Article
Zoology
Tomas Maiztegui, Ariel Hernan Paracampo, Jorge Liotta, Eva Cabanellas, Carlos Bonetto, Dario Cesar Colautti
Summary: Few studies have been conducted on the fish assemblages of Rio de la Plata, and the existing species lists have not been validated. We conducted a comprehensive literature review and fieldwork to update the species composition and hierarchical structure of the fish assemblage. The findings provide valuable information for monitoring and preserving neotropical fish species in their southern distribution boundary.
NEOTROPICAL ICHTHYOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David A. Prieto-Torres, Javier Nori, Octavio R. Rojas-Soto, Adolfo G. Navarro-Siguenza
Summary: The distribution and survival of Neotropical seasonally dry forests are negatively impacted by land-use modifications and global climate change. Protected areas in the region are inefficient and insufficient, and there is a high priority to research the long-term effectiveness of these areas. By combining species distribution modeling and conservation planning techniques, it was found that improving protection through increasing protected area coverage is crucial for the conservation of these forests, especially for threatened and Data Deficit species.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Morris Klasen, Dirk Ahrens, Jonas Eberle, Volker Steinhage, Jason Bond
Summary: Automated species identification and delimitation is challenging. We have overcome the problem of scarce training data in species identification by using a data augmentation approach, resulting in improved accuracy compared to traditional and deep learning methods.
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Karl A. Roeder, Brittany R. Benson, Michael D. Weiser, Michael Kaspari
Summary: Ecologists investigated the abundance and distribution of three common taxa of litter invertebrates in six North American forests, finding that the relationship between body size and abundance varied and that litter depth only affected abundance in one forest. Invertebrate abundance was found to constrain species richness most of the time.
Article
Ecology
Juan P. Quimbayo, Lucas T. Nunes, Fernanda C. Silva, Antonio B. Anderson, Diego R. Barneche, Angela M. Canterle, Isadora Cord, Andrea Dalben, Debora S. Ferrari, Luisa Fontoura, Thiago M. J. Fiuza, Ana M. R. Liedke, Guilherme O. Longo, Renato A. Morais, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Sergio R. Floeter
Summary: The TimeFISH database is the first public time-series dataset on reef fish assemblages in the southwestern Atlantic, providing 15 years of data based on standardized Underwater Visual Censuses. The dataset covers rocky reefs influenced by seasonal ocean temperatures, resulting in a mix of tropical and subtropical species. The data was collected using nondestructive methods and has been used in various research studies.
Article
Ecology
Matheus Colli-Silva, Jose Rubens Pirani, Alexander Zizka
Summary: This study examines the coverage of South American protected areas (PAs) for species with different distribution, abundance, and threat status using occurrence data and ecological niche models. The results show that a significant number of species, including potentially threatened species, are not covered by PAs in South America. The coverage of PAs is generally low, except for the Amazon region, where it is relatively high. Additionally, raw occurrence data underestimate the number of species in PAs, while ecological niche models tend to overestimate.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Neil Brocklehurst
Summary: The dominance of synapsids during the late Carboniferous and early Permian has been widely accepted, but recent taxonomic revisions and sampling biases may suggest that reptiles were more diverse and abundant during this time period. Patterns of diversity may be impacted by biases in preservation favoring certain groups of vertebrates. The interval may be considered the First Age of Reptiles due to these findings.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Berhanu Gebo, Serekebirhan Takele, Simon Shibru
Summary: Anthropogenic land-use changes pose significant threats to the diversity and occurrence of wildlife species around the world. This study investigated the impact of land-use and environmental factors on the richness and occurrence of carnivore species in the Faragosa-Fura Landscape of the Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. The findings highlight the importance of wetlands as a habitat and the negative impact of anthropogenic land-use on species richness.
SN APPLIED SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Stefano Gualandi, Eleonora Vercesi, Giuseppe Toscani
Summary: By utilizing classical methods of statistical mechanics, this paper establishes a kinetic model that can replicate the observed statistical weight distribution of various species. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated through numerical fittings on mammalian eutherians of the order Chiroptera population.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS & METHODS IN APPLIED SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pavol Prokop, Rudolf Masarovic, Sandra Hajduchova, Zuzana Jezova, Martina Zvarikova, Peter Fedor
Summary: Large and charismatic animals receive more attention in scientific research, leading to taxonomic biases favoring mammals. Mammals are represented more frequently in published papers, while reptiles, amphibians, and fish are underrepresented. The number of publications and Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) show a preference for mammals, while reptiles, plants, and amphibians have the lowest AAS. The AAS of mammals is influenced by body mass and appeal score. Scientific citations have a slight correlation with the AAS. Mammals, invertebrates, and amphibians receive the most citations, followed by plants, fish, birds, and reptiles. These findings highlight the need for a change in publication policy to promote research on neglected taxa.
Article
Ecology
Sebastien Brosse, Nicolas Charpin, Guohuan Su, Aurele Toussaint, Guido A. Herrera-R, Pablo A. Tedesco, Sebastien Villeger
Summary: The study compiled a global freshwater fish database with 10 morphological traits, covering 48.69% of the world's freshwater fish fauna. This database provides essential information for ecologists and environmental managers to consider morphological patterns of fish faunas globally and the current and future impacts of human activities on fish assemblages.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Jose Alejandro Ruiz-Chutan, Marie Kalousova, Anna Manourova, Hewan Demissie Degu, Julio Ernesto Berduo-Sandoval, Carlos Enrique Villanueva-Gonzalez, Bohdan Lojka
Summary: This study comprehensively assessed the genetic diversity and morphological traits of wild avocado germplasm in Guatemala, and created a core collection for conservation and future breeding programs. The results revealed three distinct genetic clusters and highlighted the independent and complementary nature of phenotypic and genotypic distances.
Article
Biology
Cha Young Lee, Min Kyung Kim, Dong-Gun Kim
Summary: This study compared the body size of the endangered dragonfly species Nannophya koreana in two wetlands with significant differences in water temperature. Contrary to Bergmann's rule and the temperature-size rule, it was found that larvae in the colder water temperature region were smaller in size. The study highlights the importance of considering detailed factors such as habitat type when studying temperature-size responses in organisms.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chase M. Freeman, Laureen Barthman-Thompson, Robert Klinger, Isa Woo, Karen M. Thorne
Summary: This study evaluated the optimal sampling design for tracking small mammal population trends using spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models. The results showed that moderate reductions in the number of trapping occasions or trap density could yield similar density estimates when using a SECR approach.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaili Johri, Isabella Livingston, Anjani Tiwari, Jitesh Solanki, Anissa Busch, Isabel Moreno, Sam R. Fellows, Michael P. Doane, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale
Summary: Chondrichthyes, an ancient class of vertebrates, are crucial to marine ecosystems but face threats from overfishing. Gujarat in India is a major contributor to shark exports, yet chondrichthyan fisheries in the region are understudied and many species lack sufficient data.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Renan Janke Bosque, Chaz Hyseni, Maria Luiza Goncalves Santos, Eduardo Rangel, Camila Juliana Da Silva Dias, Jacob Beathea Hearin, Nelson Jorge Da Silva Jr, Fabricius Maia Chaves Bicalho Domingos, Guarino Rinaldi Colli, Brice Patrick Noonan
Summary: Coral snakes in the genus Micrurus may be Mullerian mimics and demonstrate convergence in coloration patterns. The length of red rings remains consistent, potentially serving as a common signal to deter predators.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Marcos J. M. Dubeux, Ubiratan Goncalves, Cristiane N. S. Palmeira, Pedro M. S. Nunes, Jose Cassimiro, Tony Gamble, Fernanda P. Werneck, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Tami Mott
Summary: Two new species of Brazilian geckos belonging to the genus Phyllopezus are described in this study, based on morphological and molecular data. These two species are found in different regions of Bahia state in Brazil and display distinct morphological and genetic characteristics from their closely related species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
A. C. Pereira, G. R. Colli
Summary: This study assessed the effects of human-modified landscapes on the body condition of Caiman crocodilus in the Araguaia floodplain. The results showed that caimans had better body condition in anthropogenic habitats, while wetland cohesion negatively affected their body condition. Caimans can adapt to human-modified landscapes, but it is important to incorporate natural and semi-natural habitat patches.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Joao P. F. A. Almeida, Oscar K. L. Marques, Tami Mott, Robson G. G. Santos
Summary: Research shows that hybridization is common among sea turtle species in coastal Brazil, primarily between Caretta caretta and Eretmochelys imbricata, and C. caretta and Lepidochelys olivacea. While morphology and mitochondrial DNA can identify most hybrids, some can only be detected using nuclear DNA. Additionally, a stranded E. imbricata was found to have a haplotype and nuclear allele typically found in the Indo-Pacific, suggesting long-distance migration for this species.
Article
Zoology
Rafael de Fraga, Alfredo P. Santos-Jr, Fernanda Werneck, Henrique C. Costa, Jessica T. Guimaraes, Renata Perez, Roberta Graboski Mendes, Tami Mott, Wilian Vaz-Silva, Siria Ribeiro
Summary: Edaphic gradients have predictive effects on inter- and intraspecific morphological variations and morphotype distribution in South American worm lizards, reflecting adaptations to regional environmental conditions.
STUDIES ON NEOTROPICAL FAUNA AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Tatianne Piza Ferrari Abreu-Jardim, Natacia Evangelista de Lima, Lucas Jardim, Natan Medeiros Maciel, Rafael Felix de Magalhaes, Guarino Rinaldi Colli, Celio Fernando Baptista Haddad, Rosane Garcia Collevatti
Summary: This study investigates the genetic variation of a treefrog species in the Neotropics. The results show a significant phylogeographic break dating back to the Miocene, coinciding with the retraction of marine incursions in the Parana basin. The spatial pattern of genetic diversity is not related to geographical distance or environmental variables.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Adriana P. Furtado, Izabelle T. S. Carvalho, Erin L. Lewis, Cole A. Bleke, Davi L. Pantoja, Guarino R. Colli, Susannah S. French, Giane R. Paludo
Summary: Wildfires can have adverse effects on lizard populations by altering their habitat and impacting their physiology, immunity, and health. In this study, we investigated the effects of a recent wildfire on Tropidurus oreadicus lizards in Brazil. We found that the burned site had higher air temperatures compared to the unburned site. While prey availability was not affected, lizards in the burned site showed reduced bactericidal capacity and body mass, indicating compromised immune function and potential clinical disease. Additionally, there was an increase in heterophile-lymphocyte ratios, suggesting increased stress levels. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the impacts of wildfires on lizard populations and their ecological implications.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Andre C. Pereira, Christy J. Mancuso, Seth D. Newsome, Gabriela B. Nardoto, Guarino R. Colli
Summary: Land-use conversion and habitat fragmentation can lead to biodiversity loss by affecting the primary productivity sources and altering the structure of food webs. This study investigated the effects of landscape modification on food webs using the top predator Caiman crocodilus in the Araguaia River floodplain in Brazil. The results showed that agricultural areas had larger isotopic niche widths and different patterns in delta C-13 values of essential amino acids compared to natural habitats. Overall, the findings suggest that caimans can persist in heterogeneous landscapes fueled by natural and agricultural energy sources, which has implications for biodiversity management.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lais Pio Caetano Machado, Gabriel Henrique de Oliveira Caetano, Vitor Hugo Lacerda Cavalcante, Donald B. Miles, Guarino Rinaldi Colli
Summary: Anthropogenic global warming and deforestation are causing a significant decline in global biodiversity, especially for ectothermic and viviparous animals like the Neotropical lizard Notomabuya frenata. This study estimates the overlap of suitable habitats with protected areas and models the combined effects of climate change and deforestation on the lizard's geographic distribution. The findings reveal a contraction of suitable habitats in all future scenarios and a shift towards eastern South America. Furthermore, the current protected areas are not sufficient to ensure the conservation of this species. Decision-makers need to consider range shifts when creating protected areas and managing endangered species.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Humberto Coelho Nappo, Pedro Henrique Campelo, Lais Pio Caetano Machado, Vitor Hugo Gomes Lacerda Cavalcante, Guarino Rinaldi Colli
Summary: The centre-periphery hypothesis suggests that peripheral populations are subjected to harsher environmental conditions, resulting in lower abundance, higher inbreeding, and higher developmental instability. However, geographical centrality/peripherality is not always a good indicator of environmental suitability. This study evaluated the predictions of the centre-periphery hypothesis for populations of the Neotropical lizard Notomabuya frenata by modelling the effects of environmental suitability and geographical centrality/peripherality on demographic performance.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isis C. Arantes, Mariana M. Vasconcellos, Megan L. Smith, Ryan C. Garrick, Guarino R. Colli, Brice P. Noonan
Summary: Understanding the drivers of biodiversity in a treefrog subgroup in the Neotropical savannas. This study identified nine recognized species in the subgroup and found genetic structure within one of the widespread species. The results also showed the importance of geological and climatic events in shaping the diversity at and below the species level in this subgroup.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andre Costa Pereira, Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto, Guarino Rinaldi Colli
Summary: Intraspecific variation has an impact on resource use patterns, which could affect the structure and stability of food webs. Habitat disturbance in human-modified landscapes alters trophic interactions and intraspecific niche variation, influencing population persistence. This study examined the trophic niche of Caiman crocodilus in an agricultural landscape, investigating the effects of sex, ontogeny, and habitat factors. The results showed that caimans utilize the same carbon and nitrogen pools over time, with limited isotopic variability between seasons. However, the trophic niche of caimans did vary across habitats, but not between natural and anthropogenic habitats. Juvenile caimans displayed broader niches compared to adults, while females had larger niches than males, potentially due to territorialism and foraging strategies during nesting. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex and body size categories for the management and conservation of caiman populations, with implications for maintaining wetland habitats and landscape heterogeneity.
Correction
Zoology
A. P. Furtado, I. T. S. Carvalho, E. L. Lewis, C. A. Bleke, D. L. Pantoja, G. R. Colli, S. S. French, G. R. Paludo
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Marcos-J-M Dubeux, Ubiratan Goncalves, Selma Torquato, Tami Mott
Summary: The purpose of this study is to provide a list of reptile species recorded in the APACFV, a peri-urban protected area in the northern Atlantic Forest. A total of 65 reptile species from three orders and 22 families were documented, including turtles, alligators, lizards, and snakes. This list is important for informing management strategies in this protected area.
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
A. P. Furtado, E. E. Virgin, I. S. Carvalho, C. A. Bleke, E. L. Lewis, J. R. Marchetti, G. R. Colli, S. S. French, G. R. Paludo
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2023)