Four new Brazilian species of Lonchocarpus (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Millettieae)

Lonchocarpus castaneifolius, L. grazielae, L. longiunguiculatus, and L. montanus from Brazil are described and illustrated based on field and herbarium studies. The first species belongs to Lonchocarpus sect. Punctati and is restricted to northeastern Brazil (Bahia state). The other three are included in sect. Laxiflori. Lonchocarpus grazielae is restricted to the southern coastal region (Santa Catarina state), L. montanus is found in northeastern Brazil (Bahia and Piauí states), the west-central region (Goiás and Tocantins states) and the southeast (Minas Gerais state), and L. longiunguiculatus occurs in northeastern (Bahia state) and southeastern (Minas Gerais state) Brazil.     

Diversity and distribution of Collembola (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) of Brazil

Objectives of this study are to summarize the current state of knowledge of the diversity and distribution of Collembola in Brazil; to identify areas of most importance, interest, and need of additional research; and to enable development of experimental hypotheses for future research on Collembola in this region. The total number of collembolan species currently known from Brazil is 199, distributed among 19 families and 80 genera. The greatest numbers of species have been recorded from the states of Rio de Janeiro and Amazonas (with 69 and 56 species, respectively). Few or no species are known from most Brazilian states. Most of the species for which specific Brazilian environmental habitat information is available (93, 66%) are known only from forest environments. Most of the species (127, 64%) are known only from Brazil (most likely being endemic); 33 species (17%) are known only from Brazil and other neotropical areas; and 39 species (20%) have a distribution beyond the neotropical region. Results of this study indicate that much remains to be learned about the Brazilian collembolan fauna. This is especially true for areas of the northeastern, central-western, and southern regions. Studies to determine the species composition of collembolan communities in specific environments in Brazil are needed. The great diversity of Collembola species in Brazil is largely unknown and there are many opportunities for additional research on these environmentally important organisms in this area. Such additional research on the Collembola in Brazil is also essential for a better understanding of the neotropical (and world) collembolan fauna.     

DNA sequence analysis to guide the release of blue-and-yellow macaws (Ara ararauna, Psittaciformes, Aves) from the illegal trade back into the wild

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the major threats to Brazil’s biodiversity. Approximately 80 % of illegally captured animals are birds, and 4 % of those are parrots. Although many seized birds do not survive, those that are recovered may be returned to the wild. The release of seized individuals into the wild should be conducted with caution, as local populations may suffer adverse effects if genetically different individuals are introduced. In this study, we evaluated the genetic relationships between 13 illegally captured blue-and-yellow macaws selected for release in northeastern Goiás, Brazil, and previously studied Brazilian macaw populations. We identified the seized macaws that were genetically similar to those from northwestern Goiás and that were therefore most suitable for release in that area. The genetic relationship was evaluated by sequence analysis of 403 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region. Relationships between mitochondrial haplotypes were computed via a median-joining network. Only six of the seized macaws were closely related to the macaws of northeastern Goiás, indicating that those macaws were potential candidates for release in that area. However, the release of these birds should follow all technical recommendations required by the Brazilian environmental authorities.     

Examining variation in the leaf mass per area of dominant species across two contrasting tropical gradients in light of community assembly

Understanding variation in key functional traits across gradients in high diversity systems and the ecology of community changes along gradients in these systems is crucial in light of conservation and climate change. We examined inter‐ and intraspecific variation in leaf mass per area (LMA) of sun and shade leaves along a 3330‐m elevation gradient in Peru, and in sun leaves across a forest–savanna vegetation gradient in Brazil. We also compared LMA variance ratios (T‐statistics metrics) to null models to explore internal (i.e., abiotic) and environmental filtering on community structure along the gradients. Community‐weighted LMA increased with decreasing forest cover in Brazil, likely due to increased light availability and water stress, and increased with elevation in Peru, consistent with the leaf economic spectrum strategy expected in colder, less productive environments. A very high species turnover was observed along both environmental gradients, and consequently, the first source of variation in LMA was species turnover. Variation in LMA at the genus or family levels was greater in Peru than in Brazil. Using dominant trees to examine possible filters on community assembly, we found that in Brazil, internal filtering was strongest in the forest, while environmental filtering was observed in the dry savanna. In Peru, internal filtering was observed along 80% of the gradient, perhaps due to variation in taxa or interspecific competition. Environmental filtering was observed at cloud zone edges and in lowlands, possibly due to water and nutrient availability, respectively. These results related to variation in LMA indicate that biodiversity in species rich tropical assemblages may be structured by differential niche‐based processes. In the future, specific mechanisms generating these patterns of variation in leaf functional traits across tropical environmental gradients should be explored.     

Molecular typing of clinical and environmental Cryptococcus neoformans isolates in the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul

In Brazil, 4.5% of the AIDS-related opportunistic infections are caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. This pathogen is a ubiquitous environmental basidiomycetous encapsulated yeast, commonly found in soil and avian excreta. The present study investigates further the population structure of clinical and environmental C. neoformans isolates from south Brazil. One hundred five clinical and 19 environmental (pigeon excreta and Eucalyptus spp.) isolates from the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul were characterized based on morphological, biochemical, molecular and serological data. The majority of the clinical and environmental isolates analyzed belonged to C. neoformans var. grubii serotype A (89.5 and 52.6%, respectively), were mating type alpha (98.1 and 94.7%, respectively) and were phospholipase-positive (94.3 and 73.7%, respectively). PCR-fingerprinting with the microsatellite-specific primer M13 and the minisatellite-specific primer (GACA)(4) grouped the majority of the isolates into the molecular type VNI (89.5 of the clinical and 52.6% of the environmental isolates). Our results add considerable new information to the few available data on ecology, molecular biology and epidemiology of C. neoformans in the southern region of Brazil.     

Crustacea Decapoda of the Paripe River Estuary, Pernambuco, Brazil

The Paripe river estuary is located in Itamaracá Island, north coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Its Crustacea Decapoda fauna was studied during several years. In the estuary there are mangroves, mud- and sandbanks, and tidal creeks. The fauna comprises a total of 64 species in 20 families. The coexistence of these species confirms the ecological importance of this small estuary, only 1.6 km long and 0.5 km wide. The ecology of each species in the estuary is presented.     

Potential Geographic Distribution of Hantavirus Reservoirs in Brazil

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome is an emerging zoonosis in Brazil. Human infections occur via inhalation of aerosolized viral particles from excreta of infected wild rodents. Necromys lasiurus and Oligoryzomys nigripes appear to be the main reservoirs of hantavirus in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. We estimated and compared ecological niches of the two rodent species, and analyzed environmental factors influencing their occurrence, to understand the geography of hantavirus transmission. N. lasiurus showed a wide potential distribution in Brazil, in the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest biomes. Highest climate suitability for O. nigripes was observed along the Brazilian Atlantic coast. Maximum temperature in the warmest months and annual precipitation were the variables that most influence the distributions of N. lasiurus and O. nigripes, respectively. Models based on occurrences of infected rodents estimated a broader area of risk for hantavirus transmission in southeastern and southern Brazil, coinciding with the distribution of human cases of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. We found no demonstrable environmental differences among occurrence sites for the rodents and for human cases of hantavirus. However, areas of northern and northeastern Brazil are also apparently suitable for the two species, without broad coincidence with human cases. Modeling of niches and distributions of rodent reservoirs indicates potential for transmission of hantavirus across virtually all of Brazil outside the Amazon Basin.     

Prairie dog presence affects occurrence patterns of disease vectors on small mammals

Wildlife disease is recognized as a burgeoning threat to imperiled species and aspects of host and vector community ecology have been shown to have significant effects on disease dynamics. The black‐tailed prairie dog is a species of conservation concern that is highly susceptible to plague, a flea‐transmitted disease. Prairie dogs (Cynomys) alter the grassland communities in which they exist and have been shown to affect populations of small rodents, which are purported disease reservoirs. To explore potential ecological effects of black‐tailed prairie dogs on plague dynamics, we quantified flea occurrence patterns on small mammals in the presence and absence of prairie dogs at 8 study areas across their geographic range. Small mammals sampled from prairie dog colonies showed significantly higher flea prevalence, flea abundance, and relative flea species richness than those sampled from off‐colony sites. Successful plague transmission likely is dependent on high prevalence and abundance of fleas that can serve as competent vectors. Prairie dogs may therefore facilitate the maintenance of plague by increasing flea occurrence on potential plague reservoir species. Our data demonstrate the previously unreported ecological influence of prairie dogs on vector species assemblages, which could influence disease dynamics.     

Vaccines for Conservation: Plague,Prairie Dogs & Black-Footed Ferrets as a Case Study

The endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is affected by plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, both directly, as a cause of mortality, and indirectly, because of the impacts of plague on its prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) prey base. Recent developments in vaccines and vaccine delivery have raised the possibility of plague control in prairie dog populations, thereby protecting ferret populations. A large-scale experimental investigation across the western US shows that sylvatic plague vaccine delivered in oral baits can increase prairie dog survival. In northern Colorado, an examination of the efficacy of insecticides to control fleas and plague vaccine shows that timing and method of plague control is important, with different implications for long-term and large-scale management of Y. pestis delivery. In both cases, the studies show that ambitious field-work and cross-sectoral collaboration can provide potential solutions to difficult issues of wildlife management, conservation and disease ecology.     

Dinosaur Footprints from Northeastern Brazil: Taphonomy and Environmental Setting

The Brazilian Cretaceous basins located at the northeastern region of Brazil present a wide distribution of dinosaur tracks and isolated footprints in many environmental settings: alluvial fans, braided and meandering fluvial floodplains, marginal lake borders and tidal flats. They are mainly theropod and sauropod footprints of Neocomian and Cenomanian ages that are found in Sousa, Uiraúna-Brejo das Freiras, Araripe, Cedro, Malhada Vermelha, Lima Campos and São Luís Basins. The vertebrate ichnofossils are important biogenic sedimentary structures, a picture of the interaction between dinosaur's behavior and the substrate nature, allowing the paleobiological analysis and inferences about the palaeoenvironments.     

Coexistence and geographical distribution of Leguminosae in an area of Atlantic forest in the semi‐arid region of Brazil

Abstract Understanding the factors that affect plant species distribution and coexistence in areas with high plant species diversity is a challenge for ecologists. According to some authors, species occupy specific niches, but for others, species coexistence and geographical distribution patterns are random. Floristic composition of the family Leguminosae was studied on moist and dry slopes of the Baturité mountains in semi‐arid northeastern Brazil and was compared with findings for other plant formations elsewhere in Brazil. Substantial floristic differences were found between the moist windward and dry leeward slopes of the Baturité mountains despite their close geographical proximity. The leeward slope was slightly more diverse than the windward slope. Similarity analyses showed that the windward face is floristically allied to the Amazon forest, whereas the leeward slope is similar to other dry‐area formations of northeastern Brazil, such as thorny woodland (caatinga) and seasonal forests. The strong floristic differences that were observed between the windward and leeward slopes corroborate the theory of ecological niche conservatism, which holds that species occurrence is closely linked to environmental factors, such as temperature and precipitation.     

我国东北森林土壤动物生态学研究现状与展望

土壤动物在生态系统养分循环和能量流动中起到重要的作用。近年来土壤动物生态学研究已成为当前生态学研究的热点与前沿领域。土壤动物生态学研究在国际上已有60多年的历史, 但在我国真正意义上的土壤动物生态学研究起始于20世纪70年代末东北长白山的研究。本文概述了东北森林土壤动物生态学研究的三个阶段, 并重点从以下方面总结了近10年的研究现状与进展: 土壤动物分布格局及多样性、土壤动物对环境因子的响应、土壤动物在生态系统中的功能作用研究。本文可为进一步拓展东北森林土壤动物生态学研究并为我国其他地区深入开展土壤动物生态学研究提供参考。未来东北森林土壤动物生态学研究应该关注: 土壤动物与微生物交互作用、土壤动物对全球变化的响应、地上与地下生态系统的交互作用以及分子生物学技术在土壤生物研究中的应用。     

Where Does Human Plague Still Persist in Latin America?

Background

Plague is an epidemic-prone disease with a potential impact on public health, international trade, and tourism. It may emerge and re-emerge after decades of epidemiological silence. Today, in Latin America, human cases and foci are present in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.

Aims

The objective of this study is to identify where cases of human plague still persist in Latin America and map areas that may be at risk for emergence or re-emergence. This analysis will provide evidence-based information for countries to prioritize areas for intervention.

Methods

Evidence of the presence of plague was demonstrated using existing official information from WHO, PAHO, and Ministries of Health. A geo-referenced database was created to map the historical presence of plague by country between the first registered case in 1899 and 2012. Areas where plague still persists were mapped at the second level of the political/administrative divisions (counties). Selected demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental variables were described.

Results

Plague was found to be present for one or more years in 14 out of 25 countries in Latin America (1899–2012). Foci persisted in six countries, two of which have no report of current cases. There is evidence that human cases of plague still persist in 18 counties. Demographic and poverty patterns were observed in 11/18 counties. Four types of biomes are most commonly found. 12/18 have an average altitude higher than 1,300 meters above sea level.

Discussion

Even though human plague cases are very localized, the risk is present, and unexpected outbreaks could occur. Countries need to make the final push to eliminate plague as a public health problem for the Americas. A further disaggregated risk evaluation is recommended, including identification of foci and possible interactions among areas where plague could emerge or re-emerge. A closer geographical approach and environmental characterization are suggested.     

Weak whole‐plant trait coordination in a seasonally dry South American stressful environment

A core question involving both plant physiology and community ecology is whether traits from different organs are coordinated across species, beyond pairwise trait correlations. The strength of within‐community trait coordination has been hypothesized to increase along gradients of environmental harshness, due to the cost of adopting ecological strategies out of the viable niche space supported by the abiotic conditions. We evaluated the strength of trait relationship and coordination in a stressful environment using 21 leaf and stem traits of 21 deciduous and evergreen woody species from a heath vegetation growing on coastal sandy plain in northeastern South America. The study region faces marked dry season, high soil salinity and acidity, and poor nutritional conditions. Results from multiple factor analyses supported two weak and independent axes of trait coordination, which accounted for 25%–29% of the trait variance using phylogenetically independent contrasts. Trait correlations on the multiple factor analyses main axis fit well with the global plant economic spectrum, with species investing in small leaves and dense stems as opposed to species with softer stems and large leaves. The species’ positions on the main functional axis corresponded to the competitor‐stress‐tolerant side of Grime's CSR triangle of plant strategies. The weak degree of trait coordination displayed by the heath vegetation species contradicted our expectation of high trait coordination in stressful environmental habitats. The distinct biogeographic origins of the species occurring in the study region and the prevalence of a regional environmental filter coupled with local homogeneous conditions could account for prevalence of trait independence we observed.     

Structure and Dynamics of the Shark Assemblage off Recife,Northeastern Brazil

Understanding the ecological factors that regulate elasmobranch abundance in nearshore waters is essential to effectively manage coastal ecosystems and promote conservation. However, little is known about elasmobranch populations in the western South Atlantic Ocean. An 8-year, standardized longline and drumline survey conducted in nearshore waters off Recife, northeastern Brazil, allowed us to describe the shark assemblage and to monitor abundance dynamics using zero-inflated generalized additive models. This region is mostly used by several carcharhinids and one ginglymostomid, but sphyrnids are also present. Blacknose sharks, Carcharhinus acronotus, were mostly mature individuals and declined in abundance throughout the survey, contrasting with nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum, which proliferated possibly due to this species being prohibited from all harvest since 2004 in this region. Tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, were mostly juveniles smaller than 200 cm and seem to use nearshore waters off Recife between January and September. No long-term trend in tiger shark abundance was discernible. Spatial distribution was similar in true coastal species (i.e. blacknose and nurse sharks) whereas tiger sharks were most abundant at the middle continental shelf. The sea surface temperature, tidal amplitude, wind direction, water turbidity, and pluviosity were all selected to predict shark abundance off Recife. Interspecific variability in abundance dynamics across spatiotemporal and environmental gradients suggest that the ecological processes regulating shark abundance are generally independent between species, which could add complexity to multi-species fisheries management frameworks. Yet, further research is warranted to ascertain trends at population levels in the South Atlantic Ocean.     

Baccharis spicata (Asteraceae), a new potentially invasive species to Europe

Baccharis spicata, a species native to South America (southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern and central Argentina) is reported for the first time from Europe. In September 2015, two naturalized populations were detected in the surroundings of Porto (Matosinhos and Vila do Conde) in Portugal. Based on literature data, the species’ taxonomy and nomenclature are analyzed and it is described and illustrated. Furthermore, its ecology, habitat, biology, and possible vector of introduction are discussed. Finally, its invasive potential for the European Union is assessed, based on climatic variables and two different risk assessment methods.     

Seasonal Variations in Diet and Foraging Behavior of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ateles chamek</Emphasis> in a Southern Amazonian Tropical Forest

I present data regarding the diet and feeding ecology of a spider monkey community at Lago Caiman in northeastern Bolivia. The community was highly frugivorous, only consuming significant amounts of folivorous material during times of relative fruit resource scarcity. Spider monkeys fed on parts of 86 plant species, but the majority of the diet comprised a few dominant fleshy fruit species that were available at temporally distinct periods across the year. Accordingly, I identified candidate keystone resources for the region and discuss the results with reference to previous studies on Ateles and the importance of considering keystone fruit resources in the management of forestry concessions.     

Plague studies in California: a review of long‐term disease activity,flea‐host relationships and plague ecology in the coniferous forests of the Southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada mountains

We review 28 years of long‐term surveillance (1970–1997) for plague activity among wild rodents from ten locations within three coniferous forest habitat types in the northern Sierra Nevada and the Southern Cascade mountains of northeastern California. We identify rodent hosts and their fleas and document long‐term plague activity in each habitat type. The highest seroprevalence for Yersinia pestis occurred in the chipmunks, Tamias senex and T. quadrimaculatus, and the pine squirrel, Tamiasciurus douglasii. The most commonly infected fleas were Ceratophyllus ciliatus and Eumolpianus eumolpi from chipmunks and Oropsylla montana and O. idahoensis from ground squirrels. Serological surveillance demonstrated that populations of T. senex, T. quadrimaculatus and T. douglasii are moderately resistant to plague, survive infection, and are, therefore, good sentinels for plague activity. Recaptured T. senex and T. quadrimaculatus showed persistence of plague antibodies and evidence of re‐infection over a two year period. These rodent species, their fleas, and the ecological factors common to the coniferous forest habitats likely promote the maintenance of plague foci in northeastern California.     

A multi-season survey for infectious myonecrosis in farmed shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, in Pernambuco, Brazil

Infectious myonecrosis (IMN), caused by infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), is the disease of greatest impact on shrimp farming in the northeast region of Brazil. The occurrence of IMN remained restricted to northeastern Brazil until 2006, when its presence was also confirmed in Indonesia. To determine the occurrence and evolution of IMN in Litopenaeus vannamei farmed along the coast of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, histopathological examinations were performed on 60 samples collected from four farms in both predominant seasons in the northeastern region: dry and wet seasons. Samples made up of ten specimens were collected monthly from each pond. Histopathological results were associated to wet-mount exams and rearing performance data. Lesions suggestive of IMN (coagulative necrosis, hemocytic infiltration in the musculature, ectopic spheroids in the lymphoid organ) were identified in all the farms, with a higher occurrence during the dry season. Longer rearing periods and higher stocking densities were the variables with the most significant influence (p < 0.05) in the occurrence of IMN.     

Diversity of Eastern North American Ant Communities along Environmental Gradients

Studies of species diversity patterns across regional environmental gradients seldom consider the impact of habitat type on within-site (alpha) and between-site (beta) diversity. This study is designed to identify the influence of habitat type across geographic and environmental space, on local patterns of species richness and regional turnover patterns of ant diversity in the northeastern United States. Specifically, I aim to 1) compare local species richness in paired open and forested transects and identify the environmental variables that best correlate with richness; and 2) document patterns of beta diversity throughout the region in both open and forested habitat. I systematically sampled ants at 67 sites from May to August 2010, spanning 10 degrees of latitude, and 1000 meters of elevation. Patterns of alpha and beta diversity across the region and along environmental gradients differed between forested and open habitats. Local species richness was higher in the low elevation and warmest sites and was always higher in open habitat than in forest habitat transects. Richness decreased as temperature decreased or elevation increased. Forested transects show strong patterns of decreasing dissimilarity in species composition between sites along the temperature gradient but open habitat transects did not. Maximum temperature of the warmest month better predicted species richness than either latitude or elevation. I find that using environmental variables as key predictors of richness yields more biologically relevant results, and produces simpler macroecological models than commonly used models which use only latitude and elevation as predictors of richness and diversity patterns. This study contributes to the understanding of mechanisms that structure the communities of important terrestrial arthropods which are likely to be influenced by climatic change.