Niche partitioning of two piscivorous fish species in a river in the western brazilian amazon / Particionamento de nicho de duas espécies de peixes piscívoros em um rio na amazônia ocidental brasileira

We analyzed the seasonal variation in the diet, trophic niche breadth (Levins index), the partitioning of food resources (Pianka's symmetric index) and trophic level (weighed average of trophic level of each prey determined in FishBase and SeaLifeBase platform) of Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) and Hydrolycus scomberoides (Cuvier, 1819) in the Machado River, Rondônia, Brazil. Fish samplings were conducted bimonthly from June 2013 to May 2015 in five sites, using eight sets of gillnets. The occurrence frequency and volumetric frequency were used to quantify the food items. We analyzed the stomach contents of 283 individuals, 134 of H. scomberoides and 149 of P. squamosissimus. Fish were the most consumed food item by both piscivorous species. However, H. scomberoides mostly ingested pelagic fish (e.g. Characiformes fishes and Prochilodus nigricas Spix & Agassiz, 1829), while P. squamosissimus mostly consumed benthic fish [e.g. Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 and Tenellus trimaculatus (Boulenger, 1898)]. Hydrolycus scomberoides presented the trophic level 3.55 for both periods analyzed, while P. squamosissimus 4.01 in the flood period and 3.82 in the drought period. Seasonal variations in the diet of H. scomberoides and P. squamosissimus were observed (PERMANOVA). Specifically, P. squamosissimus consumed mainly "Siluriformes" fishes and P. blochii in the drought period. The trophic niche breadth of P. squamosissimus was greater than that of H. scomberoides in the flood period. The species P. squamosissimus and H. scomberoides had low (0.35) food niche overlap in both seasons analysed. The data indicated that P. squamosissimus has a generalist feeding habit, while H. scomberoides is specialized in prey selection. The overlap of food niche between the species in both periods of the hydrological cycle was low, indicating that niche partitioning was probably the main mechanism of coexistence of these species, with little relationship with variations of the hydrological cycle.

Nós analisamos a variação sazonal na dieta, a amplitude do nicho trófico (Índice de Levins), a partição dos recursos alimentares (Índice simétrico de Pianka) e o nível trófico (média do nível trófico de cada presa determinada pela plataforma FishBase e SeaLifeBase) de Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) e Hydrolycus scomberoides (Cuvier, 1819) no rio Machado, Rondônia, Brasil. As amostragens de peixes foram realizadas bimestralmente de junho de 2013 a maio de 2015 em cinco locais, utilizando oito conjuntos de redes de emalhar. A frequência de ocorrência e a frequência volumétrica foram utilizados para quantificar os itens alimentares. Analisamos o conteúdo estomacal de 283 indivíduos, 134 de H. scomberoides e 149 de P. squamosissimus. Peixes foram o item alimentar mais consumido pelas duas espécies piscívoras. No entanto, H. scomberoides ingeriu principalmente peixes pelágicos (ex. peixes Characiformes e Prochilodus nigricas Spix & Agassiz, 1829), enquanto P. squamosissimus consumiu principalmente peixes bentônicos [ex. Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 e Tenellus trimaculatus (Boulenger, 1898)]. Hydrolycus scomberoides apresentou nível trófico de 3,55 para ambos os períodos analisados, enquanto para P. squamosissimus o nível trófico foi de 4,01 no período da cheia e 3,82 no período de seca. Variações sazonais na dieta de H. scomberoides e P. squamosissimus foram observadas (PERMANOVA). Especificamente, P. squamosissimus consumiu principalmente peixes "Siluriformes" e P. blochii no período de seca. A largura do nicho trófico de P. squamosissimus foi maior que a de H. scomberoides no período da cheia. Plagioscion squamosissimus e H. scomberoides apresentaram baixa (0,35) sobreposição de nicho alimentar nas duas estações analisadas. Os dados indicaram que P. squamosissimus tem hábito alimentar generalista, enquanto H. scomberoides é especializado na seleção de presas. A sobreposição de nicho alimentar entre as espécies em ambos os períodos do ciclo hidrológico foi baixa, indicando que a partição de nicho foi provavelmente o principal mecanismo de coexistência dessas espécies, com pouca relação com as variações do ciclo hidrológico.

Niche partitioning of two piscivorous fish species in a river in the western Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT We analyzed the seasonal variation in the diet, trophic niche breadth (Levins index), the partitioning of food resources (Piankas symmetric index) and trophic level (weighed average of trophic level of each prey determined in FishBase and SeaLifeBase platform) of Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) and Hydrolycus scomberoides (Cuvier, 1819) in the Machado River, Rondônia, Brazil. Fish samplings were conducted bimonthly from June 2013 to May 2015 in five sites, using eight sets of gillnets. The occurrence frequency and volumetric frequency were used to quantify the food items. We analyzed the stomach contents of 283 individuals, 134 of H. scomberoides and 149 of P. squamosissimus. Fish were the most consumed food item by both piscivorous species. However, H. scomberoides mostly ingested pelagic fish (e.g. Characiformes fishes and Prochilodus nigricas Spix & Agassiz, 1829), while P. squamosissimus mostly consumed benthic fish [e.g. Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 and Tenellus trimaculatus (Boulenger, 1898)]. Hydrolycus scomberoides presented the trophic level 3.55 for both periods analyzed, while P. squamosissimus 4.01 in the flood period and 3.82 in the drought period. Seasonal variations in the diet of H. scomberoides and P. squamosissimus were observed (PERMANOVA). Specifically, P. squamosissimus consumed mainly Siluriformes fishes and P. blochii in the drought period. The trophic niche breadth of P. squamosissimus was greater than that of H. scomberoides in the flood period. The species P. squamosissimus and H. scomberoides had low (0.35) food niche overlap in both seasons analysed. The data indicated that P. squamosissimus has a generalist feeding habit, while H. scomberoides is specialized in prey selection. The overlap of food niche between the species in both periods of the hydrological cycle was low, indicating that niche partitioning was probably the main mechanism of coexistence of these species, with little relationship with variations of the hydrological cycle.

RESUMO Nós analisamos a variação sazonal na dieta, a amplitude do nicho trófico (Índice de Levins), a partição dos recursos alimentares (Índice simétrico de Pianka) e o nível trófico (média do nível trófico de cada presa determinada pela plataforma FishBase e SeaLifeBase) de Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) e Hydrolycus scomberoides (Cuvier, 1819) no rio Machado, Rondônia, Brasil. As amostragens de peixes foram realizadas bimestralmente de junho de 2013 a maio de 2015 em cinco locais, utilizando oito conjuntos de redes de emalhar. A frequência de ocorrência e a frequência volumétrica foram utilizados para quantificar os itens alimentares. Analisamos o conteúdo estomacal de 283 indivíduos, 134 de H. scomberoides e 149 de P. squamosissimus. Peixes foram o item alimentar mais consumido pelas duas espécies piscívoras. No entanto, H. scomberoides ingeriu principalmente peixes pelágicos (ex. peixes Characiformes e Prochilodus nigricas Spix & Agassiz, 1829), enquanto P. squamosissimus consumiu principalmente peixes bentônicos [ex. Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 e Tenellus trimaculatus (Boulenger, 1898)]. Hydrolycus scomberoides apresentou nível trófico de 3,55 para ambos os períodos analisados, enquanto para P. squamosissimus o nível trófico foi de 4,01 no período da cheia e 3,82 no período de seca. Variações sazonais na dieta de H. scomberoides e P. squamosissimus foram observadas (PERMANOVA). Especificamente, P. squamosissimus consumiu principalmente peixes Siluriformes e P. blochii no período de seca. A largura do nicho trófico de P. squamosissimus foi maior que a de H. scomberoides no período da cheia. Plagioscion squamosissimus e H. scomberoides apresentaram baixa (0,35) sobreposição de nicho alimentar nas duas estações analisadas. Os dados indicaram que P. squamosissimus tem hábito alimentar generalista, enquanto H. scomberoides é especializado na seleção de presas. A sobreposição de nicho alimentar entre as espécies em ambos os períodos do ciclo hidrológico foi baixa, indicando que a partição de nicho foi provavelmente o principal mecanismo de coexistência dessas espécies, com pouca relação com as variações do ciclo hidrológico.

Fish biomarker responses to perturbation by drought in streams

Drought can be viewd as a perturbation in running waters and fish are often trapped in isolated pools, where deterioration of water quality may be stressful. We investigated how this extreme condition influences response of oxidative stress biomarkers. The response of the characid Astyanax elachylepis was assessed during the dry and rainy seasons in intermittent and perennial (control) sites in streams from Brazilian savannah (Cerrado). We predicted that the biomarkers would be enhanced in the dry season in intermittent streams only due the environmentally harsh conditions in the few isolated pools that remain filled with water. As predicted, fish from the intermittent stream in the dry season presented higher gill MDA values, indicating greater stress. In the liver, MDA values were higher in the dry season for both intermittent and perennial streams, suggesting a generalized seasonal response. As expected, some antioxidant response enzymes changed in the intermittent sites during the dry season. Therefore, oxidative stress biomarkers vary seasonally, with greater increase in intermittent sites. These evidences contribute for the understanding of the spatio-temporal variation of the fish responses and fish resistance to perturbations by drought in tropical environments.(AU)

A seca pode ser vista como uma perturbação em ambientes aquáticos lóticos e, em alguns casos, os peixes podem ser aprisionados em trechos lênticos (poços), onde a perda da qualidade da água pode causar estresse. Investigamos como esta condição extrema influencia biomarcadores bioquímicos de estresse oxidativo. Para isso, a resposta do caracídeo Astyanax elachylepis foi avaliada durante as estações seca e chuvosa em trechos intermitentes e perenes (controle) de riachos da savana brasileira (Cerrado). Predizemos que os biomarcadores seriam aumentados somente em peixes dos trechos intermitentes durante a estação seca, devido as condições restritivas dos poucos poços isolados que contém água. Como predito, os peixes do riacho intermitente apresentaram altos valores de MDA nas brânquias durante a estação seca, indicando maior estresse oxidativo. No fígado, os valores de MDA foram maiores na estação seca em ambos riachos, intermitente e perene, sugerindo uma resposta sazonal generalizada. Como esperado, algumas enzimas antioxidantes foram alteradas em peixes de trechos intermitentes durante a estação seca. Portanto, os biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo variam sazonalmente e essa variação é maior em trechos intermitentes. Essas evidências contribuem para a compreensão da variação espaço-temporal da resposta dos peixes e da sua resistência às perturbações por seca em ambientes tropicais.(AU)

Fish biomarker responses to perturbation by drought in streams

ABSTRACT Drought can be viewd as a perturbation in running waters and fish are often trapped in isolated pools, where deterioration of water quality may be stressful. We investigated how this extreme condition influences response of oxidative stress biomarkers. The response of the characid Astyanax elachylepis was assessed during the dry and rainy seasons in intermittent and perennial (control) sites in streams from Brazilian savannah (Cerrado). We predicted that the biomarkers would be enhanced in the dry season in intermittent streams only due the environmentally harsh conditions in the few isolated pools that remain filled with water. As predicted, fish from the intermittent stream in the dry season presented higher gill MDA values, indicating greater stress. In the liver, MDA values were higher in the dry season for both intermittent and perennial streams, suggesting a generalized seasonal response. As expected, some antioxidant response enzymes changed in the intermittent sites during the dry season. Therefore, oxidative stress biomarkers vary seasonally, with greater increase in intermittent sites. These evidences contribute for the understanding of the spatio-temporal variation of the fish responses and fish resistance to perturbations by drought in tropical environments.

RESUMO A seca pode ser vista como uma perturbação em ambientes aquáticos lóticos e, em alguns casos, os peixes podem ser aprisionados em trechos lênticos (poços), onde a perda da qualidade da água pode causar estresse. Investigamos como esta condição extrema influencia biomarcadores bioquímicos de estresse oxidativo. Para isso, a resposta do caracídeo Astyanax elachylepis foi avaliada durante as estações seca e chuvosa em trechos intermitentes e perenes (controle) de riachos da savana brasileira (Cerrado). Predizemos que os biomarcadores seriam aumentados somente em peixes dos trechos intermitentes durante a estação seca, devido as condições restritivas dos poucos poços isolados que contém água. Como predito, os peixes do riacho intermitente apresentaram altos valores de MDA nas brânquias durante a estação seca, indicando maior estresse oxidativo. No fígado, os valores de MDA foram maiores na estação seca em ambos riachos, intermitente e perene, sugerindo uma resposta sazonal generalizada. Como esperado, algumas enzimas antioxidantes foram alteradas em peixes de trechos intermitentes durante a estação seca. Portanto, os biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo variam sazonalmente e essa variação é maior em trechos intermitentes. Essas evidências contribuem para a compreensão da variação espaço-temporal da resposta dos peixes e da sua resistência às perturbações por seca em ambientes tropicais.

Thermoregulation in the Andean lizard Anolis heterodermus (Squamata: Dactyloidae) at high elevation in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia / Termorregulación en el lagarto andino Anolis heterodermus (Squamata: Dactyloidae) a una alta elevación en la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia

Low thermal quality environments, such extreme latitudes or high elevation regions, are highly expensive for reptiles in terms of thermoregulation. Thus, physiological adaptations or behavioral adjustments to live in these habitats have evolved in some species. Anolis heterodermus (Duméril, 1851) is an anole lizard that lives at high elevations in the Andes region. In this paper, we attempted to elucidate the thermoregulation strategy of a population of this species from the eastern cordillera of Colombia during wet and dry seasons. We measured body temperatures (Tb), operative temperatures (Te) and preferred temperatures (Tpref). Based on these data, we obtained accuracy (d b ), environmental thermal quality (d e ) and efficiency of thermoregulation (E) indexes. There were no significant differences of Tb or d b between seasons, sexes, ages, and for Tpref between sexes or ages, but we found differences in Te and d e between seasons. The indexes suggested high thermoregulatory accuracy, low thermal environment quality and indicated that A. heterodermus was an active thermoregulator in both seasons. Broad ranges of Tb and the species association with microhabitats with high solar radiation suggest eurythermy and heliothermy. Anolis heterodermus lives in a low thermal quality habitat, using exposed perches, which seems the most efficient thermal microhabitats. We concluded that A. heterodermus performed behavioral adjustment for compensating seasonal variation in the environmental thermal costs.(AU)

Ambientes con baja calidad térmica, tales como las latitudes extremas o regiones en altas elevaciones, son altamente costosos para los reptiles en términos de termorregulación, por lo cual algunas especies han adquirido adaptaciones fisiológicas o ajustes conductuales para habitar estos ambientes. Anolis heterodermus (Duméril, 1851) es un lagarto que habita a altas elevaciones en la región andina. En el presente trabajo se evaluó la termorregulación de una población de esta especie en la cordillera oriental de Colombia durante las épocas húmeda y seca. Se midieron temperaturas corporales (Tb), operativas (Te) y de preferencia (Tpref). Con base en estas variables, se obtuvieron los índices de calidad térmica ambiental (d e ), exactitud (d b ) y eficiencia (E) de la termorregulación. No hubo diferencias significativas entre la Tb o d b entre épocas, sexos o edades y tampoco de la Tpref entre sexos o edades, pero encontramos diferencias de Te y d e entre épocas. Los índices sugieren alta exactitud termorreguladora y baja calidad térmica del ambiente, por lo tanto indican que A. heterodermus es un termorregulador activo para ambas épocas. El amplio intervalo de Tb y la asociación de la especie a microhábitats con alta radiación solar sugieren euritérmia y heliotermia. Anolis heterodermus habita en un ambiente de baja calidad térmica, usando perchas expuestas, las cuales parecen ser los microhábitats más eficientes para termorregular. Concluimos que A. heterodermus realiza ajustes conductuales para compensar la variación estacional en los costos térmicos del ambiente.(AU)

Seasonality of parasitic helminths of Leporinus macrocephalus and their parasitism rates in farming systems in the Amazon / Sazonalidade de helmintos parasitos de Leporinus macrocephalus e seus índices parasitários em sistemas de cultivo na Amazônia

The objective of the present study was to analyze the seasonality of parasitic helminths of Leporinus macrocephalus from fish farms in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil, and their parasitism rates. Between June 2014 and March 2015, 200 specimens were sampled from two fish farms: one with a semi-intensive system and the other with an extensive system (100 fish from each farm: 50 during the dry season and 50 during the rainy season). Fifteen species of parasites were found, with seasonal variations of some according to the farming system. In the semi-intensive fish farm, there was greater prevalence of infection during the dry season. Also, Urocleidoides paradoxus, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Goezia leporini and Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) acuminata presented differences in their parasitism rates between the seasons. In the extensive fish farm, no variation in the prevalence of infection was observed between the seasons and two species Tereancistrum parvus and G. leporini demonstrated differences only regarding the mean intensity of infection. The data presented here may help fish farmers to understand the parasite dynamics of L. macrocephalus in farming systems during the dry and rainy seasons in the state of Acre.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a sazonalidade dos helmintos parasitos de Leporinus macrocephalus provenientes de pisciculturas no município de Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brasil e seus índices parasitários. Durante o período de junho de 2014 a março de 2015 foram coletados 200 espécimes obtidos de duas pisciculturas, uma de sistema semi-intensivo e outra de sistema extensivo, sendo 100 peixes em cada, durante as estações seca e chuvosa, 50 espécimes por estação. Foram registradas quinze espécies de parasitos, com variação sazonal de ocorrência de alguns nos sistemas de cultivo. Na piscicultura semi-intensiva houve maior prevalência de infecção na seca, e Urocleidoides paradoxus, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Goezia leporini e Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) acuminata apresentaram diferenças dos índices parasitários entre as estações. Na piscicultura extensiva não foi detectada variação da prevalência de infecção entre as estações e duas espécies, Tereancistrum parvus e G. leporini assinalaram diferença apenas na intensidade média de infecção. Os dados apresentados neste estudo podem auxiliar os piscicultores na compreensão da dinâmica parasitária de L. macrocephalus em sistemas de cultivos durante as estações seca e chuvosa no estado do Acre.(AU)

Thermoregulation in the Andean lizard Anolis heterodermus (Squamata: Dactyloidae) at high elevation in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia / Termorregulación en el lagarto andino Anolis heterodermus (Squamata: Dactyloidae) a una alta elevación en la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia

Low thermal quality environments, such extreme latitudes or high elevation regions, are highly expensive for reptiles in terms of thermoregulation. Thus, physiological adaptations or behavioral adjustments to live in these habitats have evolved in some species. Anolis heterodermus (Duméril, 1851) is an anole lizard that lives at high elevations in the Andes region. In this paper, we attempted to elucidate the thermoregulation strategy of a population of this species from the eastern cordillera of Colombia during wet and dry seasons. We measured body temperatures (Tb), operative temperatures (Te) and preferred temperatures (Tpref). Based on these data, we obtained accuracy (d b ), environmental thermal quality (d e ) and efficiency of thermoregulation (E) indexes. There were no significant differences of Tb or d b between seasons, sexes, ages, and for Tpref between sexes or ages, but we found differences in Te and d e between seasons. The indexes suggested high thermoregulatory accuracy, low thermal environment quality and indicated that A. heterodermus was an active thermoregulator in both seasons. Broad ranges of Tb and the species association with microhabitats with high solar radiation suggest eurythermy and heliothermy. Anolis heterodermus lives in a low thermal quality habitat, using exposed perches, which seems the most efficient thermal microhabitats. We concluded that A. heterodermus performed behavioral adjustment for compensating seasonal variation in the environmental thermal costs.

Ambientes con baja calidad térmica, tales como las latitudes extremas o regiones en altas elevaciones, son altamente costosos para los reptiles en términos de termorregulación, por lo cual algunas especies han adquirido adaptaciones fisiológicas o ajustes conductuales para habitar estos ambientes. Anolis heterodermus (Duméril, 1851) es un lagarto que habita a altas elevaciones en la región andina. En el presente trabajo se evaluó la termorregulación de una población de esta especie en la cordillera oriental de Colombia durante las épocas húmeda y seca. Se midieron temperaturas corporales (Tb), operativas (Te) y de preferencia (Tpref). Con base en estas variables, se obtuvieron los índices de calidad térmica ambiental (d e ), exactitud (d b ) y eficiencia (E) de la termorregulación. No hubo diferencias significativas entre la Tb o d b entre épocas, sexos o edades y tampoco de la Tpref entre sexos o edades, pero encontramos diferencias de Te y d e entre épocas. Los índices sugieren alta exactitud termorreguladora y baja calidad térmica del ambiente, por lo tanto indican que A. heterodermus es un termorregulador activo para ambas épocas. El amplio intervalo de Tb y la asociación de la especie a microhábitats con alta radiación solar sugieren euritérmia y heliotermia. Anolis heterodermus habita en un ambiente de baja calidad térmica, usando perchas expuestas, las cuales parecen ser los microhábitats más eficientes para termorregular. Concluimos que A. heterodermus realiza ajustes conductuales para compensar la variación estacional en los costos térmicos del ambiente.

Thermoregulation in the Andean lizard Anolis heterodermus (Squamata: Dactyloidae) at high elevation in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia

RESUMEN Ambientes con baja calidad térmica, tales como las latitudes extremas o regiones en altas elevaciones, son altamente costosos para los reptiles en términos de termorregulación, por lo cual algunas especies han adquirido adaptaciones fisiológicas o ajustes conductuales para habitar estos ambientes. Anolis heterodermus (Duméril, 1851) es un lagarto que habita a altas elevaciones en la región andina. En el presente trabajo se evaluó la termorregulación de una población de esta especie en la cordillera oriental de Colombia durante las épocas húmeda y seca. Se midieron temperaturas corporales (Tb), operativas (Te) y de preferencia (Tpref). Con base en estas variables, se obtuvieron los índices de calidad térmica ambiental ( e ), exactitud ( b ) y eficiencia (E) de la termorregulación. No hubo diferencias significativas entre la Tb o b entre épocas, sexos o edades y tampoco de la Tpref entre sexos o edades, pero encontramos diferencias de Te y e entre épocas. Los índices sugieren alta exactitud termorreguladora y baja calidad térmica del ambiente, por lo tanto indican que A. heterodermus es un termorregulador activo para ambas épocas. El amplio intervalo de Tb y la asociación de la especie a microhábitats con alta radiación solar sugieren euritérmia y heliotermia. Anolis heterodermus habita en un ambiente de baja calidad térmica, usando perchas expuestas, las cuales parecen ser los microhábitats más eficientes para termorregular. Concluimos que A. heterodermus realiza ajustes conductuales para compensar la variación estacional en los costos térmicos del ambiente.

ABSTRACT Low thermal quality environments, such extreme latitudes or high elevation regions, are highly expensive for reptiles in terms of thermoregulation. Thus, physiological adaptations or behavioral adjustments to live in these habitats have evolved in some species. Anolis heterodermus (Duméril, 1851) is an anole lizard that lives at high elevations in the Andes region. In this paper, we attempted to elucidate the thermoregulation strategy of a population of this species from the eastern cordillera of Colombia during wet and dry seasons. We measured body temperatures (Tb), operative temperatures (Te) and preferred temperatures (Tpref). Based on these data, we obtained accuracy ( b ), environmental thermal quality ( e ) and efficiency of thermoregulation (E) indexes. There were no significant differences of Tb or b between seasons, sexes, ages, and for Tpref between sexes or ages, but we found differences in Te and e between seasons. The indexes suggested high thermoregulatory accuracy, low thermal environment quality and indicated that A. heterodermus was an active thermoregulator in both seasons. Broad ranges of Tb and the species association with microhabitats with high solar radiation suggest eurythermy and heliothermy. Anolis heterodermus lives in a low thermal quality habitat, using exposed perches, which seems the most efficient thermal microhabitats. We concluded that A. heterodermus performed behavioral adjustment for compensating seasonal variation in the environmental thermal costs.

Cyrilia sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) in the Amazonian freshwater stingray Potamotrygon wallacei (cururu stingray) in different hydrological phases of the Rio Negro / Cyrilia sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemogregarinidae) na arraia de água doce Amazônica Potamotrygon wallacei (arraia cururu) em diferentes fases do ciclo hidrológico do Rio Negro

Intraerythrocytic parasites are frequently found in fish, including elasmobranchs. The Amazonian rivers present well defined annual hydrological cycles that results in drastic modifications of the environmental conditions with deep implications in the life cycle of the whole associated biota in those fluvial systems. The freshwater stingray Potamotrygon wallacei (stingray cururu) is a new species restricted to the Middle Rio Negro basin and it is subject to strong alterations in their natural habitats (igapós) a result of the constant variations in the water level of Rio Negro. This work demonstrates the occurrence of intraerythrocytic parasite Cyrilia sp. in this stingray species. Additionally, the prevalence and quantification of hemoparasites in different phases of Rio Negro were also established. Field sampling was carried in the Archipelago of Mariuá, Middle Rio Negro, involving different stages of the water cycle. The intraerythrocytic parasites were quantified by direct counting in blood smears using a total counting of 2000 erythrocytes in each blood smear. The presence of parasites intraerythrocytic generates changes in the morphology of blood cell. The largest amount of the hemoparasites was recorded in the drought period. We observed a decreasing tendency in the number of parasites in the blood between the drought periods and inundation. We concluded that the level of Negro River influences the incidence of intraerythrocytic parasites in the cururu stingray and the drought represents the period of larger susceptibility to the infestation.(AU)

Parasitas intraeritrocitários são frequentemente encontrados em peixes, incluindo elasmobrânquios. Os rios Amazônicos possuem ciclos hidrológicos anuais que resultam em modificações drásticas nas condições ambientais, com implicação profunda no ciclo de vida associada a biota dos sistemas fluviais. A arraia de água doce Potamotrygon wallacei (arraia cururu) é uma nova espécie restrita a bacia do médio Rio Negro e sujeita a fortes alterações em seus habitats naturais (igapós) resultantes das constantes variações do nível de água do Rio Negro. Este trabalho demonstra a ocorrência de parasita intraeritrocitário Cyrilia sp. em espécimes de arraias de água doce. Além disso, a prevalência e quantificação de hemoparasitas em diferentes fases do Rio Negro foi estabelecida. Coletas de campo foram realizadas no Arquipélago de Mariuá, médio Rio Negro, envolvendo diferentes fases do ciclo hidrológico. Os parasitas intraeritrocitários foram quantificados por contagem direta em esfregaços de sangue usando a contagem total de 2000 eritrócitos em cada esfregaço sanguíneo. A presença de parasitas intraeritrocitários gera alterações na morfologia da célula sanguínea. A maior quantidade dos hemoparasitas foi registrado no período de seca. Observou-se a tendência de diminuição no número de parasitas no sangue entre o período de seca e de cheia. Concluiu-se que o nível de Rio Negro influencia a incidência de parasitas intraeritrocitários na arraia cururu, e a seca representa o período de maior susceptibilidade à infestação.(AU)

Milk quality in different production systems, year and weather seasons / Qualidade do leite em diferentes sistemas de produção, ano e estação climática

This study aimed evaluate the quality of milk yield under different technological levels, for three years in the four seasons, in southern Brazil. The quality parameter of milk were evaluated: fat, protein, lactose, total solids, somatic cell count and total bacterial count, collected from 346 dairy farms classified in three levels of the production systems (specialized, partially specializes and nonspecialized). Data were analyzed by mixed model with repeated measures in time, with the fixed effect production systems, years and seasons, and random effect property designated in each production system. We observed a high percentage of samples in disagreement with Federal Normative Instruction 62/2011 (IN 62), created to establish quality parameters for milk in the country. The production system affected the total bacterial count and fat content, with higher values for both in the nonspecialized system. All variables were influenced by the season, and in the fall the milk had a higher percentage of fat, protein, total solids and lower CBT. The lactose content was influenced by production system and the season, demonstrating the influence of the factors studied in the quality of milk yield.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade do leite produzido sob distintos níveis tecnológicos, durante três anos nas quatro estações climáticas, na região sul do Brasil. Os parâmetros de qualidade do leite avaliados foram: gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais, contagem de células somáticas e contagem bacteriana total, oriundas de 346 propriedades classificadas em três sistemas de produção (não especializado, semi especializado, especializado). Os dados foram analisados por modelo misto com medida repetida no tempo, tendo como efeito fixo o sistema de produção, ano e estação, e efeito aleatório a propriedade designada em cada sistema de produção. Observou-se percentual elevado de amostras em desacordo com a Instrução Normativa Brasileira nº 62/2011. O sistema de produção afetou a contagem bacteriana total e o teor de gordura, com valores superiores para ambas no sistema não especializado. Todas as variáveis foram influenciadas pela estação do ano, sendo que no outono o leite apresentou percentuais superiores de gordura, proteína, sólidos totais e inferior de CBT. O teor de lactose foi influenciada pelo sistema de produção e pela estação do ano, demonstrando a influência dos fatores estudados na qualidade do leite produzido.(AU)

Efectos del disturbio antrópico sobre las poblaciones de Leprolochus birabeni (Araneae, Zodariidae) en el Chaco Seco del noroeste de Argentina / Effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the populations of Leprolochus birabeni (Araneae, Zodariidae) in the Chaco Seco northwestern Argentina

Se conoce poco sobre la biología y la ecología de la especie mirmecófaga Leprolochus birabeni Mello-Leitão, 1942 (Zodariidae), el único representante de este género en la Argentina. Esta especie es típica de ambientes áridos del norte del país, y su estudio en el Chaco Seco es relevante, por ser una ecorregión altamente perturbada con uno de los pocos bosques subtropicales secos del mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la demografía de la especie teniendo en cuenta su variación estacional en ambientes nativos, y sí la ganadería y la agricultura, dos de las actividades antropogénicas más comunes de la ecorregión Chaco Seco en la provincia de Salta (Argentina) producen cambios en sus poblaciones. Se consideraron tres tipos de ambientes: nativo (NA); afectados por el ganado vacuno y caprino (NP); y afectados por la agricultura (NC). Este último correspondió a parches de vegetación nativa en medio de una matriz agrícola. En cada tipo de ambiente se consideraron tres sitios de muestreo donde se realizaron muestreos estacionales utilizando trampas de caída durante el otoño, invierno y primavera de 2006 y el verano de 2007. Se recolectaron 549 ejemplares de L. birabeni , siendo la mayoría juveniles con el 64,12% de la abundancia total, seguidos por machos (26,41%) y hembras (9,47%). A nivel de paisaje, la primavera presentó el mayor número de individuos, llegando al 44,99% de la abundancia total; mientras que el otoño mostró el porcentaje más bajo (7,83%). El incremento de los juveniles durante el invierno podría indicar una adaptación de los estadios de desarrollo a las condiciones ambientales. El mismo patrón se observó en ambientes NA y NC, pero no en los NP. Estos últimos mostraron una disminución en la abundancia de adultos a lo largo del año; mientras que las poblaciones NC mostraron un incremento en la abundancia de los machos durante la primavera, con una fuerte reducción de las hembras y los juveniles durante todo el año. [...](AU)

Little is known about the biology and ecology of the myrmecophagic species Leprolochus birabeni Mello-Leitão, 1942 (Zodariidae), the only representative of this genus in Argentina. This species is typical of arid environments of the north of Argentina, and their study in the Chaco Seco is relevant, because is a highly disturbed ecoregion and one of the few with dry subtropical forests in the World. The aim of this work is to study the demography of this species, considering its seasonal variation in native environments, and if the livestock grazing and the agriculture, two of the most common anthropogenic activities of the Chaco Seco ecoregion, produce changes in their populations in the province of Salta (Argentina). We consider three type of environments: native (NA); affected by cattle and goats (NP); and affected by agriculture (NC). The latter corresponds to patches of native vegetation in an agricultural matrix. Three sampling sites were selected on each type of environment, where seasonal samplings using pitfall traps were performed during autumn, winter and spring (2006) and summer (2007). We collected 549 spiders of L. birabeni , with the juveniles reaching until the 64.12% of total abundance, followed by males (26.41%) and females (9.47%). At landscape level, spring season showed the highest number of individuals, reaching 44.99% of the total abundance, while autumn reported the lowest percentage (7.83%). The juveniles increase observed during the winter would indicate an adaptation to environmental conditions. The same pattern was observed in NA and NC environments, but not in NP ones. The later environments showed a decrease in the adult abundances across the seasons, while the NC populations showed an increase of male abundances during spring season with a sharp reduction of females and juveniles throughout the year. [...](AU)

Efectos del disturbio antrópico sobre las poblaciones de Leprolochus birabeni (Araneae, Zodariidae) en el Chaco Seco del noroeste de Argentina / Effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the populations of Leprolochus birabeni (Araneae, Zodariidae) in the Chaco Seco northwestern Argentina

Se conoce poco sobre la biología y la ecología de la especie mirmecófaga Leprolochus birabeni Mello-Leitão, 1942 (Zodariidae), el único representante de este género en la Argentina. Esta especie es típica de ambientes áridos del norte del país, y su estudio en el Chaco Seco es relevante, por ser una ecorregión altamente perturbada con uno de los pocos bosques subtropicales secos del mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la demografía de la especie teniendo en cuenta su variación estacional en ambientes nativos, y sí la ganadería y la agricultura, dos de las actividades antropogénicas más comunes de la ecorregión Chaco Seco en la provincia de Salta (Argentina) producen cambios en sus poblaciones. Se consideraron tres tipos de ambientes: nativo (NA); afectados por el ganado vacuno y caprino (NP); y afectados por la agricultura (NC). Este último correspondió a parches de vegetación nativa en medio de una matriz agrícola. En cada tipo de ambiente se consideraron tres sitios de muestreo donde se realizaron muestreos estacionales utilizando trampas de caída durante el otoño, invierno y primavera de 2006 y el verano de 2007. Se recolectaron 549 ejemplares de L. birabeni , siendo la mayoría juveniles con el 64,12% de la abundancia total, seguidos por machos (26,41%) y hembras (9,47%). A nivel de paisaje, la primavera presentó el mayor número de individuos, llegando al 44,99% de la abundancia total; mientras que el otoño mostró el porcentaje más bajo (7,83%). El incremento de los juveniles durante el invierno podría indicar una adaptación de los estadios de desarrollo a las condiciones ambientales. El mismo patrón se observó en ambientes NA y NC, pero no en los NP. Estos últimos mostraron una disminución en la abundancia de adultos a lo largo del año; mientras que las poblaciones NC mostraron un incremento en la abundancia de los machos durante la primavera, con una fuerte reducción de las hembras y los juveniles durante todo el año. [...]

Little is known about the biology and ecology of the myrmecophagic species Leprolochus birabeni Mello-Leitão, 1942 (Zodariidae), the only representative of this genus in Argentina. This species is typical of arid environments of the north of Argentina, and their study in the Chaco Seco is relevant, because is a highly disturbed ecoregion and one of the few with dry subtropical forests in the World. The aim of this work is to study the demography of this species, considering its seasonal variation in native environments, and if the livestock grazing and the agriculture, two of the most common anthropogenic activities of the Chaco Seco ecoregion, produce changes in their populations in the province of Salta (Argentina). We consider three type of environments: native (NA); affected by cattle and goats (NP); and affected by agriculture (NC). The latter corresponds to patches of native vegetation in an agricultural matrix. Three sampling sites were selected on each type of environment, where seasonal samplings using pitfall traps were performed during autumn, winter and spring (2006) and summer (2007). We collected 549 spiders of L. birabeni , with the juveniles reaching until the 64.12% of total abundance, followed by males (26.41%) and females (9.47%). At landscape level, spring season showed the highest number of individuals, reaching 44.99% of the total abundance, while autumn reported the lowest percentage (7.83%). The juveniles increase observed during the winter would indicate an adaptation to environmental conditions. The same pattern was observed in NA and NC environments, but not in NP ones. The later environments showed a decrease in the adult abundances across the seasons, while the NC populations showed an increase of male abundances during spring season with a sharp reduction of females and juveniles throughout the year. [...]

Efectos del disturbio antrópico sobre las poblaciones de Leprolochus birabeni (Araneae, Zodariidae) en el Chaco Seco del noroeste de Argentina

RESUMEN Se conoce poco sobre la biología y la ecología de la especie mirmecófaga Leprolochus birabeni Mello-Leitão, 1942 (Zodariidae), el único representante de este género en la Argentina. Esta especie es típica de ambientes áridos del norte del país, y su estudio en el Chaco Seco es relevante, por ser una ecorregión altamente perturbada con uno de los pocos bosques subtropicales secos del mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la demografía de la especie teniendo en cuenta su variación estacional en ambientes nativos, y sí la ganadería y la agricultura, dos de las actividades antropogénicas más comunes de la ecorregión Chaco Seco en la provincia de Salta (Argentina) producen cambios en sus poblaciones. Se consideraron tres tipos de ambientes: nativo (NA); afectados por el ganado vacuno y caprino (NP); y afectados por la agricultura (NC). Este último correspondió a parches de vegetación nativa en medio de una matriz agrícola. En cada tipo de ambiente se consideraron tres sitios de muestreo donde se realizaron muestreos estacionales utilizando trampas de caída durante el otoño, invierno y primavera de 2006 y el verano de 2007. Se recolectaron 549 ejemplares de L. birabeni , siendo la mayoría juveniles con el 64,12% de la abundancia total, seguidos por machos (26,41%) y hembras (9,47%). A nivel de paisaje, la primavera presentó el mayor número de individuos, llegando al 44,99% de la abundancia total; mientras que el otoño mostró el porcentaje más bajo (7,83%). El incremento de los juveniles durante el invierno podría indicar una adaptación de los estadios de desarrollo a las condiciones ambientales. El mismo patrón se observó en ambientes NA y NC, pero no en los NP. Estos últimos mostraron una disminución en la abundancia de adultos a lo largo del año; mientras que las poblaciones NC mostraron un incremento en la abundancia de los machos durante la primavera, con una fuerte reducción de las hembras y los juveniles durante todo el año. La abundancia de L. birabeni en ambientes NA fue mayor (41,06% de la abundancia total), siendo los valores mínimos registrados en NC (24,67%). Las dos actividades antropogénicas más comunes que afectan al Chaco Seco de la provincia de Salta modifican tanto los cambios estacionales como la representación de las diferentes etapas de desarrollo y sexos de las poblaciones nativas de L. birabeni , siendo la modificación de los ambientes nativos por la agricultura, el factor más perjudicial.

Abstract Little is known about the biology and ecology of the myrmecophagic species Leprolochus birabeni Mello-Leitão, 1942 (Zodariidae), the only representative of this genus in Argentina. This species is typical of arid environments of the north of Argentina, and their study in the Chaco Seco is relevant, because is a highly disturbed ecoregion and one of the few with dry subtropical forests in the World. The aim of this work is to study the demography of this species, considering its seasonal variation in native environments, and if the livestock grazing and the agriculture, two of the most common anthropogenic activities of the Chaco Seco ecoregion, produce changes in their populations in the province of Salta (Argentina). We consider three type of environments: native (NA); affected by cattle and goats (NP); and affected by agriculture (NC). The latter corresponds to patches of native vegetation in an agricultural matrix. Three sampling sites were selected on each type of environment, where seasonal samplings using pitfall traps were performed during autumn, winter and spring (2006) and summer (2007). We collected 549 spiders of L. birabeni , with the juveniles reaching until the 64.12% of total abundance, followed by males (26.41%) and females (9.47%). At landscape level, spring season showed the highest number of individuals, reaching 44.99% of the total abundance, while autumn reported the lowest percentage (7.83%). The juveniles increase observed during the winter would indicate an adaptation to environmental conditions. The same pattern was observed in NA and NC environments, but not in NP ones. The later environments showed a decrease in the adult abundances across the seasons, while the NC populations showed an increase of male abundances during spring season with a sharp reduction of females and juveniles throughout the year. The abundance of L. birabeni in NA environments was higher (41.06% of total abundance) and the least value was reported in NC environments (24.67%). The two most common anthropogenic activities affecting the Chaco Seco of the province of Salta modify both the seasonal changes as the representation of the different developmental stages and sexes of the native populations of L. birabeni , being the most damaging factor the modification of the native environments by the agriculture.

Diet of the lizard Liolaemus occipitalis in the coastal sand dunes of southern Brazil (Squamata-Liolaemidae) / Dieta do lagarto Liolaemus occipitalis nas dunas costerias do sul do Brasil (Squamata-Liolaemidae)

Knowledge of a species diet provides important information on adaptation and the relationship between the organism and its environment. The genus Liolaemus occurs in the southern region of South America and is an excellent model to investigate the adaptive processes of vertebrate ecology in ecosystems of this region of the world. Liolaemus occipitalis is an endangered species that inhabits the coastal sand dunes of southern Brazil. This species is the most abundant vertebrate in this environment, and it presents unique adaptation characteristics to the restinga environment. The present study analyzed this lizards diet to verify similarities or differences between this species and other species of the same genus. Specimens were collected monthly from January 1996 to December 1997. The number of items, frequency of occurrence and volume of each prey taxon were determined. Arthropods were identified to the order level, and plant material was identified as flower, fruit, seed and leaves. Variations in the diet of males and females, adults and juveniles and seasons were also analyzed. The data indicate that Liolaemus occipitalis is a generalist, “sit-and-wait” or ambush predator as well as omnivorous, feeding on both arthropods and plant material. Significant ontogenetic differences were verified. Juveniles are more carnivorous, and the intake of plant material increases with size and age. Seasonal differences in diet composition were also observed. In the spring, arthropod and plant materials were more diversified and, therefore, consumed more often.(AU)

O conhecimento sobre a dieta de uma espécie traz informações importantes sobre a adaptação e relações entre o organismo e seu ambiente. O gênero Liolaemus, que ocorre na região austral da América do Sul, tem-se mostrado como excelente modelo em ecologia de vetebrados para entender os processos adaptativos nos ecossistemas desta região do mundo. Liolaemus occipitalis é uma espécie ameaçada de extinção que habita as dunas costeiras do extremo sul do Brasil. É o vertebrado mais abundante neste ambiente e apresenta características peculiares de adaptação aos ambientes de restingas. No presente estudo analisou-se a dieta deste lagarto com o intuito de verificar se há diferenças com as espécies do gênero ou segue o mesmo padrão. Foram realizadas coletas mensais entre janeiro/96 e dezembro/97. Determinou-se o número de itens, a frequência de ocorrência e o volume de cada táxon de presa, identificados até o nível de ordem, no caso dos artrópodes, e como flor, fruto, semente e folhas o material vegetal. Foram analisadas as variações da dieta entre machos e fêmeas, entre adultos e jovens, e também entre as estações. Os dados indicam que Liolaemus occipitalis possui uma dieta onívora consumindo tanto artrópodes como material vegetal. Caracteriza-se por ser um predador generalista, forrageando de modo “senta-e-espera”. Determinaram-se diferenças significativas entre a dieta de jovens e adultos. Entre as variações ontogenéticas, constatou-se que lagartos jovens apresentam um hábito mais carnívoro, e a inclusão do material vegetal na dieta aumenta sucessivamente com o tamanho/idade do animal. Verificaram-se diferenças na composição da dieta ao longo das estações, sendo mais diversa na primavera em relação ao consumo de artrópodes, e com maior consumo de material vegetal.(AU)

Experimental manipulation of leaf litter colonization by aquatic invertebrates in a third order tropical stream / Manipulação experimental da colonização de detritos foliares por invertebrados aquáticos em um riacho tropical de 3ª ordem

Through a manipulative experiment, the colonization of leaf litter by invertebrates was investigated in two sections of a tropical stream (spatial scale) that differed in function of the canopy cover, one with the presence (closed area) and another without riparian vegetation (open area), during one month of the dry and one of the wet season (temporal scale). The work aimed to verify differences related to four variables: season, canopy cover, leaf type and leaf condition. Litter bags containing arboreal and herbaceous leaves (leaf type variable), non-conditioned and preconditioned (leaf condition variable) were placed at the bottom of the stream in each area (canopy cover variable) and season (dry and wet), and removed after 13-day colonization. The analysis of the remaining litter dry mass per leaf bag emphasizes differences related mainly to seasonality, canopy cover and leaf type, although leaf condition was also important when combined with those three factors. Comparing the abundance of invertebrates per treatment, there was a tendency of high predominance of Chironomidae during the dry season and greater taxa diversity and evenness during the wet season, when the water flow increase could alter the availability of microhabitats for local fauna. Even though canopy cover alone was not a significant source of variation in the abundance of invertebrates, the results showed a tendency of a combined effect of canopy cover with seasonality and leaf condition.(AU)

Através de um experimento de manipulação, a colonização de detritos foliares por invertebrados foi analisada em duas seções de um riacho tropical (escala espacial), que diferem em função da cobertura do dossel , um com a presença (área fechada) e outro sem vegetação ciliar (área aberta), durante um mês da estação seca e um da chuvosa (escala temporal). O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar as diferenças relacionadas a quatro variáveis: estação, cobertura vegetal, tipo e condição da folha. Sacos de náilon contendo folhas de uma planta arbórea e uma herbácea (tipo folha), não- condicionadas e pré-condicionadas (condição da folha) foram colocadas em cada área e estação do ano e removidos após 13 dias de colonização. A análise da massa seca remanescente dos detritos enfatizou diferenças relacionadas principalmente à sazonalidade, cobertura do dossel e tipo folha, embora a condição da folha também tenha sido importante quando combinado com esses três fatores. Comparando a abundância de invertebrados por tratamento, houve uma tendência de predominância de Chironomidae durante a estação seca e maior diversidade e equidade durante a estação chuvosa, quando o aumento do fluxo de água pode alterar a disponibilidade de micro-habitats para a fauna local. Apesar de cobertura do dossel sozinha não ter sido uma importante fonte de variação na abundância de invertebrados, os resultados mostraram uma tendência de um efeito combinado da cobertura do dossel com a sazonalidade e condição folha.(AU)

Gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep raised in Botucatu, state of São Paulo, Brazil / Infecções por nematódeos gastrintestinais em ovinos criados em Botucatu, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Gastrointestinal nematode infections were evaluated in sheep raised in Botucatu, state of São Paulo, Brazil between April 2008 and March 2011. Every month, two tracer lambs grazing with a flock of sheep were exposed to natural infection with gastrointestinal nematodes for 28 consecutive days. At the end of this period, the lambs were sacrificed for worm counts. Haemonchus contortus presented 100% of prevalence. The seasons exerted no significant influence on the mean intensity of H. contortus, which ranged from 315 worms in November 2010 to 2,5205 worms in January 2011. The prevalence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis was also 100%, with the lowest mean intensity (15 worms) recorded in February 2011 and the highest (9,760 worms) in October 2009. In the case of T. colubriformis, a significant correlation coefficient was found between worm counts vs. rainfall (r = −0.32; P <0.05). Three other nematodes species were found in tracer lambs, albeit in small numbers. Their prevalence and mean intensity (in parenthesis) were as follows: Oesophagostomum columbianum 28% (25.2), Cooperia curticei 7% (4.5) and Trichuris spp. 2% (1). In conclusion, the environmental conditions of the area proved to be highly favorable for the year-round transmission of H. contortus and T. colubriformis.

A ocorrência de infecções por nematódeos gastrintestinais foi avaliada de abril de 2008 até março de 2011em ovinos criados em Botucatu, estado de São Paulo. Todos os meses, dois cordeiros traçadores foram expostos à infecção natural por nematódeos gastrintestinais, durante 28 dias consecutivos, ao pastejar junto com um rebanho de ovelhas. Ao final desse período, os animais foram sacrificados para a identificação e quantificação dos helmintos. Haemonchus contortus apresentou prevalência de 100%. Não houve influência significativa das estações do ano na intensidade média de H. contortus, que variou de 315 vermes em novembro/2010 a 25.205 vermes em janeiro/2011. Trichostrongylus colubriformis também apresentou prevalência de 100% com a menor intensidade média (15 vermes) em fevereiro/2011 e a maior (9.760 vermes) em outubro/2009. No caso de T. colubriformis, houve correlação significativa entre as contagens de vermes x precipitação (r = −0,32; P <0,05). Outras três espécies de nematódeos foram encontradas nos cordeiros traçadores, no entanto em pequenas quantidades, com as seguintes prevalências e intensidades médias (entre parênteses): Oesophagostomum columbianum 28% (25,2), Cooperia curticei 7% (4,5) e Trichuris spp. 2 % (1). Em conclusão, as condições ambientais da área foram muito favoráveis durante todo o ano para a transmissão de H. contortus e T. colubriformis.

Recommendations for monitoring avian populations with point counts: a case study in southeastern Brazil

In the northern hemisphere, bird counts have been fundamental in gathering data to understand population trends. Due to the seasonality of the northern hemisphere, counts take place during two clearly defined moments in time: the breeding season (resident birds) and winter (after migration). Depending on location, Neotropical birds may breed at any time of year, may or may not migrate, and those patterns are not necessarily synchronous among species. Also in contrast to the northern hemisphere, population trends and the impact of rapid urbanization and deforestation are unknown and unmonitored. Throughout one year, we used point counts to better understand temporal patterns of bird species richness and relative abundance in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, to examine how to implement similar bird counts in tropical America. We counted birds twice each day on 10 point transects (20 points day‑1), separated by 200 m, with a 100 m limited detection radius in a semideciduous tropical forest. Both species richness and bird abundance were greater in the morning, but accumulation curves suggest that longer-duration afternoon counts would reach the same total species as in morning counts. Species richness and bird abundance did not vary seasonally and unique species were counted every month; relatively few species (20%) were present in all months. Most (84%) known forest species in the area were encountered. We suggest that point counts can work here as they do in the northern hemisphere. We recommend that transects include at least 20 points and that the simplest timing of bird counts would also be seasonal, using timing of migration of austral migrants (and six months later) to coordinate counts. We propose that bird counts in Brazil, and elsewhere in Latin America, would provide data to help understand population trends, but would require greater effort than in temperate latitudes due to greater species richness and different dynamics of reproduction and migration. With collaboration among ornithologists and coordinated bird surveys, we may develop a technique for the tropics that would yield information for population trends and conservation of birds, similar to counts in temperate latitudes.

Recommendations for monitoring avian populations with point counts: a case study in southeastern Brazil

In the northern hemisphere, bird counts have been fundamental in gathering data to understand population trends. Due to the seasonality of the northern hemisphere, counts take place during two clearly defined moments in time: the breeding season (resident birds) and winter (after migration). Depending on location, Neotropical birds may breed at any time of year, may or may not migrate, and those patterns are not necessarily synchronous among species. Also in contrast to the northern hemisphere, population trends and the impact of rapid urbanization and deforestation are unknown and unmonitored. Throughout one year, we used point counts to better understand temporal patterns of bird species richness and relative abundance in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, to examine how to implement similar bird counts in tropical America. We counted birds twice each day on 10 point transects (20 points day‑1), separated by 200 m, with a 100 m limited detection radius in a semideciduous tropical forest. Both species richness and bird abundance were greater in the morning, but accumulation curves suggest that longer-duration afternoon counts would reach the same total species as in morning counts. Species richness and bird abundance did not vary seasonally and unique species were counted every month; relatively few species (20%) were present in all months. Most (84%) known forest species in the area were encountered. We suggest that point counts can work here as they do in the northern hemisphere. We recommend that transects include at least 20 points and that the simplest timing of bird counts would also be seasonal, using timing of migration of austral migrants (and six months later) to coordinate counts. We propose that bird counts in Brazil, and elsewhere in Latin America, would provide data to help understand population trends, but would require greater effort than in temperate latitudes due to greater species richness and different dynamics of reproduction and migration. With collaboration among ornithologists and coordinated bird surveys, we may develop a technique for the tropics that would yield information for population trends and conservation of birds, similar to counts in temperate latitudes.(AU)

Maintaining rear-fanged snakes for venom production: an evaluation of mortality and survival rates for Philodryas olfersii and P. patagoniensis in captivity

This study evaluates the mortality and average survival rates of captive female Philodryas olfersii and Philodryas patagoniensis snakes maintained for venom production. Also, two factors likely to reduce captive survival were studied - body condition at admission and seasonality. Mortality peaks occurred during the second month in captivity. More than half the individuals were dead at the end of the third month. This suggests that the first three months in captivity are the most critical in terms of survival and adaptation. Females collected and admitted during spring and summer lived less time than those collected in autumn and winter. As gravidity and egg-laying occur during spring and summer, we suggest that the lower survival rates in these seasons may be due to high costs and stress involved in these reproductive events. Unexpectedly, body mass and body condition were poor predictors of survival in captivity. Our results have important implications in maintaining snakes for venom production. We propose some prophylactic measures to minimize the deleterious impacts of captivity during the adaptation period.(AU)

Trophic structure of a fish community in Bananal stream subbasin in Brasília National Park, Cerrado biome (Brazilian Savanna), DF

The aim of this study was to determine the trophic structure of the fish community in the Bananal stream subbasin, which belongs to a well-preserved Cerrado area (Brazilian Savanna) in Brasília National Park, Brazil. We also evaluated the influence of environmental variations in the diet of fish species. Four samples were taken in each 30 m long established transect, two in the rainy season and two in the dry season. A total of 1,050 stomachs of the 13 most abundant species were analyzed. A total of 36 food items were consumed, where 24 were autochthonous, 8 allochthonous, and 4 of undetermined origin. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, in addition to the results of frequency of occurrence and abundance charts, was used to determine four groups of feeding guilds: detritivores, omnivores (tending toward herbivory and invertivory), invertivores and piscivores. Around 69 percent of the volume of resources consumed was allochthonous, which proves the importance of the resources provided by riparian vegetation. The contribution of autochthonous and allochthonous items in the diet differed due to seasonality for Aspidoras fuscoguttatus, Astyanax sp., Characidium xanthopterum, Hyphessobrycon balbus, Kolpotocheirodon theloura, Moenkhausia sp., Phalloceros harpagos, and Rivulus pictus. Despite the Cerrado climate characteristics, there was no significant influence of season on the fish diet. The absence of seasonal variation and the predominance of allochthonous items in the fish diet are probably associated with the presence of riparian vegetation, which acts as a transition area in the Cerrado biome and provides resources for the aquatic fauna. This work shows the importance of studies in non-disturbed areas considered here as a source of information concerning the biology of fish species and as a guide for direct conservation policies on the management of aquatic resources, recovery of damaged areas and determination of priority areas for conservation.(AU)

O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de determinar a estrutura trófica da comunidade de peixes da sub-bacia do ribeirão Bananal pertencente a uma área bem preservada de Cerrado no Parque Nacional de Brasília. Além disso, buscou-se verificar a influência das variações ambientais na dieta das espécies. Em cada trecho de 30 m de extensão foram realizadas quatro amostragens, duas no período seco e duas no período chuvoso. Foram analisados 1050 estômagos pertencentes às 13 espécies mais abundantes encontradas. No total, foram consumidos 36 itens alimentares sendo 24 autóctones, oito alóctones e quatro de origem indeterminada. A análise de escalonamento multidimensional não-métrico (NMDS), juntamente com os resultados dos gráficos de freqüência de ocorrência e abundância, agrupou as espécies em quatro guildas: detritívoros, onívoros (com tendência à herbivoria e invertivoria), invertívoros e piscívoros. Cerca de 69 por cento dos recursos consumidos pelos indivíduos foram de origem alóctone, o que evidencia a importância dos recursos advindos das matas de galeria. A contribuição de presas autóctones e alóctones na dieta diferiu, de acordo com a estação para Aspidoras fuscoguttatus, Astyanax sp., Characidium xanthopterum, Hyphessobrycon balbus, Kolpotocheirodon theloura, Moenkhausia sp., Phalloceros harpagos e Rivulus pictus. Apesar das características climáticas do bioma Cerrado, não houve influência significativa da variação sazonal na dieta. A ausência de variação sazonal e a predominância de itens alóctones na dieta provavelmente estão associadas à presença de matas ciliares, que atuam como zonas de amortecimento e zonas provedoras de recursos para a biota aquática. O presente estudo demonstra a importância de estudos em regiões íntegras para fornecer conhecimentos sobre a biologia das espécies e permitir o direcionamento de ações públicas para o manejo dos recursos aquáticos, para a recuperação de áreas degradadas e para a determinação de áreas prioritárias para a conservação.(AU)