Does host migration affect host-parasite interaction? Migrant birds harbor exclusive parasites but have similar roles in parasite-host networks.

Parasites comprise a substantial portion of global biodiversity and play critical roles in shaping ecosystems by modulating trophic networks and affecting their hosts' abundance and distribution. The dynamics of host migration introduce new complexity to these relationships. From the host perspective, migratory behavior can either act as a defense mechanism or augment exposure to a broader spectrum of pathogens. Conversely, for parasites, host migration represents a mechanism for their dispersion and an opportunity to infect new host species. This study investigates the complex interplay between migration and parasite-host interactions, focusing on the interaction between hosts and avian malaria and malaria-like parasites in the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. We captured 1466 birds representing 70 different species, uncovering 322 infections with Plasmodium/Haemoproteus parasites. We observed variations in migration timing and fluctuations in host abundance across months. By comparing the observed patterns of interaction of migratory and non-migratory birds to patterns of interaction expected at random, we show that migration affects the roles hosts take in the parasite-host network. Interestingly, despite the fact migratory species hosted more exclusive and distinct parasites, migrants did not occupy central network positions, which are mostly occupied by resident birds. Overall, we highlight the role of resident birds as a key species within parasite-host communities and the high specialization among avian haemosporidians and their hosts.

INVENTORY OF MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) IN CONSERVATION UNITS IN BRAZILIAN TROPICAL DRY FORESTS.

In Brazil, most studies of the Culicidae family are concentrated in rainforest regions. As such, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the diversity of Culicidae in regions with different climatic and vegetational characteristics. The aim of this study was to compile an inventory of Culicidae in protected areas of the semi-arid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to better understand the diversity of the family within this region. The study was conducted across four protected areas in the northern region of the state, in tropical dry forest (TDF) fragments. Sampling methods included Shannon trap and CDC light trap, as well as active collection. A total of 11,219 mosquito specimens were collected between August 2008 and July 2012, belonging to 11 genera and 45 species; 15 new records for the state of Minas Gerais were registered, as well as 26 new records for semi-arid regions within the state. The high number of new Culicidae records in this region demonstrates the importance of inventory studies for increasing the knowledge of culicid biodiversity in Minas Gerais, and in particular within semi-arid regions of the state.

Inventory of moqquitoes (diptera: culicidae) inconservation units in Braziliann tropical dry forests / Inventário de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) em unidades de conservação em florestas tropicais secas brasileiras

In Brazil, most studies of the Culicidae family are concentrated in rainforest regions. As such, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the diversity of Culicidae in regions with different climatic and vegetational characteristics. The aim of this study was to compile an inventory of Culicidae in protected areas of the semi-arid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to better understand the diversity of the family within this region. The study was conducted across four protected areas in the northern region of the state, in tropical dry forest (TDF) fragments. Sampling methods included Shannon trap and CDC light trap, as well as active collection. A total of 11,219 mosquito specimens were collected between August 2008 and July 2012, belonging to 11 genera and 45 species; 15 new records for the state of Minas Gerais were registered, as well as 26 new records for semi-arid regions within the state. The high number of new Culicidae records in this region demonstrates the importance of inventory studies for increasing the knowledge of culicid biodiversity in Minas Gerais, and in particular within semi-arid regions of the state.

No Brasil, a maior parte dos estudos relacionados à família Culicidae se concentram em regiões de florestas úmidas, existindo uma lacuna no conhecimento da diversidade destes mosquitos em regiões com características climáticas e vegetacionais diferentes. O objetivo desse trabalho foi inventariar a fauna de culicídeos em unidades de conservação do semi-árido de Minas Gerais, visando assim contribuir para o conhecimento da diversidade de Culicidae desta região. O estudo foi realizado em quatro unidades de conservação localizadas na região norte do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, área representada por fragmentos de Floresta Tropical Seca (FTS). Foram utilizados três métodos de coleta: armadilha do tipo Shannon, armadilha luminosa do tipo CDC e coleta ativa. Durante o período de agosto de 2008 a julho de 2012 foi coletado um total de 11.219 espécimes de mosquitos, distribuídos em 11 gêneros e 45 espécies. Foram registrados 15 novos registros de mosquitos para o estado de Minas Gerais e 26 novos registros para a região do semi-árido de Minas Gerais. O elevado número de novos registros de Culicidae na região demonstra a importância de estudos de inventário para o aumento do conhecimento da biodiversidade de culicídeos em Minas Gerais, e em particular a região do semi-árido do estado.