Phylogeography of feral Monteiro pig in the Brazilian Pantanal Ecosystem.

The Monteiro is a feral pig found in the Brazilian Pantanal ecosystem. The goal of this research is to generate data and knolewdge related to animal populations wich can be used for management and development of an in vitro conservation program for animal resourses at Pantanal ecosystem. The present study evaluated animals sampled from 10 distinct locations within the region, using 19 microsatellite markers (N = 189) and the control region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (N = 392). Low genetic differences were found between populations with the microsatellite data. The FST range was between 0.009 and 0.063 (p-value < 0.05). The Mantel test corroborated with previous results, as low correlations between genetic and geographic distances were observed (r2 = 0.2309, p = 0.06). Bayesian analysis for genetic structure identification placed the Monteiro pigs into three main clusters (MOB, Pop 1 and all others Pantanal populations). Most of the Monteiro pigs share a single European haplotype as seen by mtDNA analyses. This haplotype is not exclusive, as it is shared with other swine populations (commercial and other locally adapted breeds). Monteiro populations from different geographic locations within Pantanal are not isolated and can be considered as a large unique population. Since animals roam freely to seek food and water, or even due to seasonal flooding of their habitat, the Monteiro populations presented absence of major genetic structure and evidence of high gene flow. These results can be used to create a management plan and in situ and ex situ conservation program for conservation and use of the Monteiro breed in the Pantanal ecosystem.

Bat assemblages of protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Assembleias de morcegos em Unidades de Conservação no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

We analyzed the bat assemblages found in protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is the best-sampled region of the Atlantic Forest. We selected 24 strict nature reserves and nine sustainable-use protected areas. We used data from inventories and complemented with data from the literature. We compared strict and sustainable-use protected areas, and tested whether the bat assemblages varied between habitat types. We tested the effect of geographic distance on the dissimilarity between bat assemblages, as well as the relationship between species composition and the size, mean altitude of the protected area, and capture effort. We compiled a total of 34,443 capture records, involving 67 species. Three species were captured only once, which raises cause for concern. Bat assemblages did not vary between protected area categories, but did vary among habitats with less than 1,000 captures. Assemblages were more similar to one another in geographically proximate areas. The size of the protected area and capture effort did not affect the composition of the bat assemblages, but altitude did influence this parameter. The Atlantic Forest is a priority biome for research and conservation, and reliable data on species distributions are essential for the development of conservation strategies.(AU)

Analisamos as assembleias de morcegos encontradas em Unidades de Conservação (UCs) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, que é a região melhor amostrada da Mata Atlântica. Selecionamos 24 UCs de Proteção Integral e nove de Uso Sustentável. Utilizamos dados de inventários e complementamos com dados da literatura. Comparamos as UCs de Proteção Integral e de Uso Sustentável e testamos se as assembleias de morcegos variavam entre os tipos de habitat. Testamos o efeito da distância geográfica na dissimilaridade entre as assembleias de morcegos, bem como a relação entre a composição das espécies e o tamanho, a altitude média das UCs e o esforço de captura. Compilamos um total de 34.443 registros de captura, de 67 espécies. Três espécies foram capturadas apenas uma vez, o que mostra motivos de preocupação. As assembleias de morcegos não variaram entre categorias das UCs, mas variaram entre habitats com menos de 1.000 capturas. As assembleias foram mais parecidas entre si em áreas geograficamente próximas. O tamanho da UC e o esforço de captura não afetaram a composição das assembleias de morcegos, mas a altitude influenciou esse parâmetro. A Mata Atlântica é um bioma prioritário para pesquisa e conservação, e dados confiáveis sobre a distribuição de espécies são essenciais para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação.(AU)

Bat assemblages of protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Assembleias de morcegos em Unidades de Conservação no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

We analyzed the bat assemblages found in protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is the best-sampled region of the Atlantic Forest. We selected 24 strict nature reserves and nine sustainable-use protected areas. We used data from inventories and complemented with data from the literature. We compared strict and sustainable-use protected areas, and tested whether the bat assemblages varied between habitat types. We tested the effect of geographic distance on the dissimilarity between bat assemblages, as well as the relationship between species composition and the size, mean altitude of the protected area, and capture effort. We compiled a total of 34,443 capture records, involving 67 species. Three species were captured only once, which raises cause for concern. Bat assemblages did not vary between protected area categories, but did vary among habitats with less than 1,000 captures. Assemblages were more similar to one another in geographically proximate areas. The size of the protected area and capture effort did not affect the composition of the bat assemblages, but altitude did influence this parameter. The Atlantic Forest is a priority biome for research and conservation, and reliable data on species distributions are essential for the development of conservation strategies.

Analisamos as assembleias de morcegos encontradas em Unidades de Conservação (UCs) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, que é a região melhor amostrada da Mata Atlântica. Selecionamos 24 UCs de Proteção Integral e nove de Uso Sustentável. Utilizamos dados de inventários e complementamos com dados da literatura. Comparamos as UCs de Proteção Integral e de Uso Sustentável e testamos se as assembleias de morcegos variavam entre os tipos de habitat. Testamos o efeito da distância geográfica na dissimilaridade entre as assembleias de morcegos, bem como a relação entre a composição das espécies e o tamanho, a altitude média das UCs e o esforço de captura. Compilamos um total de 34.443 registros de captura, de 67 espécies. Três espécies foram capturadas apenas uma vez, o que mostra motivos de preocupação. As assembleias de morcegos não variaram entre categorias das UCs, mas variaram entre habitats com menos de 1.000 capturas. As assembleias foram mais parecidas entre si em áreas geograficamente próximas. O tamanho da UC e o esforço de captura não afetaram a composição das assembleias de morcegos, mas a altitude influenciou esse parâmetro. A Mata Atlântica é um bioma prioritário para pesquisa e conservação, e dados confiáveis sobre a distribuição de espécies são essenciais para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação.

Bat assemblages of protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT We analyzed the bat assemblages found in protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is the best-sampled region of the Atlantic Forest. We selected 24 strict nature reserves and nine sustainable-use protected areas. We used data from inventories and complemented with data from the literature. We compared strict and sustainable-use protected areas, and tested whether the bat assemblages varied between habitat types. We tested the effect of geographic distance on the dissimilarity between bat assemblages, as well as the relationship between species composition and the size, mean altitude of the protected area, and capture effort. We compiled a total of 34,443 capture records, involving 67 species. Three species were captured only once, which raises cause for concern. Bat assemblages did not vary between protected area categories, but did vary among habitats with less than 1,000 captures. Assemblages were more similar to one another in geographically proximate areas. The size of the protected area and capture effort did not affect the composition of the bat assemblages, but altitude did influence this parameter. The Atlantic Forest is a priority biome for research and conservation, and reliable data on species distributions are essential for the development of conservation strategies.

RESUMO Analisamos as assembleias de morcegos encontradas em Unidades de Conservação (UCs) no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, que é a região melhor amostrada da Mata Atlântica. Selecionamos 24 UCs de Proteção Integral e nove de Uso Sustentável. Utilizamos dados de inventários e complementamos com dados da literatura. Comparamos as UCs de Proteção Integral e de Uso Sustentável e testamos se as assembleias de morcegos variavam entre os tipos de habitat. Testamos o efeito da distância geográfica na dissimilaridade entre as assembleias de morcegos, bem como a relação entre a composição das espécies e o tamanho, a altitude média das UCs e o esforço de captura. Compilamos um total de 34.443 registros de captura, de 67 espécies. Três espécies foram capturadas apenas uma vez, o que mostra motivos de preocupação. As assembleias de morcegos não variaram entre categorias das UCs, mas variaram entre habitats com menos de 1.000 capturas. As assembleias foram mais parecidas entre si em áreas geograficamente próximas. O tamanho da UC e o esforço de captura não afetaram a composição das assembleias de morcegos, mas a altitude influenciou esse parâmetro. A Mata Atlântica é um bioma prioritário para pesquisa e conservação, e dados confiáveis sobre a distribuição de espécies são essenciais para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação.

Changes of arthropod diversity across an altitudinal ecoregional zonation in Northwestern Argentina.

This study examined arthropod community patterns over an altitudinal ecoregional zonation that extended through three ecoregions (Yungas, Monte de Sierras y Bolsones, and Puna) and two ecotones (Yungas-Monte and Prepuna) of Northwestern Argentina (altitudinal range of 2,500 m), and evaluated the abiotic and biotic factors and the geographical distance that could influence them. Pitfall trap and suction samples were taken seasonally in 15 sampling sites (1,500-4,000 m a.s.l) during one year. In addition to climatic variables, several soil and vegetation variables were measured in the field. Values obtained for species richness between ecoregions and ecotones and by sampling sites were compared statistically and by interpolation-extrapolation analysis based on individuals at the same sample coverage level. Effects of predictor variables and the similarity of arthropods were shown using non-metric multidimensional scaling, and the resulting groups were evaluated using a multi-response permutation procedure. Polynomial regression was used to evaluate the relationship between altitude with total species richness and those of hyperdiverse/abundant higher taxa and the latter taxa with each predictor variable. The species richness pattern displayed a decrease in species diversity as the elevation increased at the bottom wet part (Yungas) of our altitudinal zonation until the Monte, and a unimodal pattern of diversity in the top dry part (Monte, Puna). Each ecoregion and ecotonal zone evidenced a particular species richness and assemblage of arthropods, but the latter ones displayed a high percentage of species shared with the adjacent ecoregions. The arthropod elevational pattern and the changes of the assemblages were explained by the environmental gradient (especially the climate) in addition to a geographic gradient (the distance of decay of similarity), demonstrating that the species turnover is important to explain the beta diversity along the elevational gradient. This suggests that patterns of diversity and distribution of arthropods are regulated by the dissimilarity of ecoregional environments that establish a wide range of geographic and environmental barriers, coupled with a limitation of species dispersal. Therefore, the arthropods of higher taxa respond differently to the altitudinal ecoregional zonation.

Composição e distribuição de conchas de moluscos límnicos no Parque SESC Baía das Pedras, Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso / Composition and distribution of shells of limnic mollusks in SESC Baía das Pedras Park, Pantanal, Poconé, Mato Grosso

A riqueza, abundância e similaridade na composição de moluscos em diferentes corpos dágua no Parque Baía das Pedras, Pantanal de Poconé foi avaliada a partir de registros de conchas de indivíduos mortos durante o período de estiagem.Conchas de sete espécies de moluscos foram coletadas manualmente no perímetro de 19 corpos dágua (cinco poças remanescentes de Corixo, 12 Caixas de Empréstimo e duas Baías). A distância entre os corpos dágua e a área total de cada corpo dágua foram utilizadas como variáveis explicativas para a riqueza e distribuição de moluscos. As matrizes de dissimilaridade na composição e abundância de espécies (Bray Curtis) e de distância geográfica (Distância Euclidiana) entre os pontos demonstraram uma distribuição heterogênea para as espécies. A análise de ordenação da abundância e riqueza de moluscos em função das variáveis ambientais (área, profundidade e temperatura), não indicou presença de gradiente ambiental para as populações estudadas. Contudo, essas variáveis correlacionadas influenciam na riqueza (maior no Corixo) e abundância (r²=0,444 e p =0,028) de espécies nos corpos dágua, o que indica a prevalência de fatores locais na composição e um efeito do tamanho do sistema aquático na mortalidade de moluscos. Conchas são bons testemunhos para explicar a estruturação de comunidades de moluscos em sistemas aquáticos temporários, fornecendo dados sobre a composição e riqueza de espécies, porém, não são eficazes para explicar as relações desta comunidade com o meio abiótico como determinantes de um padrão de distribuição.(AU)

The richness, abundance and similarity of the mollusks composition in different freshwater bodies at Baía das Pedras Park, Pantanal Poconé were evaluated from the records of empty shells during the dry season. We collected seven species of mollusks at the perimeter of 19 water bodies (five in puddles of temporary streams, 12 loan boxes and two lakes). The distance between the water bodies and the total area of each one were used as explanatory variables for the richness and distribution of mollusks. The matrix of dissimilarity in the composition and abundance of species (Bray Curtis) and geographic distance (Euclidean distance) between points showed a heterogeneous distribution for the species. Ordination analysis of the abundance and richness of mollusks as a function of environmental variables (area, depth and temperature) no indicated the presence of environmental gradient of the populations studied. However, these variables correlated influence on richness (higher in Corixo) and abundance (r² = 0.444 and p = 0.028) of species in water bodies, which indicates the prevalence of local factors in the composition and an effect of the size of the aquatic system in the mortality of mollusks. Shells are good evidence to explain the structure of mollusk communities in temporary aquatic systems, providing data on the composition and species richness, but are not effective to explain the relationships between community and environmental variables as determining of distribution.(AU)

Composição e distribuição de conchas de moluscos límnicos no Parque SESC Baía das Pedras, Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso / Composition and distribution of shells of limnic mollusks in SESC Baía das Pedras Park, Pantanal, Poconé, Mato Grosso

A riqueza, abundância e similaridade na composição de moluscos em diferentes corpos d’água no Parque Baía das Pedras, Pantanal de Poconé foi avaliada a partir de registros de conchas de indivíduos mortos durante o período de estiagem.Conchas de sete espécies de moluscos foram coletadas manualmente no perímetro de 19 corpos d’água (cinco poças remanescentes de Corixo, 12 Caixas de Empréstimo e duas Baías). A distância entre os corpos d’água e a área total de cada corpo d’água foram utilizadas como variáveis explicativas para a riqueza e distribuição de moluscos. As matrizes de dissimilaridade na composição e abundância de espécies (Bray Curtis) e de distância geográfica (Distância Euclidiana) entre os pontos demonstraram uma distribuição heterogênea para as espécies. A análise de ordenação da abundância e riqueza de moluscos em função das variáveis ambientais (área, profundidade e temperatura), não indicou presença de gradiente ambiental para as populações estudadas. Contudo, essas variáveis correlacionadas influenciam na riqueza (maior no Corixo) e abundância (r²=0,444 e p =0,028) de espécies nos corpos d’água, o que indica a prevalência de fatores locais na composição e um efeito do tamanho do sistema aquático na mortalidade de moluscos. Conchas são bons testemunhos para explicar a estruturação de comunidades de moluscos em sistemas aquáticos temporários, fornecendo dados sobre a composição e riqueza de espécies, porém, não são eficazes para explicar as relações desta comunidade com o meio abiótico como determinantes de um padrão de distribuição.

The richness, abundance and similarity of the mollusks’ composition in different freshwater bodies at Baía das Pedras Park, Pantanal Poconé were evaluated from the records of empty shells during the dry season. We collected seven species of mollusks at the perimeter of 19 water bodies (five in puddles of temporary streams, 12 loan boxes and two lakes). The distance between the water bodies and the total area of each one were used as explanatory variables for the richness and distribution of mollusks. The matrix of dissimilarity in the composition and abundance of species (Bray Curtis) and geographic distance (Euclidean distance) between points showed a heterogeneous distribution for the species. Ordination analysis of the abundance and richness of mollusks as a function of environmental variables (area, depth and temperature) no indicated the presence of environmental gradient of the populations studied. However, these variables correlated influence on richness (higher in Corixo) and abundance (r² = 0.444 and p = 0.028) of species in water bodies, which indicates the prevalence of local factors in the composition and an effect of the size of the aquatic system in the mortality of mollusks. Shells are good evidence to explain the structure of mollusk communities in temporary aquatic systems, providing data on the composition and species richness, but are not effective to explain the relationships between community and environmental variables as determining of distribution.

Advertisement call and genetic structure conservatism: good news for an endangered Neotropical frog.

BACKGROUND: Many amphibian species are negatively affected by habitat change due to anthropogenic activities. Populations distributed over modified landscapes may be subject to local extinction or may be relegated to the remaining-likely isolated and possibly degraded-patches of available habitat. Isolation without gene flow could lead to variability in phenotypic traits owing to differences in local selective pressures such as environmental structure, microclimate, or site-specific species assemblages. METHODS: Here, we tested the microevolution hypothesis by evaluating the acoustic parameters of 349 advertisement calls from 15 males from six populations of the endangered amphibian species Proceratophrys moratoi. In addition, we analyzed the genetic distances among populations and the genetic diversity with a haplotype network analysis. We performed cluster analysis on acoustic data based on the Bray-Curtis index of similarity, using the UPGMA method. We correlated acoustic dissimilarities (calculated by Euclidean distance) with geographical and genetic distances among populations. RESULTS: Spectral traits of the advertisement call of P. moratoi presented lower coefficients of variation than did temporal traits, both within and among males. Cluster analyses placed individuals without congruence in population or geographical distance, but recovered the species topology in relation to sister species. The genetic distance among populations was low; it did not exceed 0.4% for the most distant populations, and was not correlated with acoustic distance. DISCUSSION: Both acoustic features and genetic sequences are highly conserved, suggesting that populations could be connected by recent migrations, and that they are subject to stabilizing selective forces. Although further studies are required, these findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting that this species would be a good candidate for a reintroduction program without negative effects on communication or genetic impact.

Factors that influence the beta-diversity of spider communities in northwestern Argentinean Grasslands.

Beta-diversity, defined as spatial replacement in species composition, is crucial to the understanding of how local communities assemble. These changes can be driven by environmental or geographic factors (such as geographic distance), or a combination of the two. Spiders have been shown to be good indicators of environmental quality. Accordingly, spiders are used in this work as model taxa to establish whether there is a decrease in community similarity that corresponds to geographic distance in the grasslands of the Campos & Malezales ecoregion (Corrientes). Furthermore, the influence of climactic factors and local vegetation heterogeneity (environmental factors) on assemblage composition was evaluated. Finally, this study evaluated whether the differential dispersal capacity of spider families is a factor that influences their community structure at a regional scale. Spiders were collected with a G-Vac from vegetation in six grassland sites in the Campos & Malezales ecoregion that were separated by a minimum of 13 km. With this data, the impact of alpha-diversity and different environmental variables on the beta-diversity of spider communities was analysed. Likewise, the importance of species replacement and nesting on beta-diversity and their contribution to the regional diversity of spider families with different dispersion capacities was evaluated. The regional and site-specific inventories obtained were complete. The similarity between spider communities declined as the geographic distance between sites increased. Environmental variables also influenced community composition; stochastic events and abiotic forces were the principal intervening factors in assembly structure. The differential dispersal capacity of spider groups also influenced community structure at a regional scale. The regional beta-diversity, as well as species replacement, was greater in high and intermediate vagility spiders; while nesting was greater in spiders with low dispersion capacity. Geographic distance, among other factors (climate, and active and passive dispersion capacity), explains assembly structure and the decrease spider community similarity between geographically distant sites. Spiders with the highest dispersal capacity showed greater species replacement. This may be due to the discontinuity (both natural and anthropic) of the grasslands in this ecoregion, which limits the dispersal capacity of these spiders, and their close dependence on microhabitats. The dispersal capacity of the least vagile spiders is limited by geographic distance and biotic factors, such as competition, which could explain the nesting observed between their communities.

Analise espacial dos aglomerados de nascimentos ocorridos em hospitais SUS e nao SUS do municipio de Sao Paulo, Brasil / Spatial analysis of live birth clusters in Unified Health System (SUS) and private hospitals in the municipality of Sao Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a distribuição espacial de nascidos vivos (NV) do município de São Paulo (MSP), verificar se há dependência espacial, identificar possíveis diferenças no perfil dos nascimentos e avaliar as distâncias percorridas entre os domicílios e os hospitais do parto. Foram estudados os NV ocorridos em hospitais de alta complexidade, quatro SUS e quatro da rede não SUS no MSP em 2008. Foram georreferenciados 46.190 NV: 48,8% em hospitais SUS e 51,2% não SUS, estes representaram 27,9% do total de NV do MSP. Os NV de hospitais SUS formaram dois aglomerados com elevada proporção de domicílios com renda de 1/2 a 2SM, concentração de favelas e altas taxas de natalidade. Os NV de hospitais não SUS formaram um aglomerado na região central do MSP, onde há elevada proporção de domicílios com renda > 10 SM e baixa natalidade. Foram encontradas diferenças estaticamente significantes das características maternas, da gestação e do parto entre os NV de hospitais SUS e não SUS e da frequência de gemelaridade. Não houve diferença na prevalência de baixo peso e pré-termo. Os resultados mostraram existir diferenciais no perfil dos aglomerados de NV, que refletem as desigualdades das condições de vida do MSP. .

The scope of this study is to evaluate the spatial distribution of live births (LB) in the Municipality of São Paulo (MSP), verify if there is spatial dependence, identify possible differences in birth profiles and evaluate the distances between homes and delivery hospitals. LB occurring in high complexity hospitals were studied, namely 4 from the Unified Health System (SUS) and 4 from the private network in MSP in 2008. 46,190 LB were geocoded: 48.8% from SUS hospitals and 51.2% from private hospitals, accounting for 27.9% of total live births in MSP. LB in SUS hospitals formed two clusters, with a high proportion of households with incomes of 1/2 to 2MW and a marked number of shantytowns and high birth rates. LB in private hospitals formed a cluster in the central region of MSP, where there is a high proportion of households with > 10 MW income and a low birth rate. Differences in maternal, pregnancy and childbirth characteristics were statistically significant in SUS and non-SUS hospitals, as well as the frequency of multiple births. There was no difference in the prevalence of low birth weight and pre-term births. The results showed differences in the LB cluster profile reflecting the current inequalities in living conditions. .

Mortalidade infantil e acesso geográfico ao parto nos municípios brasileiros / Infant mortality and geographic access to childbirth in Brazilian municipalities / Mortalidad infantil y acceso geográfico al parto en los municipios brasileños

OBJETIVO: Analisar o acesso geográfico ao parto hospitalar nos municípios brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas informações de óbitos e nascimentos quanto à sua adequação para o cálculo do coeficiente de mortalidade infantil no período de 2005 a 2007 para os 5.564 municípios brasileiros. O acesso geográfico foi expresso por indicadores de deslocamento, oferta e acesso aos serviços de saúde. A associação entre o acesso geográfico ao parto e o coeficiente de mortalidade infantil em municípios com adequação de suas informações vitais foi avaliada por meio de regressão múltipla. RESULTADOS: Dentre os municípios analisados, 56 por cento apresentaram adequação das informações vitais, correspondendo a 72 por cento da população brasileira. O deslocamento geográfico ao parto mostrou-se inversamente associado ao porte populacional, à renda per capita, e à mortalidade infantil, mesmo controlado por fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos. CONCLUSÕES: Embora tenham sido desenvolvidas estratégias importantes para a melhoria da qualidade do atendimento às gestantes no Brasil, as ações para garantir o acesso igualitário à assistência ao parto ainda são insuficientes. O maior deslocamento intermunicipal para o parto se mostrou como um fator de risco para a mortalidade infantil, aliado à desigualdade de oferta de serviços qualificados e à falta de integração com a atenção básica de saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze geographic access to hospital childbirth in Brazilian municipalities. METHODS: Information on deaths and births were analyzed in regards to appropriateness for calculating the infant mortality rate during the period 2005 to 2007, for the 5,564 Brazilian municipalities. Indicators of supply and geographic access to health services were calculated to express hospital childbirth access. A multivariate regression model was used to test the association between geographic access to childbirth and the infant mortality rate in municipalities with adequate vital information. RESULTS: Of the municipalities analyzed, 56 percent had adequate vital information, corresponding to 72 percent of Brazil's population. The geographic distance between the municipality of residence and municipality of hospitalization was inversely associated to population size, per capita income and the infant mortality rate, even when controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although important strategies have been developed in Brazil to improve the quality of care for pregnant women, actions to guarantee equal access to childbirth services are still insufficient. Large geographic distance to childbirth facility was identified as a risk factor for infant mortality, together with unequal supply of quality health services and lack of integration with primary care.

OBJETIVO: Analizar el acceso geográfico al parto hospitalario en los municipios brasileños. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron informaciones de óbitos y nacimientos con relación a su adecuación para el cálculo del coeficiente de mortalidad infantil en el período de 2005 a 2007 para los 5.564 municipios brasileños. El acceso geográfico fue expresado por indicadores de desplazamiento y oferta y acceso a los servicios de salud. Se evaluó la asociación entre el acceso geográfico al parto y el coeficiente de mortalidad infantil en municipios con adecuación de sus informaciones vitales por medio de regresión múltiple. RESULTADOS: Entre los municipios analizados, 56 por ciento presentaron adecuación de las informaciones vitales, correspondiendo a 72 por ciento de la población brasileña. El desplazamiento geográfico al parto se evidenció inversamente asociado al porte poblacional y a la renta per capita, y a la mortalidad infantil, aún siendo controlado por factores demográficos y socioeconómicos. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de que se hayan desarrollado estrategias importantes para el mejoramiento de la calidad de la atención a las gestantes en Brasil, las acciones para garantizar el acceso igualitario a la asistencia al parto son aún insuficientes. El mayor desplazamiento intermunicipal para el parto se mostró como un factor de riesgo para la mortalidad infantil, aliado a la desigualdad de oferta de servicios calificados y a la falta de integración con la atención básica de salud.