Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

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

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

Biological control of Biomphalaria, the intermediate host of Schistosoma spp.: a systematic review / Controle biológico de Biomphalaria, hospedeiro intermediário do Schistosoma spp.: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT: Schistosomiasis is an important vector-borne disease transmitted by an intermediate host: a freshwater mollusk. Control of these snail vectors is one of the strategies of the World Health Organization against the disease. The present study was based on a systematic review of published scientific papers concerning the biological control of snails (genus Biomphalaria), and identified the ongoing challenges and propose future perspectives. The review methodology was based on the PRISMA statement, the international databases Web of Science and Scopus for the period 1945-2021. In total, 47 papers were analyzed, published by authors from 14 different countries, the majority being from: France, Brazil, the United States, and Egypt. The most widely used strategy for biological control was predation by fish (12 studies). Fourteen papers were published in the most prolific decade 2010-2019; during which there was also a greater diversity of biological control agents in studies. In this context, we believed that one of the principal challenges of this approach is the successful simultaneous use of multiple types of biological control agent: predators, competitors, and/or microbial agents. This new approach may provide important insights for the development of new biological control agents or microbial-based products, with the potential to reduce the parasite load carried by schistosomiasis snail vector and control its transmission in a sustainable way.

RESUMO: A esquistossomose é uma importante doença transmitida por vetor, um hospedeiro intermediário: um molusco de água doce. O controle desses caramujos vetores é uma das estratégias da Organização Mundial da Saúde para controle da doença. O presente estudo foi baseado em uma revisão sistemática de artigos científicos publicados sobre o controle biológico de caramujos (gênero Biomphalaria), e teve como objetivo identificar os desafios atuais e propor perspectivas futuras. A metodologia de revisão foi baseada na declaração PRISMA, nas bases de dados internacionais, Web of Science e Scopus, entre 1945-2021. No total, foram analisados 47 artigos, publicados por autores de 14 países diferentes, sendo a maioria: França, Brasil, Estados Unidos e Egito. A estratégia mais utilizada para controle biológico foi a predação por peixes (12 estudos). Quatorze artigos foram publicados na década mais produtiva 2010-2019, durante a qual também houve uma maior diversidade de agentes de controle biológico em estudos. Neste contexto, acreditamos que um dos principais desafios desta abordagem é a utilização simultânea bem-sucedida de múltiplos tipos de agentes de controle biológico: predadores, concorrentes e/ou agentes microbianos. Esta nova abordagem fornece importantes subsídios para o desenvolvimento de novos agentes de controle biológico ou produtos de base microbiana, com o potencial de reduzir a carga parasitária transportada pelo vetor esquistossomose de caramujos e controlar sua transmissão de forma sustentável.

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

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

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

Phytophagous insects and natural enemies on Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapindales: Sapindaceae) plants fertilized with or without dehydrated sewage sludge / Insetos fitófagos e inimigos naturais em plantas de Sapindus saponaria (Sapindales: Sapindaceae) adubadas com ou sem lodo de esgoto desidratado

Management programs and efficient techniques are necessary to recover degraded ecosystems. The sewage sludge is rich in nitrogen (N) and with the potential to fertilize Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapinales: Sapindaceae), used in the recovery of degraded areas; this can affect the insect fauna. The study's objective was to evaluate, for 24 months, the abundance of chewing insects, dipterans, pollinators, and predators on S. saponaria plants fertilized with or without dehydrated sewage sludge in a degraded area. The experimental design was completely randomized (with the same characteristics) with two treatments (with or without dehydrated sewage sludge) and 24 replicates, each with one plant. The abundance of Anastrepha sp. (Tephritidae), Cerotoma sp. (Chrysomelidae), Curculionidae, Musca domestica L. (Muscidae), Mantis religiosa L. (Mantodea: Mantidae), Oxyopidae, Salticidae, Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera), and Teudis sp. (Anyphaenidae) was higher on fertilized plants. The abundances of Teudis sp. and Tmarus sp. (Thomisidae) and M. religiosa and Teudis sp. were positively correlated with chewing insects and Diptera, respectively. The population increase of insects and spiders on S. saponaria plants fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge (bigger crowns) has shown to be suitable for recovering degraded areas with a higher number of niches and better food quality, improving the ecological indices of the area.

A degradação de ecossistemas torna necessário programas de manejo e técnicas eficientes para recuperá-los. O lodo de esgoto é rico em nitrogênio e com potencial para adubar Sapindus saponaria L. (Sapinales: Sapindaceae), utilizada na recuperação de áreas degradadas, mas isto pode afetar a fauna de insetos. O objetivo foi avaliar, durante 24 meses, abundância de insetos mastigadores, dípteros, polinizadores e predadores em plantas de S. saponaria fertilizadas ou não com lodo de esgoto desidratado, em área degradada. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualisado com dois tratamentos (com ou sem lodo desidratado de esgoto) e 24 repetições, cada uma com uma planta. A abundância de Anastrepha sp. (Tephritidae), Cerotoma sp. (Chrysomelidae), Curculionidae, Musca domestica L. (Muscidae), Mantis religiosa L. (Mantodea: Mantidae), Oxyopidae, Salticidae, Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera) e Teudis sp. (Anyphaenidae) foi maior em plantas adubadas. A abundância de Teudis sp. e Tmarus sp. (Thomisidae) e M. religiosa e Teudis sp. foi, positivamente, correlacionada com as de insetos mastigadores e Diptera, respectivamente. O aumento populacional de insetos e aranhas em plantas de S. saponaria, adubada com lodo desidratado de esgoto (maiores copas), mostra ser adequado para a recuperação de áreas degradadas, tendo essas plantas um maior número de nichos e com alimento de melhor qualidade, melhorando os índices ecológicos na área.

Biological control of Biomphalaria, the intermediate host of Schistosoma spp, a systematic review / Controle biológico de Biomphalaria, hospedeiro intermediário do Schistosoma spp, uma revisão sistemática

Schistosomiasis is an important vector-borne disease transmitted by an intermediate host: a freshwater mollusk. Control of these snail vectors is one of the strategies of the World Health Organization against the disease. The present study was based on a systematic review of published scientific papers concerning the biological control of snails (genus Biomphalaria), and identified the ongoing challenges and propose future perspectives. The review methodology was based on the PRISMA statement, the international databases Web of Science and Scopus for the period 1945-2021. In total, 47 papers were analyzed, published by authors from 14 different countries, the majority being from: France, Brazil, the United States, and Egypt. The most widely used strategy for biological control was predation by fish (12 studies). Fourteen papers were published in the most prolific decade 2010-2019; during which there was also a greater diversity of biological control agents in studies. In this context, we believed that one of the principal challenges of this approach is the successful simultaneous use of multiple types of biological control agent: predators, competitors, and/or microbial agents. This new approach may provide important insights for the development of new biological control agents or microbial-based products, with the potential to reduce the parasite load carried by schistosomiasis snail vector and control its transmission in a sustainable way.

A esquistossomose é uma importante doença transmitida por vetor, um hospedeiro intermediário: um molusco de água doce. O controle desses caramujos vetores é uma das estratégias da Organização Mundial da Saúde para controle da doença. O presente estudo foi baseado em uma revisão sistemática de artigos científicos publicados sobre o controle biológico de caramujos (gênero Biomphalaria), e teve como objetivo identificar os desafios atuais e propor perspectivas futuras. A metodologia de revisão foi baseada na declaração PRISMA, nas bases de dados internacionais, Web of Science e Scopus, entre 1945-2021. No total, foram analisados 47 artigos, publicados por autores de 14 países diferentes, sendo a maioria: França, Brasil, Estados Unidos e Egito. A estratégia mais utilizada para controle biológico foi a predação por peixes (12 estudos). Quatorze artigos foram publicados na década mais produtiva 2010-2019, durante a qual também houve uma maior diversidade de agentes de controle biológico em estudos. Neste contexto, acreditamos que um dos principais desafios desta abordagem é a utilização simultânea bem-sucedida de múltiplos tipos de agentes de controle biológico: predadores, concorrentes e/ou agentes microbianos. Esta nova abordagem fornece importantes subsídios para o desenvolvimento de novos agentes de controle biológico ou produtos de base microbiana, com o potencial de reduzir a carga parasitária transportada pelo vetor esquistossomose de caramujos e controlar sua transmissão de forma sustentável.

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

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

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

Cone snail species off the Brazilian coast and their venoms: a review and update

The genus Conus includes over 900 species of marine invertebrates known as cone snails, whose venoms are among the most powerful described so far. This potency is mainly due to the concerted action of hundreds of small bioactive peptides named conopeptides, which target different ion channels and membrane receptors and thus interfere with crucial physiological processes. By swiftly harpooning and injecting their prey and predators with such deadly cocktails, the slow-moving cone snails guarantee their survival in the harsh, competitive marine environment. Each cone snail species produces a unique venom, as the mature sequences of conopeptides from the venoms of different species share very little identity. This biochemical diversity, added to the numerous species and conopeptides contained in their venoms, results in an immense biotechnological and therapeutic potential, still largely unexplored. That is especially true regarding the bioprospection of the venoms of cone snail species found off the Brazilian coast - a region widely known for its biodiversity. Of the 31 species described in this region so far, only four - Conus cancellatus, Conus regius, Conus villepinii, and Conus ermineus - have had their venoms partially characterized, and, although many bioactive molecules have been identified, only a few have been actually isolated and studied. In addition to providing an overview on all the cone snail species found off the Brazilian coast to date, this review compiles the information on the structural and pharmacological features of conopeptides and other molecules identified in the venoms of the four aforementioned species, paving the way for future studies.(AU)

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

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

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

Changes in galling insect community on Caryocar brasiliense trees mediated by soil chemical and physical attributes / Mudanças na comunidade de insetos galhadores em plantas de Caryocar brasiliense mediadas por atributos químicos e físicos do solo

The nutrient stress hypothesis predicts that galling insects prevail on host plants growing in habitats with soils of low nutritional quality. Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) is host to four different leaf-galling insects. These insects have the potential to cause a reduction in the production of C. brasiliense fruits, an important source of income for many communities in Brazil. We studied the effects of soil physical and chemical characteristics on the abundance, species richness, and diversity of galling insects and their natural enemies on C. brasiliense trees growing under three different soil conditions. Our data corroborate the hypothesis that in nutritionally poor (e.g., lower phosphorus content) and worse physical textures (e.g., sandy) soils, host plants support higher species richness and diversity of galling insects. However, the abundance of Eurytoma sp. (the most common gall in C. brasiliense), was correlated with a higher phosphorus concentration in the soil (better nutritional condition). The percentage of galled leaflets and the area of leaflets occupied by Eurytoma sp galls were higher in the more fertile soil. In this soil, there was greater abundance, species richness, and diversity of parasitoids of Eurytoma sp. (e.g., Sycophila sp.) and predators (e.g., Zelus armillatus). Our data indicate the importance of habitat quality in the composition of the galling insect community and the impact of soil properties in mediating the distribution of these insects in C. brasiliense.

A hipótese de estresse nutricional prevê que insetos galhadores prevalecem em plantas hospedeiras que crescem em habitats com solos de baixa qualidade nutricional. Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) é hospedeiro de quatro diferentes espécies de insetos galhadores. Estes insetos têm potencial para afetar a produção dos frutos de C. brasiliense, uma importante fonte de renda para muitas comunidades no Brasil. Neste trabalho, estudamos os efeitos das características físicas e químicas do solo sobre a abundância, riqueza e diversidade de espécies de insetos galhadores e seus inimigos naturais. O estudo foi realizado em plantas de C. brasiliense em três diferentes condições de solo. Nossos dados corroboram a hipótese de que, em solos nutricionalmente pobres (por exemplo, menor teor de fósforo) e de texturas físicas piores (por exemplo, arenoso) as plantas hospedeiras suportam maior riqueza e diversidade de espécies de insetos galhadores. No entanto, a abundância de Eurytoma sp. (galhador mais comum em C. brasiliense), foi correlacionada com maior concentração de fósforo no solo (melhor condição nutricional). A porcentagem de folíolos da planta hospedeira galhada e a área de folíolos ocupada por galhas de Eurytoma sp foi maior no solo mais fértil. Neste solo, houve maior abundância, riqueza de espécies e diversidade de parasitóides de Eurytoma sp. (por exemplo, Sycophila sp.) e predadores (por exemplo, Zelus armillatus). Nossos dados indicam a importância da qualidade do habitat na composição da comunidade de insetos galhadores e o impacto das propriedades do solo na mediação da distribuição desses insetos em C. brasiliense.

Small mammals and microhabitat selection in forest fragments in the transition zone between Atlantic Forest and Pampa biome

Natural resources are depleted in fragmented landscapes that have their vegetation also altered. As a result, the microhabitat diversity and the composition and distribution of local species are affected. In this study, we evaluated the small mammals' community diversity, composition and microhabitat selection in two Atlantic Forest fragments, in an ecotone area with the Pampa biome, southern Brazil. We recorded five rodents (Akodon montensis, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Sooretamys angouya, Juliomys pictipes and the exotic Rattus rattus) and one marsupial (Didelphis albiventris). Both fragments were dominated by the generalist rodent A. montensis. Akodon montensis and O. nigripes showed similar habitat preferences: ground covered by rocks and higher values of vegetation obstruction. Sooretamys angouya preferred places with higher abundance of trees. Fruit availability was important for A. montensis and D. albiventris, highlighting the importance of this food resource for local wildlife, and the potential role of these species as seed predators and dispersers. Small species richness, the presence of an exotic species and high dominance level suggest that the study area is highly degraded.(AU)

Neuroactive venom compounds obtained from Phlogiellus bundokalbo as potential leads for neurodegenerative diseases: insights on their acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase inhibitory activities in vitro

Spider venom is a rich cocktail of neuroactive compounds designed to prey capture and defense against predators that act on neuronal membrane proteins, in particular, acetylcholinesterases (AChE) that regulate synaptic transmission through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis - an excitatory neurotransmitter - and beta-secretases (BACE) that primarily cleave amyloid precursor proteins (APP), which are, in turn, relevant in the structural integrity of neurons. The present study provides preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of Phlogiellus bundokalbo venom against neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Spider venom was extracted by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Neuroactivity of the whole venom was observed by a neurobehavioral response from Terebrio molitor larvae in vivo and fractions were screened for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE in vitro. Results The whole venom from P. bundokalbo demonstrated neuroactivity by inducing excitatory movements from T. molitor for 15 min. Sixteen fractions collected produced diverse mass fragments from MALDI-TOF-MS ranging from 900-4500 Da. Eleven of sixteen fractions demonstrated AChE inhibitory activities with 14.34% (± 2.60e-4) to 62.05% (± 6.40e-5) compared with donepezil which has 86.34% (± 3.90e-5) inhibition (p > 0.05), while none of the fractions were observed to exhibit BACE inhibition. Furthermore, three potent fractions against AChE, F1, F3, and F16 displayed competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions compared to donepezil as the positive control. Conclusion The venom of P. bundokalbo contains compounds that demonstrate neuroactivity and anti-AChE activities in vitro, which could comprise possible therapeutic leads for the development of cholinergic compounds against neurological diseases.(AU)

Neuroactive venom compounds obtained from Phlogiellus bundokalbo as potential leads for neurodegenerative diseases: insights on their acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase inhibitory activities in vitro

Spider venom is a rich cocktail of neuroactive compounds designed to prey capture and defense against predators that act on neuronal membrane proteins, in particular, acetylcholinesterases (AChE) that regulate synaptic transmission through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis - an excitatory neurotransmitter - and beta-secretases (BACE) that primarily cleave amyloid precursor proteins (APP), which are, in turn, relevant in the structural integrity of neurons. The present study provides preliminary evidence on the therapeutic potential of Phlogiellus bundokalbo venom against neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Spider venom was extracted by electrostimulation and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Neuroactivity of the whole venom was observed by a neurobehavioral response from Terebrio molitor larvae in vivo and fractions were screened for their inhibitory activities against AChE and BACE in vitro. Results The whole venom from P. bundokalbo demonstrated neuroactivity by inducing excitatory movements from T. molitor for 15 min. Sixteen fractions collected produced diverse mass fragments from MALDI-TOF-MS ranging from 900-4500 Da. Eleven of sixteen fractions demonstrated AChE inhibitory activities with 14.34% (± 2.60e-4) to 62.05% (± 6.40e-5) compared with donepezil which has 86.34% (± 3.90e-5) inhibition (p > 0.05), while none of the fractions were observed to exhibit BACE inhibition. Furthermore, three potent fractions against AChE, F1, F3, and F16 displayed competitive and uncompetitive inhibitions compared to donepezil as the positive control. Conclusion The venom of P. bundokalbo contains compounds that demonstrate neuroactivity and anti-AChE activities in vitro, which could comprise possible therapeutic leads for the development of cholinergic compounds against neurological diseases.(AU)

Edaphic mesostigmatid mites (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata) in a region of the Pampa biome of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Ácaros mesostigmatídeos edáficos (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata) em uma região do bioma Pampa do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The diversity of edaphic mites in Brazilian natural environments is little known, especially in the Pampa biome, in southern region of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity and abundance of edaphic fauna of mesostigmatid mites in a region of the Pampa biome of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Soil samples were collected in the municipality of Aceguá, in 2012 and 2013. Mites were extracted using Berlese-Tullgren modified funnels. In total, 1900 mesostigmatid mites were collected, representing 44 species from 23 genera and 10 families. The most abundant families were Rhodacaridae, Ologamasidae and Laelapidae, with respectively 903, 578 and 214 specimens, corresponding respectively to 47.5, 30.4 and 11.3% of the Mesostigmata collected. Laelapidae was the most diverse family, being represented by 22 species. The remaining families were each represented by 1-5 species. Gaeolaelaps (Laelapidae) was the most diverse genus, with 14 species. Rhodacaridae was represented by a single species, Binodacarus aceguaensis Duarte, Castilho, Cunha & Moraes, representing 47.5% of the mesostigmatids. Ologamasidae was represented by four species, with Neogamasellevans sp. corresponding to the second most abundant species, representing 27.5% of the mesostigmatids. Further analysis of the data, in terms of mite identification to species level and the potential use of the mites collected for applied biological control are needed.(AU)

A diversidade de ácaros edáficos em ambientes naturais brasileiros é pouco conhecida, especialmente no bioma Pampa na região sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a diversidade e abundância da fauna edáfica de ácaros mesostigmatídeos no bioma Pampa, do sul do Brasil. Coletas de solo foram realizadas no município de Aceguá, em 2012 e 2013. Ácaros foram extraídos das amostras com o uso de funis de Berlese-Tullgren modificados. No total, 1900 ácaros mesostigmatídeos foram coletados, representando 44 espécies de 23 gêneros de 10 famílias. As famílias mais abundantes foram Rhodacaridae, Ologamasidae e Laelapidae, nesta ordem, com 903, 578 e 214 espécimes, correspondendo respectivamente a 47,5, 30,4 e 11,3% dos mesostigmatídeos coletados. Laelapidae foi a família mais diversa, sendo representada por 22 espécies. O restante das famílias foi representado por 1 - 5 espécies. Gaeolaelaps (Laelapidae) foi o gênero mais diverso, com 14 espécies. Rhodacaridae foi representada por uma única espécie, Binodacarus aceguaensis Duarte, Castilho, Cunha & Moraes, correspondendo a 47,5% dos mesostigmatídeos. Ologamasidae foi representado por quatro espécies, com Neogamasellevans sp. correspondendo a segunda espécie mais abundante, representando 27,5% dos mesostigmatídeos encontrados. Mais estudos são necessários para a identificação destes ácaros a nível de espécie, bem como para avaliar o potencial de uso destes no controle biológico aplicado.(AU)

Fish predators of the golden mussel limnoperna fortunei in different environments in a south american subtropical river / Peixes predadores do mexilhão-dourado Limnoperna fortunei em diferentes ambientes de um rio subtropical da América do Sul

This study aimed to evaluate whether the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, identified in the upper Uruguay River for the first time in 2012, has been incorporated into the diet of the ichthyofauna present in different environments of a Neotropical reservoir. To achieve this, we analyzed the digestive tract of fish that were collected seasonally between August 2015 and May 2016. The results showed that 22 fish species had L. fortunei in the digestive tract, of which 11 were previously not known to comprise the diet of this mollusk. Furthermore, it was observed that species belonging to the orders Characiformes and Cichliformes were the main consumers of L. fortunei in the lentic environment, whereas in the lotic and transition environments, the main consumers belonged to the order Siluriformes. The degree of digestion of L. fortunei in the digestive tract of fish indicated that although most fish could digest this food resource, some Siluriformes found it difficult. Thus, it can be concluded that the availability of L. fortunei in the upper Uruguay River forms a new food resource for the endemic ichthyofauna.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o mexilhão-dourado Limnoperna fortunei, identificado na região do alto rio Uruguai pela primeira vez em 2012, vem sendo incorporado na dieta da ictiofauna presente nos diferentes compartimentos de um reservatório neotropical. Para isto, foi analisado o trato digestório de peixes através de coletas sazonais realizadas entre agosto de 2015 e maio de 2016. Os resultados mostraram que 22 espécies de peixes apresentaram L. fortunei no trato digestório, sendo que o registro de consumo deste molusco era desconhecido para 11 delas. Além disso, foi possível observar que espécies das ordens Characiformes e Cichliformes foram as principais consumidoras de L. fortunei no ambiente lêntico, enquanto que nos ambientes lóticos e de transição (lótico/lêntico) os principais consumidores deste mesmo recurso foram espécies pertencentes a ordem Siluriformes. Quando avaliado o grau de digestão de L. fortunei encontrado no trato digestório dos peixes, foi observado que a maioria dos peixes consegue digerir esse recurso alimentar, entretanto, merece destaque o fato de que algumas espécies de Siluriformes encontram dificuldade em digerir esse molusco invasor. Diante dessas informações é possível concluir que a disponibilidade de L. fortunei no alto rio Uruguai vem proporcionando uma nova oferta de alimento para diferentes espécies de peixes, e que os consumidores variam de acordo com o compartimento do reservatório.

Fish predators of the golden mussel limnoperna fortunei in different environments in a south american subtropical river / Peixes predadores do mexilhão-dourado Limnoperna fortunei em diferentes ambientes de um rio subtropical da América do Sul

This study aimed to evaluate whether the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, identified in the upper Uruguay River for the first time in 2012, has been incorporated into the diet of the ichthyofauna present in different environments of a Neotropical reservoir. To achieve this, we analyzed the digestive tract of fish that were collected seasonally between August 2015 and May 2016. The results showed that 22 fish species had L. fortunei in the digestive tract, of which 11 were previously not known to comprise the diet of this mollusk. Furthermore, it was observed that species belonging to the orders Characiformes and Cichliformes were the main consumers of L. fortunei in the lentic environment, whereas in the lotic and transition environments, the main consumers belonged to the order Siluriformes. The degree of digestion of L. fortunei in the digestive tract of fish indicated that although most fish could digest this food resource, some Siluriformes found it difficult. Thus, it can be concluded that the availability of L. fortunei in the upper Uruguay River forms a new food resource for the endemic ichthyofauna.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o mexilhão-dourado Limnoperna fortunei, identificado na região do alto rio Uruguai pela primeira vez em 2012, vem sendo incorporado na dieta da ictiofauna presente nos diferentes compartimentos de um reservatório neotropical. Para isto, foi analisado o trato digestório de peixes através de coletas sazonais realizadas entre agosto de 2015 e maio de 2016. Os resultados mostraram que 22 espécies de peixes apresentaram L. fortunei no trato digestório, sendo que o registro de consumo deste molusco era desconhecido para 11 delas. Além disso, foi possível observar que espécies das ordens Characiformes e Cichliformes foram as principais consumidoras de L. fortunei no ambiente lêntico, enquanto que nos ambientes lóticos e de transição (lótico/lêntico) os principais consumidores deste mesmo recurso foram espécies pertencentes a ordem Siluriformes. Quando avaliado o grau de digestão de L. fortunei encontrado no trato digestório dos peixes, foi observado que a maioria dos peixes consegue digerir esse recurso alimentar, entretanto, merece destaque o fato de que algumas espécies de Siluriformes encontram dificuldade em digerir esse molusco invasor. Diante dessas informações é possível concluir que a disponibilidade de L. fortunei no alto rio Uruguai vem proporcionando uma nova oferta de alimento para diferentes espécies de peixes, e que os consumidores variam de acordo com o compartimento do reservatório.(AU)

Selectivity of pesticides used in peach orchards to eggs and pupae of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata / Seletividade de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro a ovos e pupas dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata

This study aimed to assess, under laboratory conditions, the selectivity of nine pesticides used in peach to the egg and pupal stages of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Tests consisted of the direct application of pesticides on eggs and pupae of predators and assessment of sublethal effects on fertility and fecundity of emerged adults. For eggs, the pesticides were classified according to the effects on the reduction of the percentage of larval hatching, while for pupae they were classified as a function of the total effect, according to the toxicity scale proposed by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). All the pesticides (used dose) were harmless (class 1) to eggs of C. externa, but abamectin (80) and copper + calcium (1%) were considered slightly harmful (class 2) to pupae. In bioassays with C. quadrifasciata, abamectin (80), deltamethrin (40), and malathion (150) were classified as slightly harmful (class 2), while fenitrothion (100) was moderately harmful (class 3) to predator eggs; in the pupal stage, abamectin (80), fenitrothion (100), and malathion (150) were considered harmful (class 4). Azadirachtin (1%), chlorantraniliprole (14), deltamethrin (40), copper + calcium (25% + 10%), and sulfur + calcium (3.5 Ba) were harmless (class 1) to eggs and pupae of C. externa and C. quadrifasciata and thus should be prioritized in sprayings for pest control in the IPM of peach.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar em laboratório a seletividade de nove produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro sobre as fases de ovo e pupa dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Os ensaios consistiram da aplicação direta dos agrotóxicos sobre ovos e pupas dos predadores e avaliação de efeitos subletais na fertilidade e fecundidade dos adultos emergidos. Para ovos, os produtos fitossanitários foram classificados em função dos efeitos na redução da porcentagem de eclosão de larvas, e para pupas em função do efeito total, conforme a escala de toxicidade proposta pela International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). Todos os produtos fitossanitários (dosagem utilizada) foram inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos de C. externa, entretanto, abamectina (80) e cobre + cálcio (1%) foram considerados levemente nocivos (classe 2) às pupas. Nos bioensaios com C. quadrifasciata, abamectina (80), deltametrina (40) e malationa (150) foram classificados como levemente nocivos (classe 2), enquanto fenitrotiona (100) apresentou-se como moderadamente nocivo (classe 3) aos ovos do predador; para a fase de pupa, abamectina (80), fenitrotiona (100) e malationa (150) foram nocivos (classe 4). Os produtos Azadiractina (1%), clorantraniliprole (14), deltametrina (40), cobre + cálcio (25% + 10%) e enxofre + cálcio (3,5 Ba) são inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos e pupas de C. externa e C. quadrifasciata, e assim devem ser priorizados em pulverizações visando ao controle de pragas no MIP pessegueiro.(AU)

Selectivity of pesticides used in peach orchards to eggs and pupae of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata / Seletividade de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro a ovos e pupas dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata

This study aimed to assess, under laboratory conditions, the selectivity of nine pesticides used in peach to the egg and pupal stages of the predators Chrysoperla externa and Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Tests consisted of the direct application of pesticides on eggs and pupae of predators and assessment of sublethal effects on fertility and fecundity of emerged adults. For eggs, the pesticides were classified according to the effects on the reduction of the percentage of larval hatching, while for pupae they were classified as a function of the total effect, according to the toxicity scale proposed by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). All the pesticides (used dose) were harmless (class 1) to eggs of C. externa, but abamectin (80) and copper + calcium (1%) were considered slightly harmful (class 2) to pupae. In bioassays with C. quadrifasciata, abamectin (80), deltamethrin (40), and malathion (150) were classified as slightly harmful (class 2), while fenitrothion (100) was moderately harmful (class 3) to predator eggs; in the pupal stage, abamectin (80), fenitrothion (100), and malathion (150) were considered harmful (class 4). Azadirachtin (1%), chlorantraniliprole (14), deltamethrin (40), copper + calcium (25% + 10%), and sulfur + calcium (3.5 Ba) were harmless (class 1) to eggs and pupae of C. externa and C. quadrifasciata and thus should be prioritized in sprayings for pest control in the IPM of peach.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar em laboratório a seletividade de nove produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro sobre as fases de ovo e pupa dos predadores Chrysoperla externa e Coleomegilla quadrifasciata. Os ensaios consistiram da aplicação direta dos agrotóxicos sobre ovos e pupas dos predadores e avaliação de efeitos subletais na fertilidade e fecundidade dos adultos emergidos. Para ovos, os produtos fitossanitários foram classificados em função dos efeitos na redução da porcentagem de eclosão de larvas, e para pupas em função do efeito total, conforme a escala de toxicidade proposta pela International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC). Todos os produtos fitossanitários (dosagem utilizada) foram inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos de C. externa, entretanto, abamectina (80) e cobre + cálcio (1%) foram considerados levemente nocivos (classe 2) às pupas. Nos bioensaios com C. quadrifasciata, abamectina (80), deltametrina (40) e malationa (150) foram classificados como levemente nocivos (classe 2), enquanto fenitrotiona (100) apresentou-se como moderadamente nocivo (classe 3) aos ovos do predador; para a fase de pupa, abamectina (80), fenitrotiona (100) e malationa (150) foram nocivos (classe 4). Os produtos Azadiractina (1%), clorantraniliprole (14), deltametrina (40), cobre + cálcio (25% + 10%) e enxofre + cálcio (3,5 Ba) são inócuos (classe 1) aos ovos e pupas de C. externa e C. quadrifasciata, e assim devem ser priorizados em pulverizações visando ao controle de pragas no MIP pessegueiro.

Testing camera traps as a potential tool for detecting nest predation of birds in a tropical rainforest environment

Identification of the predators of bird nests is essential to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses and to make practical management decisions. A variety of nest monitoring devices have been proposed but many remain difficult to set up in the field. The aim of this study was to test camera traps as a potential tool to study predation of natural nests in a tropical rainforest environment. Specifically, we registered the predators, assessed their size range, and we compared the use of one and two cameras per nest. Of 122 nests from 24 bird species, 45 (37%) were depredated, and the cameras recorded the predator species in 29 of the total of depredated nests (64%). We identified predators in eight of 16 depredated nests (50%) in which we used one camera trap per nest, and we identified predators in 21 of 29 depredated nests (72%) when we used two camera traps per nest. The predators included six species of birds and six species of mammals, with body masses varying from 20 g to 16.5 kg. Causes for 10 of the 16 detection failures were identified and are discussed. These results suggest that camera traps are viable tools to investigate nest predation in a tropical rainforest area.

Testing camera traps as a potential tool for detecting nest predation of birds in a tropical rainforest environment

Identification of the predators of bird nests is essential to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses and to make practical management decisions. A variety of nest monitoring devices have been proposed but many remain difficult to set up in the field. The aim of this study was to test camera traps as a potential tool to study predation of natural nests in a tropical rainforest environment. Specifically, we registered the predators, assessed their size range, and we compared the use of one and two cameras per nest. Of 122 nests from 24 bird species, 45 (37%) were depredated, and the cameras recorded the predator species in 29 of the total of depredated nests (64%). We identified predators in eight of 16 depredated nests (50%) in which we used one camera trap per nest, and we identified predators in 21 of 29 depredated nests (72%) when we used two camera traps per nest. The predators included six species of birds and six species of mammals, with body masses varying from 20 g to 16.5 kg. Causes for 10 of the 16 detection failures were identified and are discussed. These results suggest that camera traps are viable tools to investigate nest predation in a tropical rainforest area.(AU)

Gall-inducing insects of restinga areas (Atlantic Forest) in Brazil: economic importance

Many gall-inducing insects have been reported as pests in the Old World and North America, although few such examples are known from South America. A list of gall-inducing insects of potential economic importance, with a focus on those of restinga environments, was compiled using Maia (2013a) as starting point and updated with the database Thompson ISI, using Insect (title) and gall (topic) as keywords. Botanical names were updated using the site Flora do Brasil, 2020, while potential economic significance of host plant species was acquired from Santos et al. (2009) and the site Useful Tropical Plants. Fifty-eight galling species were associated with 29 economically important plant species of 18 families in Brazilian restingas. The gallers were found to belong to Diptera (Cecidomyiidae and Agromyzidae) and Hemiptera (Eriococcidae and Psyllidae), among which Cecidomyiidae were the most important, with 55 gall-inducing species distributed among 28 genera. Six of the found genera are endemic to the Atlantic Forest and, until now, have been exclusively reported in restingas. About 78% of the gallers have been recorded only in Southeast Brazil and about 64% only in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Most gallers were found to be mainly associated with edible and/or medicinal plant species. Data on natural enemies are scarce with most records having been published at the taxonomic level of family or genus. Natural enemies were found associated with 43 gall-inducing species and included parasitoids, predators and inquilines. The first were the most diverse, being represented by 13 hymenopteran families, but the impacts of all of these guilds on galler populations are poorly known. Although 58 gall-inducing species were identified in the present study, the number of insect galls associated with plants of economic interests in restinga environments is about three times greater, since a total of 186 gall morphotypes have been reported. Nonetheless...