Extending the paleontology-biogeography reciprocity with SDMs: Exploring models and data in reducing fossil taxonomic uncertainty.

Historically, studies aimed at prospecting and analyzing paleontological and neontological data to investigate species distribution have developed separately. Research at the interface between paleontology and biogeography has shown a unidirectional bias, mostly focusing on how paleontological information can aid biogeography to understand species distribution through time. However, the modern suit of techniques of ecological biogeography, particularly species distribution models (SDM), can be instrumental for paleontologists as well, improving the biogeography-paleontology interchange. In this study, we explore how to use paleoclimatic data and SDMs to support paleontological investigation regarding reduction of taxonomic uncertainty. Employing current data from two neotropical species (Lagostomus maximus and Myocastor coipus), we implemented SDMs and performed model validation comparing hindcasts with dated fossil occurrences (~14k and ~20k years back present, respectively). Finally, we employed the hindcasting process for two South American fossil records of a misidentified species of caiman (Caiman sp.) to show that C. latirostris is the most likely species identity of these fossils (among four candidate species: C. latirostris, C. yacare, C. crocodilus, and Melanosuchus niger). Possible limitations of the approach are discussed. With this strategy, we have shown that current developments in biogeography research can favour paleontology, extending the (biased) current interchange between these two scientific disciplines.

Zoogeography of South American Forest-Dwelling Bats: Disjunct Distributions or Sampling Deficiencies?

Many forest-dwelling bats are purported to be widespread in South America, although records are scant from the vast diagonal belt of dry ecosystems that straddles the continent, implying possible sampling deficiencies. Here, we investigate this possibility in the case of four species of bat (Centronycteris maximiliani, Lampronycteris brachyotis, Peropteryx kappleri and Trinycteris nicefori), evaluating whether their disjunct present-day distributions reflect their true zoogeographic characteristics or the subsampling of intermediate zones. We use environmental niche modelling (ENM) in an ensemble approach, combining four different modeling techniques, and using niche descriptors based on climatic and remote sensing data, to estimate the potential distribution of the four species. The models indicate that all four species have disjunct distributions in the Amazon and Atlantic forest biomes. The one possible exception is P. kappleri, which the models indicated might potentially occur in humid forest enclaves in western Brazil and eastern Bolivia. The present-day distribution of the species may date back to the Plio-Pleistocene, when the forested biomes of South America were more extensive and connected. Further studies of different chiropteran lineages may provide additional insights into the historic processes of faunal interchange between the Amazon and Atlantic forest biomes.

Birds of the Grota do Angico Natural Monument in the semi-arid Caatinga scrublands of northeastern Brazil / Aves do Monumento Natural Grota de Angico na região de Caatinga ao Nordeste do Brasil

An inventory of the avian fauna of the Grota do Angico Natural Monument in the Caatinga of northern Sergipe, Brazil, revealed the presence of at least 140 species, including nine that are endemic to the Caatinga and seasonal forest adjacent. Despite the limited scope of the study (two expeditions in July and August, 2008), the species richness recorded at the site appeared to be typical of the region and the Caatinga biome.

No inventário da avifauna do Monumento Natural Grota de Angico na Caatinga ao norte de Sergipe, Brasil, revelou a presença de pelo menos 140 espécies, incluindo nove endêmicas da Caatinga e florestas sazonais adjacentes. Apesar do alcance limitado do estudo (duas expedições em Julho e Agosto, 2008), a riqueza de espécies registrada no sitio aparentemente pode ser típica da região e do Bioma Caatinga.

Morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) capturados no Campus da Universidade Federal de Sergipe, com oito novos registros para o estado / Bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) captured at the campus of the Federal University of Sergipe, including eight new records for the state

Neste estudo apresentamos uma lista de morcegos registrados em um fragmento florestal urbano do Campus da Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil. De julho de 2005 a setembro de 2007 coletamos um total de 400 indivíduos, distribuídos em cinco famílias, 13 gêneros e 18 espécies. Phyllostomidae foi a família com a maior riqueza de espécies. Carollia perspicillata, Artibeus lituratus e Platyrrhinus lineatus foram as mais abundantes, compreendendo mais de 65 por cento dos indivíduos capturados. Este trabalho apresenta a primeira ocorrência de oito espécies par o Estado de Sergipe, incluindo uma para a Mata Atlântica. Observações sobre aspectos reprodutivos das espécies mais abundantes são incluídas.

In this study we present a list of bats recorded in an urban forest fragment at the campus of the Federal University of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. From July 2005 to September 2007 we collected a total of 400 individuals, distributed in five families, 13 genera and 18 species. Phyllostomidae was the most speciose family. Carollia perspicillata, Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus were the most abundant species, comprising more than 65 percent of captured individuals. This work presents the first occurrence for eight species in Sergipe state, including one in Atlantic forest. Comments on reproductive aspects of more abundant species are included.