Abstract The oligochaete Dero lutzi follows a life strategy that alternates between free-living periods in aquatic environments and endoparasitic phases. Most occurrences of D. lutzi in anurans are reported in species with arboreal habits, with studies limited to the recording of the oligochaete’s presence in the host. Our study recovered specimens of D. lutzi from the tree frogs Scinax fuscovarius and Scinax. nasicus. We performed a morphological assessment of the parasite using light microscopy, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy. Molecular characterization of D. lutzi was carried out using the mitochondrial gene 16S rRNA and the nuclear gene 28S rRNA. Additionally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess the species´position in relation to other group members. In our results, we confirmed the phenotypic morphological characteristics of the endoparasitic phase of D. lutzi. We also presented its phylogenetic position with other oligochaetes in the group, demonstrating the proximity between the endoparasite D. lutzi and the free-living oligochaete D. superterrenus.

Resumo O oligoqueta Dero lutzi possui uma estratégia de vida que alterna entre períodos de vida livre em ambientes aquáticos e fases endoparasitárias. A maioria das ocorrências de D. lutzi em anfíbios anuros é relatada em espécies com hábitos arborícolas, com estudos que se restringem a registros da presença do oligoqueta no hospedeiro. Este estudo recuperou espécimes de D. lutzi das pererecas Scinax fuscovarius e Scinax nasicus. Foi realizada uma avaliação morfológica do parasito por microscopia de luz e, pela primeira vez, por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A caracterização molecular de D. lutzi foi realizada com o gene mitocondrial 16S rRNA e o gene nuclear 28S rRNA. Além disso, uma árvore filogenética foi construída para avaliar a posição da espécie em relação a outros membros do grupo. Os resultados deste estudo confirmaram as características morfológicas fenotípicas da fase endoparasitária de D. lutzi. Também foi apresentada sua posição filogenética com outros oligoquetas do grupo, o que permitiu demonstrar a proximidade entre o endoparasito D. lutzi e o oligoqueta de vida livre D. superterrenus.

Abstract: Thermal modification of wood is an environmentally friendly method to improve wood durability, mainly against microorganisms. By employing a process similar to the ThermoWood®, various Gmelina arborea (gamhar) wood specimens were thermally modified at 180 °C, 200 °C, and 220 °C for 3 hours. The effects of the thermal modification process on the resistance to decay by rot-fungi, and attack by subterranean, arboreal, and dry-wood termites were determined. Generally, the thermal modification improved the resistance of Gmelina arborea (gamhar) to decay by Trametes versicolor with increasing process temperature. However, the effect of the process was null on the resistance to biodeterioration by the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana and the dry-wood termites Cryptotermes brevis. Even so, the visual damage caused by Cryptotermes brevis was slight. Untreated and thermally modified woods recorded higher resistance to Coniophora puteana than Trametes versicolor. Mass loss caused by Nasutitermes corniger also decreased with increasing thermal modification temperature. According to the visual damage rating values, the attack by Nasutitermes corniger was slight. However, the thermal modification inversely impacted Gmelina arborea (gamhar) attack by Macrotermes sp., as its resistance in the field to the termites decreased with increasing modification temperature. Thus, the thermal modification process contributed to improving the decay resistance of the modified wood to white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and attack by the arboreal termites Nasutitermes corniger exposed indoors. On the other hand, thermally modified Gmelina arborea (gamhar) wood was very susceptible to Macrotermes sp. in the field. This work would provide a reliable reference document to guide wood industry stakeholders in assessing the performance of untreated and thermally modified Gmelina arborea (gamhar) wood in situations exposed to fungi and termite species adopted.

Abstract The loss and reduction of forest cover are related to soil degradation and the reduction of environmental services. Reforestation is a key element to fight global warming. Replanting deforested areas with native forest species increases the survival and success of the plantation. It was proposed that, according to the requirements of altitude, slope, temperature, precipitation, topography, soil type, texture and depth, and through the use of the BIOCLIM tool, it is possible to identify and quantify the potential reforestation areas in the state of Guanajuato by six forest species of the Fabaceae family. Based on climatic and edaphic requirements, Prosopis laevigata was the taxon with the largest potential area for reforestation with 278 102 ha of good and very good suitability, Albizia occidentalis occupied a surface area of 230 239 ha, 157 491 ha were estimated for Acacia farnesiana (synonym of Vachellia farnesiana), 149 434 ha for Lysiloma divaricata (synonym of Lysiloma divaricatum), 120 968 ha for Leucaena esculenta, and merely 3 633 ha for Acacia pennatula (synonym of Vachellia pennatula). The delimited areas are the zones where it is possible to plant these species and guarantee a greater probability of survival and success in reforestation works, and with it, the restoration of the landscape.

Resumen La pérdida y reducción de la cubierta forestal están relacionadas con la degradación del suelo y la disminución de servicios ambientales. Reforestar es un elemento clave para combatir el calentamiento global. Repoblar zonas deforestadas con especies forestales nativas aumenta la supervivencia y éxito de la plantación. Se planteó que de acuerdo con los requerimientos de altitud, pendiente, temperatura, precipitación, topografía, tipo, textura y profundidad del suelo y mediante el uso de la herramienta BIOCLIM es posible identificar y cuantificar las áreas potenciales de reforestación en el estado de Guanajuato para seis especies forestales de la familia Fabaceae. Con base en los requerimientos climáticos y edáficos, Prosopis laevigata fue el taxón con mayor superficie potencial para reforestar con 278 102 ha de aptitud buena y muy buena, Albizia occidentalis tuvo una superficie de 230 239 ha, para Acacia farnesiana (sinonimia de Vachellia farnesiana) se obtuvo un área de 157 491 ha, Lysiloma divaricata (sinonimia de Lysiloma divaricatum) de 149 434 ha, Leucaena esculenta de 120 968 ha, y en el caso de Acacia pennatula (sinonimia de Vachellia pennatula) se determinaron solamente 3 633 ha. Las áreas delimitadas son las zonas donde es posible plantar estas especies y garantizar mayor probabilidad de supervivencia y éxito en trabajos de reforestación, y con ello la restauración del paisaje.

Resumen Estudiar el banco de semillas permite interpretar el estado de sitios perturbados, la respuesta a cambios impulsados por disturbios y la consecuente dinámica de una comunidad vegetal. La heterogeneidad en la formación del banco de semillas está influida por la latencia de estas, su tipo de dispersión y componentes del paisaje como topografía o vegetación. El número de semillas en el suelo depende, en parte, de la vegetación presente, sin embargo, en paisajes deforestados y fragmentados, los árboles aislados representan los únicos reservorios potenciales para la regeneración de la vegetación. En este trabajo se exploró, durante dos años, la variación espacial y temporal en la abundancia, densidad y número de especies de semillas germinables en el suelo bajo cinco especies arbóreas aisladas comunes en áreas abiertas del Matorral Espinoso Tamaulipeco. Las características del banco de semillas se calcularon para cada especie de árbol aislado y se compararon entre ellas, estaciones y año de colecta. El banco de semillas bajo las copas de dos árboles zoócoros (Neltuma laevigata y Diospyros texana) fue más rico y denso que bajo otras tres especies (Yucca filifera, zoócora; Parkinsonia aculeata y Vachellia farnesiana dispersión no asistida). También se registraron más especies y semillas germinadas en otoño que en primavera, y más herbáceas que arbóreas.

Abstract Studying the seed bank makes it possible to interpret the status of disturbed sites, the response to disturbance-driven changes, and the subsequent dynamics of a plant community. Heterogeneity in seed bank formation is influenced by seed dormancy, seed dispersal type, and such landscape components as topography or vegetation. The number of seeds in the soil depends, in part, on the vegetation present, however, in deforested and fragmented landscapes, isolated trees are the only potential reservoirs for vegetation regeneration. In this work, the spatial and temporal variation in abundance, density, and number of germinable seed species on the ground was explored during two years, under five common isolated tree species in open areas of the Tamaulipan Thorny Scrub. Seed bank characteristics were calculated for each isolated tree species and compared between species, seasons, and years of collection. The seed bank under the canopy of two zoochorous trees (Neltuma laevigata and Diospyros texana) was richer and denser than under the other three species (Yucca filifera, zoochorous; Parkinsonia aculeata and Vachellia farnesiana, unassisted dispersal). Also, more species and seeds germinated in Fall than in Spring, and more herbaceous than arboreal species were recorded.

ABSTRACT Seridó is one of the driest regions in the Caatinga biome, Northeastern Brazil, affected by a long history of anthropogenic impact, and today it is considered a desertification region. A phytosociological survey of woody species was carried out in an area at Morada das Jandairas Farm (MJF), in Santana do Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte, which still has a significant arboreal component despite maintaining an extensive cattle production, and compared it with data from other five inventories carried out in the region. Seventeen species from ten botanical families were found, with Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae being the most diversified. Commiphora leptophloeos and Croton blanchetianus stood out as the most important species. The high floristic composition similarity among the six compared studies indicates that the different phytophysiognomies may be result of anthropogenic action and regeneration processes. The relatively high Basal Area in the MJF (26.8 m2 ha-1) stands out even considering inventories carried out throughout the Caatinga region, which is largely due to the presence of many large trees (C. leptophloeos). Considerations about the ecological importance of large and old trees are made, with recommendations for the methodology of phytosociological inventories.

RESUMO A região do Seridó é uma das mais áridas do bioma caatinga, região Nordeste do Brasil, sendo afetada por uma longa história de impacto antrópico, e hoje considerada um núcleo de desertificação. Realizamos um levantamento fitossociológico das espécies arbustivo-arbóreas de uma área ainda com um componente arbóreo significativo, apesar de ainda ser utilizada para criação extensiva de gado, Fazenda Morada das Jandaíras (FMJ), e comparamos com dados de outros inventários realizados na região. Foram registradas 17 espécies pertencentes a 10 famílias botânicas, sendo Fabaceae e Euphorbiaceae as mais diversificadas. Commiphora leptophloeos e Croton blanchetianus se destacaram como as espécies de maiores valores de importância. A alta similaridade na composição florística entre os seis estudos comparados foi interpretada como indicador de que as diferentes fitofisionomias podem ser resultado de ação antrópica e processos de regeneração. A relativamente elevada Dominância Basal na FMJ, da ordem de 26,8 m2 ha-1, se destaca mesmo considerando inventários realizados em toda a região de caatinga, sendo em grande parte devida à presença de muitas árvores de grande porte de C. leptophloeos. Considerações sobre a importância ecológica de árvores grandes e antigas são feitas, com recomendações para a metodologia de inventários fitossociológicos.

Resumo Objetivo da Investigação: A elevada densidade construtiva, entendida muitas vezes como prejudicial ao alcance da qualidade ambiental urbana, pode corresponder a diferentes composições morfológicas de conjuntos edificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma avaliação do desempenho climático de tecidos urbanos determinados por diferentes densidades construtivas e padrões morfológicos, a partir da correlação com parâmetros urbanísticos tradicionais e avançados. Metodologia: Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados foram: a) simulação computacional para análise preditiva de desempenho climático de cenários hipotéticos através do modelo ENVI-met; b) análise estatística para verificação do grau de correlação entre as variáveis ambientais e as variáveis de morfologia urbana. Foram analisados os dados de temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e velocidade dos ventos de cenários e de tecidos urbanos presentes, atualmente, na cidade de Arapiraca-AL, localizada no semiárido do nordeste brasileiro. Resultados: Foi verificada a correlação negativa entre o comportamento da temperatura máxima do ar (variável dependente) e os parâmetros urbanísticos avançados como porosidade da malha e o índice de densidade arbórea (variáveis independentes), através de coeficiente de correlação com valores absolutos acima de 0,7. Originalidade/Valor: O estudo permitiu constatar a influência dos padrões morfológicos no desempenho climático de tecidos urbanos. Os resultados indicam que parâmetros urbanísticos avançados podem ser explorados para otimizar o aproveitamento de estratégias bioclimáticas no ambiente urbano.

Abstract Research Purpose: High urban density, often considered as harmful for the urban climate, may correspond to different morphologies of urban structures. The objective of this study is a predictive evaluation of the climatic performance of urban fabrics, presenting different densities and morphological patterns, based on the correlation of traditional and advanced urban planning parameters. Methodology: The methodological procedures were: a) computer simulation for predictive analysis of climate performance of hypothetical scenarios using ENVI-met model; b) statistical analysis to verify the degree of correlation between environmental and urban morphology variables. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed of the hypothetical scenarios and of spatial typologies were analysed in the urban site of Arapiraca-AL located in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Findings: A negative correlation was observed between the behavior of the maximum air temperature (dependent variable) and the advanced urban planning parameters of the mesh porosity and the arboreal density index (independent variables), through correlation coefficient with absolute values above 0,7. Originality/Value: Correlation analysis indicated the influence of morphological patterns on the climatic performance of urban fabrics. The results demonstrate that advanced urban parameters can be investigated to optimize the use of bioclimatic strategies in the urban environment.

RESUMEN El arbolado urbano ofrece importantes servicios ambientales en las ciudades, razón por la cual su establecimiento y estudio se ha incrementado en los últimos años. En este trabajo se evaluó el cambio de la composición y diversidad del arbolado urbano en la ciudad de Linares, Nuevo León, México en un período de 26 años (1995-2021). Para esto se midió la altura y cobertura de copa, así como los índices de diversidad de Shannon y de similitud de Morisita-Horn. Se registraron 62 especies (22 nativas y 40 introducidas) pertenecientes a 56 géneros y 29 familias de árboles en todo el periodo evaluado. Las familias mejor representadas fueron Fabaceae con nueve especies, Fagaceae, Oleaceae y Rutaceae con cuatro y Apocynaceae y Moraceae con tres. Se observó un incremento en la densidad de árboles introducidos de 1995 a 1999, mientras que, en las últimas dos décadas, la densidad de especies nativas aumentó significativamente, como el caso de Quercus fusiformis y Fraxinus udhei. La mayor similitud de especies se registró en el periodo 1995-1999 (69,2 %) con especies compartidas como las exóticas Ficus benjamina y Ligustrum japonicum. La flora arbórea actual en las áreas públicas de Linares, es probablemente el resultado de un mayor conocimiento de la ecología de las especies tanto nativas como introducidas por parte de la sociedad, así como de las instituciones académicas y gubernamentales de Linares, Nuevo León.

ABSTRACT Urban trees offer important environmental services in cities, which is why their establishment and study has increased in recent years. In this work, the change in the composition and diversity of urban trees was evaluated in the small city of Linares, Nuevo León in a period of 26 years (1995 2021). For this, crown coverage was measured, and the Shannon diversity and Morisita-Horn similarity indices were obtained. As results, 62 species (22 native and 40 introduced) belonging to 56 genera and 29 tree families were recorded throughout the evaluated period. The best represented families were Fabaceae with 9 species, Fagaceae, Oleaceae and Rutaceae with 4 and Apocynaceae and Moraceae with 3. An increase in the density of introduced trees was observed from 1995 to 1999, while by 2021 those of native origin increased significantly as was the case with Quercus fusiformis and Fraxinus udhei. The highest species similarity was recorded in the 1995-1999 period (69,2 %) with shared species such as the exotic Ficus benjamina and Ligustrum japonicum. The current arboreal flora in the public areas of Linares is probably the result of a greater knowledge of the ecology of both native and introduced species by society, as well as the academic and governmental institutions of Linares, Nuevo León.

ABSTRACT The porcupine Coendou rufescens is a rodent with arboreal habits and climbing locomotion, but they can move easily on the ground occasionally, which has made them vulnerable to collisions due to being run over in natural areas immersed in urban areas with high traffic flow. This paper presents the case of an adult male porcupine being run over in the north of the Central Cordillera of Colombia, through the implementation of a radiographic and post mortem evaluation. The radiological study showed multiple fractures at the level of the skull, forelimbs, right rib cage, and vertebral bodies. The necropsy showed multiple injuries to the integumentary system, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system, including the presence of polytrauma to the head and neck, with loss of the upper part of the skull and heart rupture at the level of both atria. The most important findings included cardiac burst and skull fragmentation, making it difficult to establish the specific cause of death.

RESUMEN El puercoespín Coendou rufescens es un roedor de hábitos arborícolas y locomoción trepadora, pero pueden desplazarse con facilidad en el suelo de manera ocasional, lo cual los hace vulnerables a las colisiones por atropellamiento en áreas naturales inmersas en zonas urbanas con alto flujo vehicular. En este trabajo se presenta el caso de atropellamiento de un puercoespín macho adulto en el norte de la Cordillera Central de Colombia, mediante la implementación de una evaluación radiográfica y post mortem. El estudio radiológico evidenció múltiples fracturas a nivel de cráneo, extremidades anteriores, parrilla costal derecha y los cuerpos vertebrales. La necropsia mostró múltiples lesiones en el sistema tegumentario, músculo esquelético y sistema nervioso, incluyendo la presencia de politraumatismo en cabeza y cuello, con pérdida de la parte superior del cráneo y la ruptura del corazón a nivel de ambos atrios. Los hallazgos más importantes incluyeron el estallido cardíaco y la fragmentación del cráneo, siendo difícil establecer la causa específica de muerte.

SUMMARY: The myodural bridge is a dense connective tissue connecting muscles and ligaments to the spinal dura mater in the atlanto-occipital interspace. Some researchers believe that the myodural bridge may play a vital physiological role. It is possible, for instance, that the prevention of spinal dura mater infoldings might be involved in regulated cerebrospinal fluid circulation. For instance, it is possible to prevent spinal dura mater infoldings, regulating cerebrospinal circulation. Bats are nocturnal and the only mammals that can perform a genuine and sustained flight, whereas tree shrews are arboreal mammals that often climb to a high altitude of about 10,000 feet. Both animals have lifestyles that are different from other previously studied mammals. The study of these two animals will shed further light on the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. Gross anatomical dissection was used to observe the connections between the deep muscles of the neck and the dura mater at the level of the atlanto-occipital interspace. The existing structures were analyzed using conventional and special histological staining techniques. The suboccipital regions in bats and tree shrews contained the rectus capitis dorsal major (RCDma), rectus capitis dorsal minor (RCDmi), oblique capitis anterior (OCA), and oblique capitis posterior (OCP). Dense connective tissue connects the RCDmi to the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM) and the latter to the spinal dura mater. The myodural bridge in these mammals shares a similar structure to the myodural bridge in humans. Histological analyses confirmed that the connective fibers of the myodural bridge were primarily type I collagen fibers. In this study, it is supplemented by the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. This further demonstrates that myodural bridge widely exists in the normal anatomy of mammals. This provides morphological support for a comparative anatomical study of the physiological function of the myodural bridge.

RESUMEN: El puente miodural es un tejido conjuntivo denso que conecta los músculos y los ligamentos a la duramadre espinal en el espacio atlanto-occipital. Algunos investigadores creen que el puente miodural puede desempeñar un papel fisiológico vital. Es posible, por ejemplo, que la prevención de los pliegues de la duramadre espinal pueda estar involucrada en la circulación regulada del líquido cefalorraquídeo. En esta instancia, es posible prevenir los pliegues de la duramadre espinal, regulando la circulación cerebro espinal. Los murciélagos son animales nocturnos y los únicos mamíferos que pueden realizar un vuelo real y sostenido, mientras que las musarañas arborícolas son mamíferos arbóreos que a menudo ascienden a una gran altura de unos 10 000 pies. Ambos animales tienen estilos de vida diferentes a los de otros mamíferos previamente estudiados. El estudio de estos dos animales ofrecerá más información sobre la existencia del puente miodural en los mamíferos. Se realizó una disección anatómica macroscópica para observar las conexiones entre los músculos profundos del cuello y la duramadre a nivel del espacio atlanto-occipital. Las estructuras existentes se analizaron mediante técnicas de tinción histológica convencionales y especiales. Las regiones suboccipitales en murciélagos y musarañas arbóreas presentaban el músculo recto dorsal mayor de la cabeza (RCDma), el recto dorsal menor de la cabeza (RCDmi), el oblicuo anterior de la cabeza (OCA) y el oblicuo posterior de la cabeza (OCP). El tejido conjuntivo denso conecta el RCDmi con la membrana atlanto- occipital posterior (PAOM) y esta última con la duramadre espinal. El puente miodural en estos mamíferos comparte una estructura similar al puente miodural en humanos. Los análisis histológicos confirmaron que las fibras conectivas del puente miodural son principalmente fibras de colágeno tipo I. Esto demuestra además que el puente miodural existe ampliamente en la anatomía normal de los mamíferos. Esta investigación proporciona apoyo morfológico para un estudio anatómico comparativo de la función fisiológica del puente miodural.

ABSTRACT The floodplain forests of the Amazon estuary have undergone constant change over recent years, where management techniques, especially intensive management, have had an impact on the dynamics of the vegetation and land use. These changes can be monitored using satellite data. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of ground vegetation on the islands of Jarimbu, Mamangal, Itaboca, Mutirão and Buçu in the district of Igarapé-Miri, Pará, using images from the RapidEye and Planet satellites. The unsupervised ISODATA classification method was used, generating distinct classes of vegetation between each island. To evaluate the efficiency of the classification, an average of 200 random points were used, with another 30 points relating to the type of usage for each class. The Kappa index and overall precision were also analysed, in addition to calculating errors of omission and commission. Monitoring on a seven-year time scale using high-resolution satellites, a more than 50% increase in the Exposed Soil class was seen for the islands of Jarimbu, Mutirão and Itaboca, the latter responsible for an increase of more than 50% in the Urban Area class. On each of the five islands, the Alluvial class, representing the areas of açaí groves, has emerged over the last seven years, increasing in area at the expense of a reduction in the Arboreal class. In this respect, the confusion matrix showed a mean accuracy for the islands of ‘very good’, with a mean overall precision of 77.74%, and a mean Kappa index of 0.73, indicating strong agreement with the reference data and the classification.

ABSTRACT The present work aimed to study the factors that influence the assemblages of arboreal and epigeic ants in fragments of the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in the Rio de Janeiro State. The sampling of the ant assemblages was carried out in three forest fragments located in the municipality of Paraiba do Sul and four in the municipality of Três Rios. The sampling has carried out in each forest remnant with 20 baits (sardine and honey) allocated on the ground and brushed on the trunk of 20 trees, and the ants being collected manually. Environmental variables were obtained to verify its association with the ant species richness and diversity and with the number of guilds per forest remnant. In total, 55 ant species were collected, belonging to 20 genera. The variable that most influenced the richness and diversity of epigenic ant species was the level of isolation of forest fragments, which significantly explained about 68% of the richness variation and about 80% of the diversity variation. The mathematical model with the variables level of isolation of the forest fragments, litter leaf depth, circumference of the tree trunk at breast height (CBH), luminosity and forest fragment area, explained more than 99% of the epigenic ant species richness variation (R²= 99.94%; F= 339.06; P= 0.04). The arboreal ant species richness was significantly influenced by CBH (R²= 67.98%; F= 10.62; P= 0.02), and the arboreal ant diversity was affected by CBH and the size of forest (R²= 81.90%; F= 9.05; P= 0.03). Seven ant guilds were observed, and the number of guilds was influenced by litter leaf depth and luminosity (R²= 77.87%; F= 7.04; P= 0.05). The myrmecofauna of the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest is affected by the landscape and vegetation characteristics related to the successional stage of the forest and with environmental heterogeneity.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os fatores que influenciam as assembleias de formigas arborícolas e epigéicas em fragmentos da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A amostragem das assembleias de formigas foi realizada em três fragmentos florestais no Município de Paraíba do Sul e quatro no Município de Três Rios. Em cada remanescente florestal, 20 iscas de sardinha e mel foram alocadas sobre o solo e a mesma quantidade foi pincelada sobre o tronco de árvores, com as formigas sendo coletadas manualmente. Foram obtidas variáveis ambientais para verificar a sua associação com a riqueza e a diversidade de espécies de formigas e com o número de guildas nos remanescentes florestais. Foram coletadas 55 espécies de formigas, pertencentes a 20 gêneros. A variável que mais influenciou a riqueza e a diversidade de espécies de formigas epigéicas foi o nível de isolamento dos fragmentos florestais, explicando significativamente cerca de 68% da variação da riqueza e aproximadamente 80% da variação da diversidade. O modelo matemático com as variáveis nível de isolamento dos fragmentos, profundidade de serapilheira, circunferência do tronco de árvores a altura do peito (CAP), luminosidade e área do fragmento, explicou mais de 99% da variação da riqueza de espécies de formigas epigéicas (R²= 99,94%; F= 339,06; P= 0,04). A riqueza de formigas arborícolas foi influenciada pela CAP (R²= 67,98%; F= 10,62; P= 0,02) e a diversidade de formigas arborícolas foi afetada pela CAP e pelo tamanho dos remanescentes florestais (R²= 81,90%; F= 9,05; P= 0,03). Foram observadas sete guildas de formigas, sendo a riqueza de guildas influenciada pela profundidade de serapilheira e pela luminosidade (R²= 77,87%; F= 7,04; P= 0,05). A mirmecofauna da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual é afetada pelas características da paisagem e da vegetação, relacionadas com o estágio sucessional da floresta e a heterogeneidade ambiental.

ABSTRACT Cariniana pyriformis is a native arboreal of Colombia with high forestry potential in pure plantations and agroforestry systems of Theobroma cacao. In an agricultural nursery with plastic cover, production and seedling quality were evaluated with a complete randomized block design and three replications using three plastic containers (treatments): bags (1700 cm3), tube trays (700 cm3) and multicellular trays (650 cm3). Between 120 (bags) and 135 (tube trays) days after sowing (das), the seedlings reached 25 cm in height and 3 mm in stem diameter. The shoot dry mass (p= 0.0179) and root dry mass (p= 0.0327) of seedlings at 160 das were higher in the bags as compared to seedlings grown in the tube trays. In parallel, the production of C. pyriformis seedlings in multicellular trays achieved quality indexes very similar to those obtained employing the bags, but with a 60% reduction in the cost per seedling.

RESUMEN Cariniana pyriformis es una arbórea nativa de Colombia con elevado potencial en plantaciones puras y sistemas agroforestales de Theobroma cacao. En vivero agrícola con cobertura plástica, se evaluaron la producción y calidad de plántulas con un diseño de bloques completos al azar y tres repeticiones empleando tres contenedores plásticos (tratamientos): bolsa (1700 cm3), bandeja portatubete (700 cm3) y bandeja multicelda (650 cm3). Entre los 120 (bolsa) y 137 (bandeja portatubete) días después de siembra (dds), las plántulas alcanzaron los 25 cm de altura y 3 mm de diámetro de cuello. El peso seco de la parte área (p= 0,0179) y peso seco del sistema radicular (p= 0,0327) de las plántulas a los 160 dds fueron superiores en la bolsa en comparación con las plántulas crecidas en la bandeja portatubete. En paralelo, la producción de plántulas de C. pyriformis en bandeja multicelda presentó índices de calidad muy similares a la bolsa, pero con una reducción en el costo por plántula entorno al 60%.

Abstract In xeric environments, such as Caatinga Biome, habitat characteristics such as phytophysiognomy type and presence of water bodies can represent higher resource availability. In this context, the present study investigated the effect of phytophysiognomies and presence of water bodies in the abundance and community structure of medium and large mammal species (MLM) in the Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil. To evaluate these variables we conduct an effort of 373 camera-trap days, between August 2012 and November 2014. We recorded 12 MLM species, distributed in six orders and 11 families. From those, Kerodon rupestris is the only one listed in the Brazilian List of Threatened Fauna. Regarding the habitat, the Mann-Whitney showed a significant higher frequency to the Shrubby habitat and the ANOSIM showed no shifts in the community structure between Arboreal and Shrubby. Concerning the presence of water bodies, both the Mann-Whitney and the ANOSIM showed significant higher frequency to the habitat with water presence. We observed that both phytophysiognomy and water bodies are important variables which affect mainly the abundance of mammalian species from semiarid environments. Nonetheless, whereas the forest remnants get smaller the existence of water bodies becomes a preponderant factor to the MLM species and its community structure.

Abstract Some grasslands in ecotones with forests tend to be encroached by woody species, because of changes in climate and land use. Such structural changes in vegetation can be facilitated when the grassland community presents an autochthonous arboreal component, like Butia palms. We aim to identify the responses of taxonomic and functional diversity on grassland community with the occurrence of arborescent/arboreal species (autochthonous and encroaching) to palm density and grazing intensity. The study was conducted in a Butia odorata palm grove under cattle management, in Southern Brazil. To assess the taxonomic and functional composition we performed ordinations analysis with the vegetational data and using path analysis we assessed the causal relationships between variables of interest. Density of Butia odorata and woody plants were strongly positive related, suggesting a facilitation process in the establishment of arborescent plants on the grassland matrix. The abundance of less palatable plants and grazing pressure were inversely related, indicating a selection process induced by higher grazing intensity. We suggest that the grazing intensity management must be based on the autochthonous tree density, applying higher grazing intensity in areas with higher density of encroaching plants, in addition to maintaining other regions conducive to Butia palm regeneration through fallows. use component palms arborescentarboreal Brazil interest related matrix fallows

ABSTRACT Trees transport water from underground to the atmosphere through the evapotranspiration process. Climate change can significantly compromise this process due to changes in land use, such as deforestation. This study aimed to characterize the hydraulic and anatomical attributes of Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don (Bignoniaceae), in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon. For this purpose, the xylem vulnerability curve of this species was described. The frequency and diameter of the xylem vessels and the stomata density were also measured. Finally, a hydraulic attribute of Jacaranda copaia was compared to other species at global, tropical, and Amazonian levels. The findings show that, in the region studied, the species Jacaranda copaia has diffuse-porous woods and numerous vessels (average vessel ranging from 8 to 14 nº/mm2) with small (<50µm) to medium (between 100 and 200 µm) diameters. The average stomatal density ranged from 289 to 309 stomata/mm2. The xylem hydraulic resistance to embolism (Ψ50) ranged from -0.814 to -2.400 MPa, with relatively narrow hydraulic safety margins (HSM50 ranging from -0.312 to 1.122; HSM88 ranging from 0.204 to 1.709). The average values of Ψ50 detected were similar to a large percentage of arboreal species at global, tropical, and Amazonian levels. Possibly, the studied species presents a more “risky” hydraulic strategy, with relatively narrow hydraulic safety margins, due to its dynamic character of fast growth, typical of pioneer species.

RESUMO As árvores transportam água do subsolo para a atmosfera através do processo de evapotranspiração. As mudanças climáticas podem comprometer significativamente esse processo devido a mudanças no uso da terra decorrentes, por exemplo, do desmatamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os atributos hidráulicos e anatômicos de Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don (Bignoniaceae) no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira. Para tanto, foi descrita a curva de vulnerabilidade do xilema desta espécie. A frequência e o diâmetro dos vasos do xilema e a densidade dos estômatos também foram medidos. Finalmente, um atributo hidráulico de Jacaranda copaia foi comparado a outras espécies em nível global, tropical e amazônico. Os achados mostram que, na região estudada, a espécie Jacaranda copaia possui lenhos de porosidade difusa e vasos numerosos (vasos médios variando de 8 a 14 nº/mm2) com diâmetros pequenos (<50µm) a médios (entre 100 e 200 µm). A densidade estomática média variou de 289 a 309 estômatos/mm2. A resistência hidráulica do xilema à embolia (Ψ50) variou de -0.814 a -2.400 MPa, com margens de segurança hidráulica relativamente estreitas (MSH50 variando de -0.312 a 1.122; MSH88 variando de 0.204 a 1.709). Em geral, os valores médios de Ψ50 detectados foram semelhantes a uma grande porcentagem de espécies arbóreas em nível global, tropical e amazônico. Possivelmente, a espécie estudada apresenta uma estratégia hidráulica mais “arriscada” (ou seja, margens de segurança hidráulica relativamente estreitas), devido ao seu caráter dinâmico de crescimento rápido, típico de espécies pioneiras.