveals activation of non-self-recognition system.

Marine bivalve hatchery productivity is continuously challenged by apparition and propagation of new diseases, mainly those related to vibriosis. Disinfectants and antibiotics are frequently overused to prevent pathogen presence, generating a potential negative impact on the environment. Recently, the use of highly diluted compounds with immunostimulant properties in marine organisms has been trailed successfully to activate the self-protection mechanisms of marine bivalves. Despite their potential as immunostimulants, little is known about their way of action. To understand their effect, a comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed with Argopecten ventricosus juveniles. The experimental design consisted of four treatments formulated from pathogenic Vibrio lysates at two dilutions: [(T1) Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus 1D; (T2) V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus 7C]; minerals [(T3) PhA+SiT 7C], scorpion venom [(T4) ViT 31C]; and one control (C1) hydro-alcoholic solution (ethanol 1%). The RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis showed a higher modulation of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in mantle tissue compared to gill tissue. The scallops that showed a higher number of DEG related to immune response in mantle tissue corresponded to T1 (V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus lysate) and T3 (Silicea terra® - Phosphoric acid®). The transcriptome analysis allowed understanding some interactions between A. ventricosus juveniles and highly-diluted treatments.

Efecto de medicamentos homeopáticos sobre crecimiento, supervivencia y microbiota gastrointestinal, en juveniles del pectínido Argopecten ventricosus / Effect of homeopathic medicines on growth, survival and gastrointestinal microbiota of juvenile scallop Argopecten ventricosus

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estudiar el efecto de medicamentos homeopáticos sobre el crecimiento, supervivencia y microbiota del tracto gastrointestinal (TGI) de almeja Catarina Argopecten ventricosus. Materiales y Métodos. Se aplicaron cinco tratamientos homeopáticos derivados de bacterias [(T1) ViP-ViA 1D, (T2) ViP-ViA 7C], minerales [(T3) AcF-MsS 1D, (T4) PhA-SiT 7C], o venenos [(T5) ViT 31C] y tres controles: (C1) etanol diluido 1:99, (C2) etanol dinamizado 1C y (C3) agua destilada. La microbiota se determinó secuenciando la región V3-V5 del gen 16S rRNA. Resultados. El mayor crecimiento en longitud de la concha correspondió a T1 (117 µm d-1) y T2 (108 µm d-1), la mayor supervivencia a T3 y T5 y el mejor resultado global a T3. Las curvas de rarefacción de los grupos tratados y controles mostraron una clara separación. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p≤0.05) entre filos (Proteobacteria > Actinobacteria > Firmicutes > Bacterloidetes> Chloroflexi y para los Géneros: Symbiobacterium > Microbacterium > Methylobacillus > Bacillus > Paenibacillus > Burkholderia > Nostoc > Methylobacterium > Leucobacter). El género Symbiobacterium fue dominante (p≤0.05) para T5, respecto a todos los tratamientos y grupos controles. La especie Microbacterium maritypicum (Actinobacteria) mostró la mayor abundancia relativa (p≤0.05) en T1 y T3 y Symbiobacterium toebii (Firmicutes) en T5 y T2 (p≤0.05), ambas con respecto al inicio del estudio T0. Conclusiones. Se presenta por primera vez la composición de la microbiota del TGI de A. ventricosus y la aplicabilidad potencial de la homeopatía para mejorar el rendimiento productivo y modular la microbiota gastrointestinal de la especie.

ABSTRACT Objective. To study the effect of homeopathic medicines on growth, survival and gastrointestinal (GIT) microbiota of Catarina scallop Argopecten ventricosus. Materials and methods. Five homeopathic (HOM) treatments derived from bacteria [(T1) ViP-ViA 1D, (T2) ViP-ViA 7C], minerals [(T3) AcF-MsS 1D, (T4) PhA-SiT 7C] or venoms [T5) ViT 31C] and three controls: [(C1) diluted ethanol 1:99, (C2) diluted/succussed ethanol 1C and (C3) distilled water] were evaluated (21 days) in triplicate. Microbiota was analysed by sequencing the V3-V5 region of the 16S rRNA genes. Results. The best growth in shell-length corresponded to T1 (117 µm d-1) and T2 (108 µm d-1) and the highest survival to T3 and T5, stating T3 as the best HOM-treatment. A clear separation was found in rarefaction curves of HOM-treated against un-treated control scallops. Significant differences (p≤0.05) were found for Phyla (Proteobacteria> Actinobacteria> Firmicutes> Bacterloidetes>Chloroflexi and for Genera: Symbiobacterium> Microbacterium> Methylobacillus> Bacillus> Paenibacillus> Burkholderia> Nostoc> Methylobacterium> Leucobacter). The genus Symbiobacterium was dominant in T5, finding significant differences (p≤0.05) with respect to all treatments. At species level, Microbacterium maritypicum (Actinobacteria) showed a greater relative abundance (p≤0.05) in T1 and T3 and Symbiobacterium toebii (Firmicutes) was also significantly higher (p≤0.05) in abundance in T5 and T2, both against initial T0. Conclusions. This study showed for a first time, the composition of GIT microbiota in A. ventricosus and focused on the potential applicability of homeopathy to improve overall performance and modulate the GIT microbiota of the species.

Assessment of homeopathic medicines on survival and antioxidant response in white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei / Evaluación de medicamentos homeopáticos en la supervivencia y respuesta antioxidante del camarón blanco Litopenaeus vannamei infectado con Vibrio parahaemolyticus

ABSTRACT Objective. Evaluating the effect of homeopathic medicines on survival and activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme in white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei subjected to infection with the pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Materials and methods . The average lethal dosage (LD50) was determined for the pathogen strain in L. vannamei juveniles under immersion (Imm), injection (Inj) and incision + immersion (Inc+Imm) methods. Four treatments were applied: (1) Mix CIB®-HOM Heel-Mix (TH1), constituted by equal v/v ratio, of Cyme-Heel®, Gal-Heel®, Hepa-Heel®, Mucs-Heel® and Chol-Heel®; (2) Mix CIB®-HOM Pav-Mix (TH2), constituted by the same v/v ratio of Passiflora incarnata, Valeriana officinalis, Zincum valerianicum and Ignatia amara (Similia®); (3) Heel-Mix/Pav-Mix (TH3) consisting of a 1:1 v/v combination of the TH1 and TH2 treatments, and (4) ViT-Mix (TH4), constituted by Vidatox®, and a control (not treated/infected). Results. While applying the methods Imm, Inj and Inc+Imm, LD50 was 0.9 x 106; 0.6 x 106 and 0.5 x 106 UFC.mL-1, respectively. At the end of the challenge, the groups treated with TH2, TH3 and TH4 had a greater survival rate to that of the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, these two last treatments showed a greater SOD activity with respect to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions. The homeopathic treatments (TH3 and TH4) increased survival and SOD activity in L. vannamei juveniles challenged with V. parahaemolyticus, which suggests that the homeopathic treatments employed had the potential as an alternative for the control of V. parahaemolyticus and its associated diseases, including the early mortality syndrome in shrimp farming.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de medicamentos homeopáticos sobre la supervivencia y actividad de la enzima superóxido dismutasa (SOD) del camarón Litopenaeus vannamei sometido a infección con Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Materiales y métodos. Se determinó la dosis letal media (DL50) para la cepa patógena en juveniles de L. vannamei, bajo los método de inmersión (Inm), inyección (Iny) e incisión + inmersión (Inc+Inm). Luego el efecto de cuatro medicamentos homeopáticos sobre juveniles de L. vannamei retados con Vibrio parahaemolyticus fue evaluado usando el índice la supervivencia y la actividad SOD. Se aplicaron cuatro tratamientos: (1) Mezcla CIB®-HOM Heel-Mix (TH1), constituido por igual proporción v/v, de Cyme-Heel®, Gal-Heel®, Hepa-Heel®, Mucs-Heel® y Chol-Heel®; (2) Mezcla CIB®-HOM Pav-Mix (TH2), constituido por igual proporción v/v de Passiflora incarnata, Valeriana officinalis, Zincum valerianicum e Ignatia amara (Similia®); (3) Heel-Mix/Pav-Mix (TH3) constituido por una combinación 1:1 v/v de los tratamientos TH1 y TH2, y (4) ViT-Mix (TH4), constituido por Vidatox®, y un control (no tratado/infectado). Resultados. Al aplicar los método Inm, Iny e Inc+Inm la DL50 fue de 0.9 x 106; 0.6 x 106 y 0.5 x 106 UFC.mL-1, respectivamente. Los camarones tratados con TH3 y TH4 presentaron una mayor actividad de SOD con respecto al grupo control (p<0.05). Al final del reto, los grupos TH2, TH3 y TH4 tuvieron una supervivencia mayor a la del grupo control (p<0.05). Conclusiones. Los tratamientos homeopáticos (TH3 y TH4), aumentaron la actividad de la enzima SOD y la supervivencia en juveniles de L. vannamei, retados con V. parahaemolyticus. Esto sugiere que los tratamientos homeopáticos empleados tienen potencial como alternativa para el control de V. parahaemolyticus y sus enfermedades asociadas, incluido el síndrome de mortalidad temprana en el cultivo del camarón.

Aves silvestres como mascotas en la región central de Cuba: Elementos para una estrategia de mitigación / Wild birds as pets in the central region of Cuba: Elements for a mitigation strategy

ResumenCuba tiene la mayor diversidad de avifauna del Caribe y un alto número de especies amenazadas, siendo el comercio ilegal una de las grandes amenazas. Esto es particularmente preocupante en las islas neotropicales porque las aves son capturadas para el mercado ilegal nacional e internacional. Se identificaron las especies de aves silvestres cautivas como mascotas en 10 localidades de ambientes urbanos y rurales de la región central de Cuba y se determinó la riqueza y abundancia entre agosto-noviembre 2014 y juniooctubre 2015. Se realizó un censo y un muestreo aleatorio en las áreas rurales y urbanas respectivamente. Al menos 24 especies y 973 individuos de seis órdenes y 11 familias estuvieron cautivos. El orden mejor representado fue: Passeriformes (13 especies), seguido de Accipitriformes (cuatro especies). Las familias mejor representadas fueron: Thraupidae (3.3 ± 0.33) y Cardinalidae (2.6 ± 0.45) y las localidades Patria (17), Morón (13) y Bolivia (13) de la zona urbana tuvieron la mayor riqueza. La riqueza de residentes (5.80 ± 0.68) fue mayor que la de endémicos (1.70 ± 0.30) y migratorios (2.70 ± 0.52). La riqueza de endémicos (2.5 ± 0.29) y residentes (7.75 ± 0.63) fue mayor en la zona urbana. Hubo más especies cautivas de Preocupación Menor (6.20 ± 1.02). En la zona rural predominó la categoría En Peligro (12.5 %). El 46 % de las especies se clasificaron con tendencia al decrecimiento, 33.3 % al aumento y 20.8 % a la estabilidad. Las especies más frecuentes fueron: Passerina cyanea, Melopyrrha nigra, Tiaris olivaceus y Passerina ciris. La abundancia de especies con tendencia al decrecimiento (63.4 ± 22.13) fue mayor a las que tienden a la estabilidad (14.8 ± 9.9). El tráfico existente conducirá a las extinciones de especies, fundamentalmente psitácidos y rapaces, y pone en riesgo varios servicios ecológicos. El comercio ilegal debe enfrentarse como un problema ambiental, económico y social. Se planteó una estrategia para controlar este comercio insostenible.

AbstractThe island of Cuba has the greatest diversity of birds in the Caribbean, and at the same time, a large number of endangered species. Illegal trade is one of major threats in Neotropical islands, because birds are captured for domestic and international illegal market. This study was undertaken with the aim to characterize the domestic market, in which captive wild birds are used as pets in the central region of Cuba. For this, a census and random survey to identify, and describe wild bird richness and abundance in 10 localities of urban and rural environments, was undertaken from August to November 2014, and from June to October 2015. Our results detected that at least 24 species and 973 individuals from six orders and 11 families were captive. The best represented order was Passeriformes (13 species), followed by Accipitriformes (four species). The best-represented families were Thraupidae (3.3 ± 0.33) and Cardinalidae (2.6 ± 0.45). Besides, the localities of Patria (17), Morón (13) and Bolivia (13) in the urban area had the highest richness. The richness of residents (5.80 ± 0.68) was higher than the endemics (1.70 ± 0.30) and migrants (2.70 ± 0.52), while the richness of endemics (2.5 ± 0.29) and residents (7.75 ± 0.63) was higher in urban areas. There were more captive species with Least Concern category (6.20 ± 1.02), but the Endangered category predominated in rural areas (12.5 %). The most common species were Passerina cyanea, Melopyrrha nigra, Tiaris olivaceus and Passerina ciris. A total of 46 % of the species were classified with a tendency to decrease, 33.3 % to increase and 20.8 % to stability. The abundance of species with a tendency to decrease (63.4 ± 22.13) was higher than those that tend to stability (14.8 ± 9.9). The actual traffic will lead to species extinction, mainly parrots and raptors, threatening several ecological services. Illegal trade should be addressed as an environmental, economic and social problem. Strategy for controlling this unsustainable trade was proposed. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (3): 962-974. Epub 2017 September 01.

Homeopathy outperforms antibiotics treatment in juvenile scallop Argopecten ventricosus: effects on growth, survival, and immune response.

BACKGROUND: Mortality from vibriosis in mollusk production is attributed to pathogenic bacteria, particularly Vibrio alginolyticus. Use of increasingly potent antibiotics has led to bacterial resistance and increased pathogenicity. Alternatives in sanitation, safety, and environmental sustainability are currently under analysis. To-date, homeopathy has been investigated in aquaculture of freshwater fish, but not in marine mollusks. The effect of the homeopathic complexes in the growth, survival, and immune response of the Catarina scallop Argopecten ventricosus were assessed. METHODS: A bioassay to assess the potential of homeopathy in improving cultivation of juvenile A. ventricosus was conducted for 21 days, with a final challenge of 120 h with V. alginolyticus. The experimental design included two homeopathic formulas The homeopathic complex Passival, consisting of Passiflora incarnata 30 CH, Valeriana officinalis 30 CH, Ignatia amara 30 CH and Zincum valerianicum 30 CH plus Phosphoricum acid 30 CH (treatment TH1) or Silicea terra 30 CH (TH2), two antibiotics (ampicillin = AMP, oxytetracycline = OXY), and two reference treatments (without homeopathic or antibiotic treatment = CTRL, ethanol 30° GL = ETH). Additionally, a negative control CTRL- (untreated/uninfected) is included in the challenge test. Juvenile scallops (4.14 ± 0.06 mm, 13.33 mg wet weight) were cultivated in 4 L tanks provided with aerated, filtered (1 µm), and UV-sterilized seawater that was changed every third day. They were fed a blend of the microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros calcitrans (150,000 cells mL-1 twice a day). All treatments were directly added to the tank water and then 500 mL challenge units were inoculated with 1 × 107 CFU/mL (LD50) of V. alginolyticus. RESULTS: Juveniles grew significantly larger and faster in height and weight with TH2 compared to the ETH and CTRL (P < 0.05, ANOVA). Higher concentrations of proteins occurred in scallops exposed to TH2 (160.57 ± 7.79 mg g-1), compared to other treatments and reference treatments. Higher survival rate during the challenge bioassay occurred with TH1 (85%), compared to AMP (53%), OXY (30%), and CTRL (0%), and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) was significantly higher in scallops treated with TH1, compared to other treatments and reference treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Homeopathic treatments improved growth and survival and enhanced survival against V. alginolyticus in juvenile A. ventricosus. This suggests that homeopathy is a viable treatment for this mollusk to reduce use of antibiotics in scallops and its progressive increase in pathogenicity in mollusk hatcheries.

Tamaño poblacional y patrón de conducta de Grus canadensis (Aves: Gruidae) en dos localidades de Cuba / Population size and behavior pattern of Grus canadensis (Aves: Gruidae) in two localities of Cuba

Resumen:La disponibilidad de información sobre abundancia de especies en el Neotrópico es insuficiente. Esto impide la realización de análisis precisos y definición de estrategias de conservación adecuadas para especies endémicas y amenazadas. A través de un censo simultáneo durante dos días consecutivos en 24 estaciones de conteo en Isla de la Juventud (IJ) y 32 estaciones en Ciego de Ávila (CA), Cuba, se obtuvo el tamaño poblacional de la subespecie endémica y amenazada Grus canadensis nesiotes durante 2008-2010. Se analizó la abundancia y patrón conductual (método instantáneo) por hábitat, para ayudar a entender cómo las grullas modifican su patrón conductual cuando el hábitat natural se modifica. Los bandos de grullas tuvieron tres individuos en IJ y entre 1.9 ± 1.5 y 2.8 ± 1.5 en CA.El tamaño poblacional en IJ fue de 164 individuos y en CA fueron 137, 141 y 168 individuos para 2008-2010. La eficacia del conteo fue alta (IJ: 91 %; CA: 81-87 %) y la concordancia numérica fue intermedia (IJ: 45.4 %; CA: 72 %). La abundancia fue mayor en sabanas naturales (83), seguido de marismas (59), pinares (23) y pastizales (7) en IJ. En CA los herbazales de ciénaga albergaron la mayor abundancia en los tres años (130; 120; 112), seguido del herbazal con palmas (2; 17; 51) y los pastizales (5; 4; 5). Las grullas se alimentaron más en los pastizales y estuvieron más alerta en la sabana natural y el herbazal de ciénaga. La frecuencia de las conductas alimentación y alerta fueron diferentes entre las combinaciones sabana natural/marisma y sabana natural/pastizal en IJ. Para CA las diferencias fueron entre herbazal/herbazal con palmas. El tamaño poblacional aumentó en CA por estrategias de manejo adoptadas, pero en IJ puede afectarse por la pérdida de hábitat asociado a la invasión de plantas exóticas. Se propone como estrategia de manejo a largo plazo el mantenimiento de las quemas controladas en herbazales de ciénaga bajo régimen de protección para contribuir al aumento poblacional.

Abstract:The availability of information on species abundance in the Neotropic is insufficient, and this prevents the execution of precise analysis and the definition of adequate conservation strategies for endemic and threatened species. This study aimed to analyze the population size of the endemic and threatened subspecies Grus canadensis nesiotes. For this, a simultaneous census was undertaken in 24 count stations in Isla de la Juventud (IJ) and 32 stations in Ciego de Ávila (CA), Cuba, during two consecutive days between 2008 and 2010. Abundance and behavior pattern (instantaneous method) were analyzed by habitat type, to help understand how cranes modify their behavioral pattern when the natural habitat is changed. Flocks in IJ had three individuals, and between 1.9 ± 1.5 and 2.8 ± 1.5 in CA. Population size in IJ was 164 individuals, and in CA of 137, 141 and 168 individuals for the 2008-2010 period, respectively. The counting efficacy was high (IJ: 91 %; CA: 81-87 %) and the numerical concordance was intermediate (IJ: 45.4 %; CA: 72 %). When comparing the habitat type, the abundance was higher in natural savannahs (83), followed by coastal flats (59), pines (23) and cattle pastures (7) in IJ; while in CA, marsh grasslands hosted the greatest abundance for the three years period (130; 120; 112), followed by grassland with palms (2; 17; 51) and cattle pastures (5; 4; 5). The cranes were fed more in cattle pastures and were more alert in natural savannas and marsh grasslands. The frequency of feeding and alert behaviors was different from the natural savannah/coastal flats and natural savannah/cattle pastures combinations in IJ. For CA, differences were found between marsh grasslands and marsh grasslands with palms. The population size increased by management strategies adopted in CA; nevertheless, might be affected by habitat loss associated with invasive alien plants in IJ. We propose the maintenance of prescribed fire in marsh grasslands under protection regime, as a strategy for long-term management to contribute with population growth. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (4): 1495-1504. Epub 2016 December 01.

[Population size and behavior pattern of Grus canadensis nesiotes (Aves: Gruidae) in two localities of Cuba]. / Tamaño poblacional y patron de conducta de Grus Canadensis (Aves: Gruidae) en dos localidades de Cuba.

The availability of information on species abundance in the Neotropic is insufficient, and this prevents the execution of precise analysis and the definition of adequate conservation strategies for endemic and threatened species. This study aimed to analyze the population size of the endemic and threatened subspecies Grus canadensis nesiotes. For this, a simultaneous census was undertaken in 24 count stations in Isla de la Juventud (IJ) and 32 stations in Ciego de Ávila (CA), Cuba, during two consecutive days between 2008 and 2010. Abundance and behavior pattern (instantaneous method) were analyzed by habitat type, to help understand how cranes modify their behavioral pattern when the natural habitat is changed. Flocks in IJ had three individuals, and between 1.9 ± 1.5 and 2.8 ± 1.5 in CA. Population size in IJ was 164 individuals, and in CA of 137, 141 and 168 individuals for the 2008-2010 period, respectively. The counting efficacy was high (IJ: 91 %; CA: 81-87 %) and the numerical concordance was intermediate (IJ: 45.4 %; CA: 72 %). When comparing the habitat type, the abundance was higher in natural savannahs (83), followed by coastal flats (59), pines (23) and cattle pastures (7) in IJ; while in CA, marsh grasslands hosted the greatest abundance for the three years period (130; 120; 112), followed by grassland with palms (2; 17; 51) and cattle pastures (5; 4; 5). The cranes were fed more in cattle pastures and were more alert in natural savannas and marsh grasslands. The frequency of feeding and alert behaviors was different from the natural savannah/coastal flats and natural savannah/cattle pastures combinations in IJ. For CA, differences were found between marsh grasslands and marsh grasslands with palms. The population size increased by management strategies adopted in CA; nevertheless, might be affected by habitat loss associated with invasive alien plants in IJ. We propose the maintenance of prescribed fire in marsh grasslands under protection regime, as a strategy for long-term management to contribute with population growth.