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)

Avifauna de uma área de floresta atlântica no sul do Brasil sob influência de atividade minerária / Birds from an Atlantic Forest remnant in southern Brazil under the influence of quarrying

O principal objetivo do nosso trabalho foi o levantamento da composição (riqueza e abundância) da avifauna em um remanescente florestal de Mata Atlântica em Santa Catarina, suscetível à ampliação e intervenção de uma pedreira para subsidiar futuras análises de impactos ambientais dessa atividade. Registramos 142 espécies de aves, distribuídas em 16 ordens e 42 famílias. A partir dos resultados, concluímos que a riqueza total de espécies não deve ser afetada pela ampliação da área de lavra sob o remanescente. No entanto, constatamos que a abundância das aves foi menor nas proximidades da borda da mata, especialmente das aves endêmicas, ameaçadas e especialistas de sub-bosque. Dessa maneira, esperamos que a abundância nas áreas florestais adjacentes seja maior por um período, após o deslocamento das espécies, e diminua ao longo do tempo, à medida em que as relações ecológicas intraespecíficas e interespecíficas aumentem pela competição por recursos e território no habitat. Alertamos que se o tamanho do remanescente não for suficiente para populações viáveis, nossa hipótese é que haja um lapso temporal até que as espécies mais sensíveis desapareçam do local. O tamanho e qualidade do fragmento remanescente deve ser fundamental para minimizar os impactos da atividade e garantir a persistência das populações de aves sensíveis e especializadas na região. Por esse motivo, se a expansão da mina ocorrer, advertimos para que os remanescentes florestais do entorno sejam preservados para garantir a migração e persistência de aves sensíveis, principalmente insetívoras de sub-bosque relatadas em nosso estudo. Nesse contexto, apontamos cinco medidas prioritárias que devem ser implementadas pelo empreendedor, caso o órgão licenciador delibere em favor da ampliação/manutenção da atividade minerária: 1) aquisição dos remanescentes do entorno para transformá-los em RPPN, 2) reposição florestal equivalente à área desmatada, 3) contribuir com as ações do Plano de Ação Nacional para conservação das aves da Mata Atlântica por meio de medida compensatória, 4) diminuição da área de mina para exploração e 5) monitoramento de aves durante a instalação e operação do empreendimento.

The main objective of our work was to survey the composition (richness and abundance) of birds in a forest remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, susceptible to the expansion of quarrying activities to support future analyzes of the environmental impacts. We recorded 142 bird species, distributed in 16 orders and 42 families. We propose that species richness shall not be affected by the expansion of quarrying into the remnant; however, we recorded that bird abundance was significantly lower near the forest edge than in the interior, especially of endemic, threatened and understory specialist species. Thus, if quarrying operation expands, we expect the bird abundance in adjacent forest remnants will be higher after species displacement, then will decrease over time as intra- and interspecific ecological relationships increase through competition for resources and territory. The size and quality of the remaining fragments are fundamental to reduce impacts of the activity and ensure the persistence of populations of sensitive and specialized birds in the region. For this reason, if the quarrying expands into the remnant area, then we propose that the surrounding forests be protected to ensure the migration and persistence of sensitive birds, mainly understory insectivores. In this context, we propose the following five actions to be implemented by the entrepreneur: 1) acquisition of surround remnants to be converted into Private Protected Areas, 2) reforestation equivalent to deforested area, 3) contribute to the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Atlantic Forest Birds through compensatory measures, 4) reduction of quarrying area, and 5) bird monitoring program.

Ecological impacts of climate change on the snow leopard (Panthera unica) in South Asia / Impactos ecológicos da mudança climática no leopardo-da-neve (Panthera uncia) no sul da Ásia

Snow leopard (Panthera unica) is a felid which lives in the highly rugged areas of alpine regions in different mountain ranges of South and Central Asia. This solitary animal needs large spaces for its ranges but due to climate change and relatively faster rate of global warming in South Asian mountain ranges, its habitat is going to shrink and fragment by tree-line shifts and change in hydrology of the area. Vegetative modification of montane flora and competition with domestic goats will create its prey's population to decline along with a chance of a direct conflict and competition with the common leopard. Common leopard being more adaptable, grouped, and larger in size can be a significant stressor for a smaller and solitary snow leopard. Habitat would shrink, and snow leopard can possibly move upslope or northward to central Asian ranges and their predicted migratory patterns are unknown.(AU)

O leopardo-das-neves (Panthera uncia) é um felídeo que vive nas áreas altamente acidentadas das regiões alpinas, em diferentes cadeias de montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. A revisão atual tem o objetivo de abordar a questão da possível perda de hábitat do leopardo da neve em razão da interferência humana nas montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. Esse animal solitário precisa de grandes espaços para suas faixas, mas, devido às mudanças climáticas e à taxa relativamente mais rápida de aquecimento global nas cadeias montanhosas do sul da Ásia, seu hábitat vai encolher e fragmentar-se por mudanças nas linhas de árvores e na hidrologia da área. Este artigo teve o objetivo de rever vários estudos sobre os impactos das mudanças climáticas em um futuro próximo e distante sobre os hábitats do leopardo-da-neve. O estudo revelou que a modificação vegetativa da flora da montanha e a competição com cabras domésticas poderiam ocasionar na diminuição da população de suas presas, com a chance de um conflito direto e competição com leopardo comum. Leopardo comum sendo mais adaptável, agrupado e maior em tamanho pode ser um estressor significativo para um leopardo-da-neve menor e solitário. Conclusão: devido ao encolhimento do hábitat, o leopardo-da-neve pode, possivelmente, mover-se para cima ou para o norte, para faixas da Ásia Central com padrões migratórios não previstos.(AU)

Ecological impacts of climate change on the snow leopard (Panthera unica) in South Asia / Impactos ecológicos da mudança climática no leopardo-da-neve (Panthera uncia) no sul da Ásia

Snow leopard (Panthera unica) is a felid which lives in the highly rugged areas of alpine regions in different mountain ranges of South and Central Asia. This solitary animal needs large spaces for its ranges but due to climate change and relatively faster rate of global warming in South Asian mountain ranges, its habitat is going to shrink and fragment by tree-line shifts and change in hydrology of the area. Vegetative modification of montane flora and competition with domestic goats will create its prey's population to decline along with a chance of a direct conflict and competition with the common leopard. Common leopard being more adaptable, grouped, and larger in size can be a significant stressor for a smaller and solitary snow leopard. Habitat would shrink, and snow leopard can possibly move upslope or northward to central Asian ranges and their predicted migratory patterns are unknown.

O leopardo-das-neves (Panthera uncia) é um felídeo que vive nas áreas altamente acidentadas das regiões alpinas, em diferentes cadeias de montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. A revisão atual tem o objetivo de abordar a questão da possível perda de hábitat do leopardo da neve em razão da interferência humana nas montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. Esse animal solitário precisa de grandes espaços para suas faixas, mas, devido às mudanças climáticas e à taxa relativamente mais rápida de aquecimento global nas cadeias montanhosas do sul da Ásia, seu hábitat vai encolher e fragmentar-se por mudanças nas linhas de árvores e na hidrologia da área. Este artigo teve o objetivo de rever vários estudos sobre os impactos das mudanças climáticas em um futuro próximo e distante sobre os hábitats do leopardo-da-neve. O estudo revelou que a modificação vegetativa da flora da montanha e a competição com cabras domésticas poderiam ocasionar na diminuição da população de suas presas, com a chance de um conflito direto e competição com leopardo comum. Leopardo comum sendo mais adaptável, agrupado e maior em tamanho pode ser um estressor significativo para um leopardo-da-neve menor e solitário. Conclusão: devido ao encolhimento do hábitat, o leopardo-da-neve pode, possivelmente, mover-se para cima ou para o norte, para faixas da Ásia Central com padrões migratórios não previstos.

Ecological impacts of climate change on the snow leopard (Panthera unica) in South Asia

Abstract Snow leopard (Panthera unica) is a felid which lives in the highly rugged areas of alpine regions in different mountain ranges of South and Central Asia. This solitary animal needs large spaces for its ranges but due to climate change and relatively faster rate of global warming in South Asian mountain ranges, its habitat is going to shrink and fragment by tree-line shifts and change in hydrology of the area. Vegetative modification of montane flora and competition with domestic goats will create its preys population to decline along with a chance of a direct conflict and competition with the common leopard. Common leopard being more adaptable, grouped, and larger in size can be a significant stressor for a smaller and solitary snow leopard. Habitat would shrink, and snow leopard can possibly move upslope or northward to central Asian ranges and their predicted migratory patterns are unknown.

Resumo O leopardo-das-neves (Panthera uncia) é um felídeo que vive nas áreas altamente acidentadas das regiões alpinas, em diferentes cadeias de montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. A revisão atual tem o objetivo de abordar a questão da possível perda de hábitat do leopardo da neve em razão da interferência humana nas montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. Esse animal solitário precisa de grandes espaços para suas faixas, mas, devido às mudanças climáticas e à taxa relativamente mais rápida de aquecimento global nas cadeias montanhosas do sul da Ásia, seu hábitat vai encolher e fragmentar-se por mudanças nas linhas de árvores e na hidrologia da área. Este artigo teve o objetivo de rever vários estudos sobre os impactos das mudanças climáticas em um futuro próximo e distante sobre os hábitats do leopardo-da-neve. O estudo revelou que a modificação vegetativa da flora da montanha e a competição com cabras domésticas poderiam ocasionar na diminuição da população de suas presas, com a chance de um conflito direto e competição com leopardo comum. Leopardo comum sendo mais adaptável, agrupado e maior em tamanho pode ser um estressor significativo para um leopardo-da-neve menor e solitário. Conclusão: devido ao encolhimento do hábitat, o leopardo-da-neve pode, possivelmente, mover-se para cima ou para o norte, para faixas da Ásia Central com padrões migratórios não previstos.

Ecological impacts of climate change on the snow leopard (Panthera unica) in South Asia / Impactos ecológicos da mudança climática no leopardo-da-neve (Panthera uncia) no sul da Ásia

Snow leopard (Panthera unica) is a felid which lives in the highly rugged areas of alpine regions in different mountain ranges of South and Central Asia. This solitary animal needs large spaces for its ranges but due to climate change and relatively faster rate of global warming in South Asian mountain ranges, its habitat is going to shrink and fragment by tree-line shifts and change in hydrology of the area. Vegetative modification of montane flora and competition with domestic goats will create its prey's population to decline along with a chance of a direct conflict and competition with the common leopard. Common leopard being more adaptable, grouped, and larger in size can be a significant stressor for a smaller and solitary snow leopard. Habitat would shrink, and snow leopard can possibly move upslope or northward to central Asian ranges and their predicted migratory patterns are unknown.

O leopardo-das-neves (Panthera uncia) é um felídeo que vive nas áreas altamente acidentadas das regiões alpinas, em diferentes cadeias de montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. A revisão atual tem o objetivo de abordar a questão da possível perda de hábitat do leopardo da neve em razão da interferência humana nas montanhas do sul e do centro da Ásia. Esse animal solitário precisa de grandes espaços para suas faixas, mas, devido às mudanças climáticas e à taxa relativamente mais rápida de aquecimento global nas cadeias montanhosas do sul da Ásia, seu hábitat vai encolher e fragmentar-se por mudanças nas linhas de árvores e na hidrologia da área. Este artigo teve o objetivo de rever vários estudos sobre os impactos das mudanças climáticas em um futuro próximo e distante sobre os hábitats do leopardo-da-neve. O estudo revelou que a modificação vegetativa da flora da montanha e a competição com cabras domésticas poderiam ocasionar na diminuição da população de suas presas, com a chance de um conflito direto e competição com leopardo comum. Leopardo comum sendo mais adaptável, agrupado e maior em tamanho pode ser um estressor significativo para um leopardo-da-neve menor e solitário. Conclusão: devido ao encolhimento do hábitat, o leopardo-da-neve pode, possivelmente, mover-se para cima ou para o norte, para faixas da Ásia Central com padrões migratórios não previstos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The rarest of the rare: rediscovery and status of the critically endangered Belem Curassow, Crax fasciolata pinima (Pelzeln, 1870)

The Belem Curassow (Crax fasciolata pinima) is one of the most endangered birds in South America, without sightings of birds in the wild for 40 years. This subspecies is nationally and internationally classified as critically endangered and close to extinction, suffering from poaching and deforestation in its range. Here we present new records of free-living individuals made on three indigenous lands in Pará and Maranhão states: in part of Terra Indígena Mãe Maria, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará; in locations within the Reserva Biológica do Gurupi/Terra Indígena Alto Turiaçu, Centro Novo do Maranhão, Maranhão; and around the Terra Indígena Rio Pindaré, Alto Alegre do Pindaré, Maranhão. We also provide recommendations to protect this bird via a dedicated conservation program which includes finding new individuals in non-sampled areas (north of BR-222), estimating population size, enhancing taxonomic and natural history knowledge, capturing wild animals in order to start urgent ex situ conservation programs, and developing environmental awareness programs with the local and indigenous populations.

The rarest of the rare: rediscovery and status of the critically endangered Belem Curassow, Crax fasciolata pinima (Pelzeln, 1870)

The Belem Curassow (Crax fasciolata pinima) is one of the most endangered birds in South America, without sightings of birds in the wild for 40 years. This subspecies is nationally and internationally classified as critically endangered and close to extinction, suffering from poaching and deforestation in its range. Here we present new records of free-living individuals made on three indigenous lands in Pará and Maranhão states: in part of Terra Indígena Mãe Maria, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará; in locations within the Reserva Biológica do Gurupi/Terra Indígena Alto Turiaçu, Centro Novo do Maranhão, Maranhão; and around the Terra Indígena Rio Pindaré, Alto Alegre do Pindaré, Maranhão. We also provide recommendations to protect this bird via a dedicated conservation program which includes finding new individuals in non-sampled areas (north of BR-222), estimating population size, enhancing taxonomic and natural history knowledge, capturing wild animals in order to start urgent ex situ conservation programs, and developing environmental awareness programs with the local and indigenous populations.(AU)

Anuran species in a remnant of the Atlantic rainforest in an urban area

Forest fragments in urban areas have many habitat resources that frogs use for refuge, reproduction and growth. Knowledge of an anuran assembly is the first step towards understanding the importance of these forest fragments in areas highly threatened by anthropogenic actions. We sampled anurans during the day and night from November 2012 to August 2013 through visual and acoustic surveys. We found 333 individuals belonging to 19 species. The highest richness and abundance were recorded in January whereas the lowest richness and abundance were recorded in June. Most species were found in open areas. Our results highlight the importance of well-studied urban fragments for the anuran community. The conservation of these habitats may ensure the viability of the ecological functions of this anuran community for the future.

Anuran species in a remnant of the Atlantic rainforest in an urban area

Forest fragments in urban areas have many habitat resources that frogs use for refuge, reproduction and growth. Knowledge of an anuran assembly is the first step towards understanding the importance of these forest fragments in areas highly threatened by anthropogenic actions. We sampled anurans during the day and night from November 2012 to August 2013 through visual and acoustic surveys. We found 333 individuals belonging to 19 species. The highest richness and abundance were recorded in January whereas the lowest richness and abundance were recorded in June. Most species were found in open areas. Our results highlight the importance of well-studied urban fragments for the anuran community. The conservation of these habitats may ensure the viability of the ecological functions of this anuran community for the future.(AU)

Assessing population size of the Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner

Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner (Hylocryptus rectirostris) is a Neotropical ovenbird species (Furnariidae) endemic to gallery forests of the Cerrado region of central Brazil. While it is not considered globally threatened, the degree of habitat loss occurring throughout much of its known distribution may warrant its inclusion on red lists beyond just the state of Sao Paulo. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the conservation status of Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner according to those criteria adopted by the IUCN. Results of censuses conducted in the Serra do Cipó National Park were used to estimate the entire population size of the Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner and refine our understanding of its actual geographic distribution. Census results indicate that the species has a population density of 3.8 pairs/100 ha and occupies only a quarter of its preferred habitat in the study area, which is well below the carrying capacity. The total population size estimate, accounting for its entire extent of known occurrence, is just over 54,000 pairs. The geographic distribution and total population size estimated in this study do not indicate that the Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner should be considered a threatened species according to IUCN criteria. However, it was not possible to evaluate this species’ conservation status based on information concerning population fluctuations over time, another of the IUCN criteria. Nonetheless, the rate of habitat destruction in the Cerrado during the last century has certainly resulted in a population decline of greater than 10%, a factor sufficient enough to warrant its inclusion in the IUCN category of vulnerable.

Hylocryptus rectirostris é uma espécie de furnarídeo neotropical (Furnariidae) endêmico das matas ciliares da região do Cerrado do Brasil central. Embora não seja considerada globalmente ameaçada, o grau de perda de habitat que ocorre em grande parte da sua distribuição conhecida pode justificar a sua inclusão em listas vermelhas além do estado de São Paulo. O principal objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o estado de conservação de Hylocryptus rectirostris de acordo com os critérios adotados pela IUCN. Resultados de censos realizados no Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó foram usados para estimar o tamanho de sua população inteira e refinar nossa compreensão da sua real distribuição geográfica. Resultados do Censo indicam que a espécie tem uma densidade populacional de 3,8 pares/100 ha e ocupa apenas um quarto de seu habitat preferido na área de estudo, o que está bem abaixo da capacidade de suporte. A população total estimada, pela sua extensão total de ocorrência conhecida, é de pouco mais de 54.000 pares. A distribuição geográfica e o tamanho da população total estimada neste estudo não indicam que Hylocryptus rectirostris deva ser considerada uma espécie ameaçada de acordo com os critérios da IUCN. No entanto, não foi possível avaliar o estado de conservação desta espécie baseado em informação relativa às flutuações de população ao longo do tempo, outro dos critérios da IUCN. A taxa de destruição de habitat no Cerrado durante o último século certamente resultou em um declínio populacional superior a 10%, um fator suficiente para justificar a inclusão de Hylocryptus rectirostris na categoria IUCN de vulnerável.

Assessing population size of the Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner

Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner (Hylocryptus rectirostris) is a Neotropical ovenbird species (Furnariidae) endemic to gallery forests of the Cerrado region of central Brazil. While it is not considered globally threatened, the degree of habitat loss occurring throughout much of its known distribution may warrant its inclusion on red lists beyond just the state of Sao Paulo. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the conservation status of Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner according to those criteria adopted by the IUCN. Results of censuses conducted in the Serra do Cipó National Park were used to estimate the entire population size of the Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner and refine our understanding of its actual geographic distribution. Census results indicate that the species has a population density of 3.8 pairs/100 ha and occupies only a quarter of its preferred habitat in the study area, which is well below the carrying capacity. The total population size estimate, accounting for its entire extent of known occurrence, is just over 54,000 pairs. The geographic distribution and total population size estimated in this study do not indicate that the Chestnut-Capped Foliage-Gleaner should be considered a threatened species according to IUCN criteria. However, it was not possible to evaluate this species conservation status based on information concerning population fluctuations over time, another of the IUCN criteria. Nonetheless, the rate of habitat destruction in the Cerrado during the last century has certainly resulted in a population decline of greater than 10%, a factor sufficient enough to warrant its inclusion in the IUCN category of vulnerable.

Hylocryptus rectirostris é uma espécie de furnarídeo neotropical (Furnariidae) endêmico das matas ciliares da região do Cerrado do Brasil central. Embora não seja considerada globalmente ameaçada, o grau de perda de habitat que ocorre em grande parte da sua distribuição conhecida pode justificar a sua inclusão em listas vermelhas além do estado de São Paulo. O principal objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o estado de conservação de Hylocryptus rectirostris de acordo com os critérios adotados pela IUCN. Resultados de censos realizados no Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó foram usados para estimar o tamanho de sua população inteira e refinar nossa compreensão da sua real distribuição geográfica. Resultados do Censo indicam que a espécie tem uma densidade populacional de 3,8 pares/100 ha e ocupa apenas um quarto de seu habitat preferido na área de estudo, o que está bem abaixo da capacidade de suporte. A população total estimada, pela sua extensão total de ocorrência conhecida, é de pouco mais de 54.000 pares. A distribuição geográfica e o tamanho da população total estimada neste estudo não indicam que Hylocryptus rectirostris deva ser considerada uma espécie ameaçada de acordo com os critérios da IUCN. No entanto, não foi possível avaliar o estado de conservação desta espécie baseado em informação relativa às flutuações de população ao longo do tempo, outro dos critérios da IUCN. A taxa de destruição de habitat no Cerrado durante o último século certamente resultou em um declínio populacional superior a 10%, um fator suficiente para justificar a inclusão de Hylocryptus rectirostris na categoria IUCN de vulnerável.

The influence of fire and livestock grazing on the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland-Araucaria Forest ecotones, southern Brazil

Grazing and fire, used in pasture regeneration practices, are inter-related activities in livestock management. Both activities affect habitat characteristics by changing the structure of the herbaceous and shrubby vegetation, reducing their biomass and litter cover. This study evaluated the effect of fire and livestock grazing on the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland-Araucaria forest ecotones in southern Brazil. We compared four areas frequently affected by livestock management with four protected areas. Surveys were carried out in four sampling periods, one in each season of 2004. We captured a total of 325 individuals from 12 species of rodents - Akodon montensis Thomas, 1913, Akodon paranaensis Christoff, Fagundes, Sbalqueiro, Mattevi e Yonenaga-Yassuda, 2000, Akodon sp. 1, Akodon sp. 2 (2n = 34), Brucepattersonius iheringi (Thomas, 1896), Delomys dorsalis (Hensel, 1872), Oligoryzomys flavescens (Waterhouse, 1837), Oligoryzomys nigripes (Olfers, 1818), Oxymycterus nasutus (Waterhouse, 1837), Scapteromys sp. (2n = 34), Sooretamys angouya (Fischer, 1814) and Thaptomys nigrita (Lichtenstein, 1829) - and two species of marsupials - Monodelphis dimidiata (Wagner, 1847) and Philander frenatus (Olfers, 1818) -, in a total effective effort of 5254 traps.day-1. The abundance, biomass and diversity of non-flying small mammals were significantly higher in the protected areas than in those affected by fire and livestock grazing. Species strictly associated with grassland habitats were not found in the impacted area. These results indicate that the presence of herds of domestic ungulates negatively affect the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland and Araucaria forest areas in southern Brazil.

The influence of fire and livestock grazing on the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland-Araucaria Forest ecotones, southern Brazil

Grazing and fire, used in pasture regeneration practices, are inter-related activities in livestock management. Both activities affect habitat characteristics by changing the structure of the herbaceous and shrubby vegetation, reducing their biomass and litter cover. This study evaluated the effect of fire and livestock grazing on the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland-Araucaria forest ecotones in southern Brazil. We compared four areas frequently affected by livestock management with four protected areas. Surveys were carried out in four sampling periods, one in each season of 2004. We captured a total of 325 individuals from 12 species of rodents - Akodon montensis Thomas, 1913, Akodon paranaensis Christoff, Fagundes, Sbalqueiro, Mattevi e Yonenaga-Yassuda, 2000, Akodon sp. 1, Akodon sp. 2 (2n = 34), Brucepattersonius iheringi (Thomas, 1896), Delomys dorsalis (Hensel, 1872), Oligoryzomys flavescens (Waterhouse, 1837), Oligoryzomys nigripes (Olfers, 1818), Oxymycterus nasutus (Waterhouse, 1837), Scapteromys sp. (2n = 34), Sooretamys angouya (Fischer, 1814) and Thaptomys nigrita (Lichtenstein, 1829) - and two species of marsupials - Monodelphis dimidiata (Wagner, 1847) and Philander frenatus (Olfers, 1818) -, in a total effective effort of 5254 traps.day-1. The abundance, biomass and diversity of non-flying small mammals were significantly higher in the protected areas than in those affected by fire and livestock grazing. Species strictly associated with grassland habitats were not found in the impacted area. These results indicate that the presence of herds of domestic ungulates negatively affect the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland and Araucaria forest areas in southern Brazil.

The influence of fire and livestock grazing on the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland-Araucaria Forest ecotones, southern Brazil

Grazing and fire, used in pasture regeneration practices, are inter-related activities in livestock management. Both activities affect habitat characteristics by changing the structure of the herbaceous and shrubby vegetation, reducing their biomass and litter cover. This study evaluated the effect of fire and livestock grazing on the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland-Araucaria forest ecotones in southern Brazil. We compared four areas frequently affected by livestock management with four protected areas. Surveys were carried out in four sampling periods, one in each season of 2004. We captured a total of 325 individuals from 12 species of rodents - Akodon montensis Thomas, 1913, Akodon paranaensis Christoff, Fagundes, Sbalqueiro, Mattevi e Yonenaga-Yassuda, 2000, Akodon sp. 1, Akodon sp. 2 (2n = 34), Brucepattersonius iheringi (Thomas, 1896), Delomys dorsalis (Hensel, 1872), Oligoryzomys flavescens (Waterhouse, 1837), Oligoryzomys nigripes (Olfers, 1818), Oxymycterus nasutus (Waterhouse, 1837), Scapteromys sp. (2n = 34), Sooretamys angouya (Fischer, 1814) and Thaptomys nigrita (Lichtenstein, 1829) - and two species of marsupials - Monodelphis dimidiata (Wagner, 1847) and Philander frenatus (Olfers, 1818) -, in a total effective effort of 5254 traps.day-1. The abundance, biomass and diversity of non-flying small mammals were significantly higher in the protected areas than in those affected by fire and livestock grazing. Species strictly associated with grassland habitats were not found in the impacted area. These results indicate that the presence of herds of domestic ungulates negatively affect the assemblage of non-flying small mammals in grassland and Araucaria forest areas in southern Brazil.

Distance from roads and cities as a predictor of habitat loss and fragmentation in the caatinga vegetation of Brazil

Roads and cities represent huge sources of degradation for adjacent ecosystems regarding nutrient cycling, energy, water flow and species composition. In this study we test the hypothesis that distance from roads and cities is associated with habitat loss and fragmentation in the caatinga vegetation- a dry forest to scrub vegetation that covers ca. 736,000 km² of northeast Brazil. The study site comprised a 2,828.8 km² piece (64 km x 44.2 km) of Xingó region (09°36'S, 37°50'W), which is located between the States of Alagoas and Sergipe. Based on satellite imagery we mapped the remaining vegetation, 145 km of paved roads and the seven small-sized cities set in the study site. A positive correlation was found between the combined distance from roads and cities and the percentage of remaining vegetation as it dropped from 18% at 12 km distant to 5.9% at 1 km distant from cities and roads. Thus, remaining vegetation was reduced by one third near cities and roads. A positive correlation was also found between distance from cities and roads and the percentage of fragments larger than 200 ha, which ranged from 3.6% (within 3 km distance class) to 23.3% (15 km distance class) of all fragments. Our results suggest a road/city-effect zone of 12 to 15 km width, over which habitat loss and fragmentation extend throughout the caatinga vegetation. These findings should be considered in the regional polices for biodiversity conservation and economic development of the caatinga region.

Estradas e cidades representam enormes fontes de degradação dos ecossistemas adjacentes no que se refere à ciclagem de nutrientes, energia, fluxo de água e à composição de espécies. Neste estudo testa-se a hipótese de que a distância de cidades e rodovias está associada à perda e à fragmentação da caatinga, um tipo de floresta seca e scrub que cobre ca. 736.000 km² do Nordeste do Brasil. A área de estudo compreende um polígono de 2.828,8 km² (64 km x 44,2 km) na região de Xingó (09°36'S, 37°50'W), divisa dos Estados de Alagoas e Sergipe. Com base em imagens de satélite, a vegetação remanescente, 145 km de estradas pavimentadas e sete cidades foram mapeadas dentro da área de estudo. Encontrou-se correlação positiva entre a distância combinada de cidades e rodovias e o percentual de vegetação remanescente, a qual variou de 18% a 12 km de distância para 5,9% a 1 km. Desta forma, a vegetação remanescente foi reduzida em ca. 1/3 próximo a rodovias e cidades. Encontrou-se também correlação positiva entre a distância de cidades e rodovias e o percentual de fragmentos maiores que 200 ha. Os fragmentos nesta classe de tamanho representaram entre 3,6% (na classe de 3 km de distância) e 23,3% (na classe de 15 km) de todos os fragmentos. Os resultados encontrados sugerem um efeito rodovia/cidade que se prolonga entre 12 e 15 km para o interior da vegetação adjacente. Tais resultados deveriam ser considerados na definição de áreas prioritárias para a conservação da biodiversidade e na elaboração de planos de desenvolvimento econômico da região da caatinga.

Distance from roads and cities as a predictor of habitat loss and fragmentation in the caatinga vegetation of Brazil

Roads and cities represent huge sources of degradation for adjacent ecosystems regarding nutrient cycling, energy, water flow and species composition. In this study we test the hypothesis that distance from roads and cities is associated with habitat loss and fragmentation in the caatinga vegetation- a dry forest to scrub vegetation that covers ca. 736,000 km² of northeast Brazil. The study site comprised a 2,828.8 km² piece (64 km x 44.2 km) of Xingó region (09°36'S, 37°50'W), which is located between the States of Alagoas and Sergipe. Based on satellite imagery we mapped the remaining vegetation, 145 km of paved roads and the seven small-sized cities set in the study site. A positive correlation was found between the combined distance from roads and cities and the percentage of remaining vegetation as it dropped from 18% at 12 km distant to 5.9% at 1 km distant from cities and roads. Thus, remaining vegetation was reduced by one third near cities and roads. A positive correlation was also found between distance from cities and roads and the percentage of fragments larger than 200 ha, which ranged from 3.6% (within 3 km distance class) to 23.3% (15 km distance class) of all fragments. Our results suggest a road/city-effect zone of 12 to 15 km width, over which habitat loss and fragmentation extend throughout the caatinga vegetation. These findings should be considered in the regional polices for biodiversity conservation and economic development of the caatinga region.

Estradas e cidades representam enormes fontes de degradação dos ecossistemas adjacentes no que se refere à ciclagem de nutrientes, energia, fluxo de água e à composição de espécies. Neste estudo testa-se a hipótese de que a distância de cidades e rodovias está associada à perda e à fragmentação da caatinga, um tipo de floresta seca e scrub que cobre ca. 736.000 km² do Nordeste do Brasil. A área de estudo compreende um polígono de 2.828,8 km² (64 km x 44,2 km) na região de Xingó (09°36'S, 37°50'W), divisa dos Estados de Alagoas e Sergipe. Com base em imagens de satélite, a vegetação remanescente, 145 km de estradas pavimentadas e sete cidades foram mapeadas dentro da área de estudo. Encontrou-se correlação positiva entre a distância combinada de cidades e rodovias e o percentual de vegetação remanescente, a qual variou de 18% a 12 km de distância para 5,9% a 1 km. Desta forma, a vegetação remanescente foi reduzida em ca. 1/3 próximo a rodovias e cidades. Encontrou-se também correlação positiva entre a distância de cidades e rodovias e o percentual de fragmentos maiores que 200 ha. Os fragmentos nesta classe de tamanho representaram entre 3,6% (na classe de 3 km de distância) e 23,3% (na classe de 15 km) de todos os fragmentos. Os resultados encontrados sugerem um efeito rodovia/cidade que se prolonga entre 12 e 15 km para o interior da vegetação adjacente. Tais resultados deveriam ser considerados na definição de áreas prioritárias para a conservação da biodiversidade e na elaboração de planos de desenvolvimento econômico da região da caatinga.