Resumen Durante las primeras excavaciones realizadas en el Parador QB (Parque Nacional Islote Lobos, costa Rionegrina) se recuperaron huesos de aves en los conjuntos zooarqueológicos. Al igual que en otras localidades arqueológicas del litoral Nordpatagónico, la representación de este taxón es escasa, aunque los huesos presentan buen estado de preservación. Con el objetivo de explorar el papel de las aves en la subsistencia de las sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras que ocuparon este litoral durante el Holoceno tardío, desarrollamos un estudio tafonómico para establecer si la depositación de sus huesos se debe a la acción antrópica o a causas naturales. La evaluación tafonómica de los restos avifaunísticos es fundamental dado que actualmente existen áreas de nidificación de diversas aves marino-costeras próximas a los sitios arqueológicos, por lo que sería factible la “contaminación ósea” -o mezcla de huesos naturales y materiales arqueológicos. Se concluye que los huesos de aves de los tres loci tienen trayectorias tafonómicas similares, mientras que la mezcla de restos óseos de diferente origen se registró principalmente en el caso de los pingüinos de Magallanes. Por último, señalar que, aunque las aves no son tan abundantes, tuvieron un lugar importante en el repertorio de presas de los cazadores-recolectores de la región.

Abstract During the first excavations carried out at the Parador QB (Islote Lobos National Park, Rio Negro coast), bird bones were recovered in the zooarchaeological assemblages. As in other archaeological localities on the North Patagonian coast, the representation of this taxon is scarce, although the bones present a good state of preservation. With the aim of exploring the role of birds in the subsistence of the hunter-gatherer societies that occupied this coastline during the Late Holocene, a taphonomic study was developed to establish whether the deposition of bird bones was due to anthropogenic action or to natural causes. The taphonomic evaluation of the avifauna remains is essential given that currently there are nesting areas of various marine-coastal birds close to the archaeological sites, so that "bone contamination," or the mixing of natural bones and archaeological materials, can result. It is concluded that bird bones from the three loci have similar taphonomic trajectories, while modern bones mixed with the archaeological materials were mainly of Magellanic penguins. Finally, it should be noted that, although bird bones are not abundant, birds had an important place in the prey repertoire of the hunter-gatherers of the region.

Abstract Due to the irrational use of chemicals for pest control in intensive crops, the diversity of communities of beneficial organisms, such as the predatory mites of the order Mesostigmata, has been alarmingly diminished,. These arachnids have taken on agricultural relevance because most of their members have zoophagic feeding habits and naturally regulate harmful populations of insects, nematodes and other mites that inhabit plants. For more than 40 years, predatory mites have been introduced regularly for biocontrol work and it is estimated that more than 60% of programs use these organisms; however, the commercial products available are limited to a few species, which vary in effectiveness according to the conditions of the crop, availability of prey and competition for niches with other predatory organisms; in addition, their production is protected under trade secrecy in most cases. With this, the opportunity opens up to explore native or even already commercialized species in order to evaluate their predatory capacity at the research level or as usual tools for pest regulation; a first challenge for this purpose is propagation and culture methods. The methods for mite culture can be divided into two: maintenance on plants and in confinement; although each technique has been developed for a particular species or a certain purpose, knowing their basic design promises to bring us closer to a new line of study for their introduction and reintroduction into agricultural systems.

Resumen Debido al uso irracional de productos químicos para el control de plagas en los cultivos intensivos, se han disminuido de manera alarmante la diversidad de comunidades de organismos benéficos, tal es el caso de los ácaros depredadores del orden Mesostigmata. Estos arácnidos han tomado relevancia agrícola debido a que, la mayoría de sus miembros presentan hábitos alimentarios zoofágicos y regulan de manera natural poblaciones perjudiciales de insectos, nematodos y otros ácaros que habitan las plantas. De manera regular, desde hace más de 40 años se introducen los ácaros depredadores para los trabajos de biocontrol y se estima que más de 60% de los programas utilizan estos organismos; sin embargo, los productos comerciales disponibles están limitados a unas pocas especies, las cuales varían en efectividad según las condiciones del cultivo, disponibilidad de presas y competencia de nichos con otros organismos también depredadores, además, su producción está resguardada bajo secreto empresarial en la mayoría de los casos. Con esto, se abre la oportunidad para explorar especies nativas o incluso ya comercializadas, con el fin de evaluar su capacidad depredadora a nivel de investigación o como herramientas habituales para la regulación de plagas, un primer reto para este fin es la propagación y los métodos de cultivo. Los métodos para cultivar ácaros se pueden dividir en dos: mantenimiento sobre plantas y en confinamiento, aunque cada técnica se ha desarrollado para una especie en particular o un fin determinado, el conocer su diseño básico, promete acercarnos a una nueva línea de estudio para su introducción y reintroducción en los sistemas agrícolas.

Classic depictions of human evolutionary ecology cast Homo as predator and other hominins, including Paranthropus robustus, as prey. Such hypotheses rest on a small number of fossils that exhibit evidence of carnivore predation, including the iconic SK 54 cranium from Swartkrans in South Africa. Here we demonstrate that the SK 54 cranium shares its closest affinities with H. erectus sensu lato rather than P. robustus. Demonstrating that Homo was prey for leopards at Swartkrans weakens the historically significant hypothesis that Homo was better able to avoid predation because of being behaviourally and technologically advanced compared to Paranthropus. Subsequent ideas about hominin palaeobiology derived from this hypothesis warrant reconsideration. SIGNIFICANCE: • The small sample of early Homo from southern Africa is increased by the allocation of the SK 54 cranium to that genus. • Evidence from Swartkrans suggests that Homo was prey for leopards. • Hypotheses concerning the biology, behaviour, and technological capabilities of Homo and P. robustus stemming from Brain's seminal work, The Hunters or the Hunted?, should be reassessed.

Abstract Introduction: Echinoderms, an integral component of marine ecosystems worldwide, have captivated scientific interest for centuries. Despite this longstanding attention, comprehending key facets such as trophic relationships, diet composition, and host-microbiota relationships still represents a challenge using traditional techniques. Recent years, however, have witnessed a transformative shift, thanks to the emergence of advanced molecular techniques, offering new approaches to strengthen ecological studies in echinoderms. Objective: Explore how recent advancements in molecular tools have impacted ecological research on echinoderms. Specifically, we aim to investigate the potential of these tools to shed light on trophic interactions, diet composition, and the characterization of gut microbial communities in these organisms. Methods: Available literature was used to clarify how novel molecular techniques can improve ecological studies. The focus is diet, trophic relationships, and gut microbiota. Results: Traditionally, studies of stomach contents using compound microscopy have provided an idea of ingested material; nevertheless, sometimes a simple magnified visualization of dietary content does not allow exhaustive identification of the entire food spectrum, as it is limited due to the rapid digestion and maceration of food items within the echinoderm’s digestive tract. The use of DNA-metabarcoding, targeting specific DNA regions, such as the mitochondrial COI gene, has allowed us to enhance the accuracy and precision of diet characterization by enabling the identification of prey items down to the species or even genetic variant level, providing valuable insights into specific dietary preferences. Another approach is the use of stable isotopes, particularly carbon and nitrogen, which provide a powerful tool to trace the origin and flow of nutrients through food webs. By analyzing the isotopic signatures in muscular tissues and food items, we can discern the sources of their primary food items and gain insights into their trophic position within the ecosystem. Lastly, a third new technique used to elucidate the characterization of the prokaryotic community is 16S rRNA sequencing. This method allows us to explore the composition and dynamics of the digestive tract microbial communities. Conclusions: This is a promising era for ecological research on echinoderms, where advances of molecular tools have enabled an unprecedented level of detail, resolving longstanding challenges in comprehending their trophic interactions, diet composition, and host-microbiota relationships, and opening new avenues of investigation in ecological studies.

Resumen Introducción: Los equinodermos, un componente integral de los ecosistemas marinos en todo el mundo, han captado el interés científico durante siglos. A pesar de esta prolongada atención, el comprender facetas clave como las relaciones tróficas, la composición de la dieta y las relaciones huésped-microbiota todavía representa un desafío utilizando técnicas tradicionales. Sin embargo, los últimos años han sido testigos de un cambio transformador, gracias a la aparición de técnicas moleculares avanzadas, que ofrecen nuevos enfoques para fortalecer los estudios ecológicos en equinodermos. Objetivo: Explorar cómo los avances recientes en herramientas moleculares han impactado la investigación ecológica sobre equinodermos. Específicamente, nuestro objetivo es investigar el potencial de estas herramientas para arrojar luz sobre las interacciones tróficas, la composición de la dieta y la caracterización de las comunidades microbianas intestinales en estos organismos. Métodos: Se utilizó la literatura disponible para aclarar cómo las nuevas técnicas moleculares pueden mejorar los estudios ecológicos. La atención se centra en la dieta, las relaciones tróficas y la microbiota intestinal. Resultados: Tradicionalmente, los estudios del contenido estomacal mediante microscopía compuesta han proporcionado una idea del material ingerido; Sin embargo, a veces una simple visualización ampliada del contenido dietético no permite una identificación exhaustiva de todo el espectro alimentario, ya que está limitado debido a la rápida digestión y maceración de los alimentos dentro del tracto digestivo del equinodermo. El uso de metabarcoding de ADN, dirigidos a regiones específicas del ADN, como el gen COI mitocondrial, nos ha permitido mejorar la exactitud y precisión de la caracterización de la dieta al permitir la identificación de presas hasta el nivel de especie o incluso de variante genética, lo que proporciona valiosos resultados sobre preferencias dietéticas específicas. Otro enfoque es el uso de isótopos estables, en particular carbono y nitrógeno, que proporcionan una poderosa herramienta para rastrear el origen y el flujo de nutrientes a través de las redes alimentarias. Al analizar las firmas isotópicas en los tejidos musculares y los alimentos, podemos discernir las fuentes de sus alimentos primarios y obtener información sobre su posición trófica dentro del ecosistema. Por último, una tercera técnica nueva utilizada para dilucidar la caracterización de la comunidad procariótica es la secuenciación del ARNr 16S. Este método nos permite explorar la composición y dinámica de las comunidades microbianas del tracto digestivo. Conclusiones: Esta es una era prometedora para la investigación ecológica sobre equinodermos, donde los avances de las herramientas moleculares han permitido un nivel de detalle sin precedentes, resolviendo desafíos de larga data en la comprensión de sus interacciones tróficas, composición de la dieta y relaciones huésped-microbiota, y abriendo nuevas vías de investigación. en estudios ecológicos.

ABSTRACT Duponchelia fovealis is an important pest in strawberry crops. In search of an alternative biological control method, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of a diet composed of Ephestia kuehniella or D. fovealis eggs offered to Chrysoperla externa larvae on their subsequent development and survival under controlled conditions. Biological and reproductive parameters of C. externa were assessed. Additionally, the daily predation of D. fovealis eggs by C. externa was analyzed. Finally, a fertility life table was constructed. The egg-to-pupa development time differed significantly between diets. The weights of firstand second-generation male C. externa pupae were significantly higher when fed on D. fovealis eggs. Males tended to live longer on a diet based on D. fovealis eggs, but females presented no significant differences between diets. The oviposition period tended to be longer for C. externa fed on D. fovealis eggs. The time between generations and the net reproductive rate were greater for C. externa fed on D. fovealis eggs. The results showed that D. fovealis eggs are a suitable diet for the development of C. externa. This information is important for developing protocols for the use of C. externa as a biocontrol agent against this pest. crops method D conditions C assessed Additionally analyzed Finally constructed eggtopupa egg pupa diets secondgeneration second generation

RESUMO Duponchelia fovealis é uma praga severa no cultivo do morangueiro. Na busca de uma alternativa de agente de controle biológico, avaliamos o impacto de uma dieta composta por ovos de Ephestia kuehniella ou D. fovealis oferecidas às larvas de Chrysoperla externa em seu subsequente desenvolvimento e sobrevivência, sob condições controladas. Foram avaliados os parâmetros biológicos e reprodutivos de C. externa e a predação diária de ovos de D. fovealis por C. externa. Por fim, foi construída a tabela de vida de fertilidade. A duração do período do ovo à pupa diferiu significativamente entre as dietas. O peso das pupas de C. externa foi significativamente maior quando alimentadas com ovos de D. fovealis para machos de primeira e segunda geração. Os machos tenderam a viver mais tempo com uma dieta baseada em ovos de D. fovealis, mas não foram detectadas diferenças significativas entre as dietas para as fêmeas. O período de oviposição tendeu a ser mais longo em C. externa alimentada com ovos de D. fovealis. A predação média diária da primeira geração de C. externa foi afetada pela dieta. O tempo entre cada geração e a taxa líquida de reprodução foram maiores para C. externa alimentada com ovos de D. fovealis do que quando alimentada com ovos de E. kuehniella. Nossos resultados comprovaram que os ovos de D. fovealis são uma dieta adequada para o desenvolvimento de C. externa. Esta informação é valiosa no desenvolvimento de protocolos para o uso de C. externa como agente de controle desta praga. morangueiro biológico D sobrevivência controladas C fim fertilidade fêmeas E

Abstract This paper presents an enhanced version of the Artificial Rabbit Optimization (ARO) algorithm designed for identifying structural damage in bridge structures. The original ARO draws inspiration from survival observed in wild rabbits. However, it demands a substantial investment of computational time. Therefore, in this paper, the Improved ARO (IARO) algorithm incorporating elements of the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) through hybridization, is employed to deal with optimization problems. The central concept of this approach involves infusing predator-hunting characteristics into the prey-rabbit during the hunting process, thereby enabling more effective predator evasion. The proposed method is evaluated through a series of simulations related to two real bridges: a simple supported beam structure and a steel truss bridge. The results show a significant improvement in accuracy and efficiency in determining structural damage while considering factors such as damage location, severity, and computation time. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed approach for real-world applications in structural health monitoring and damage detection. (ARO structures rabbits However time Therefore IARO (IARO GWO (GWO hybridization problems predatorhunting preyrabbit prey rabbit process evasion bridges location severity realworld world detection

ABSTRACT This paper proposes an integrated control model that enables the pesticide use according to the prey density and the insertion of the natural enemy, the predators, by fuzzy linear programming.The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the main resistant pests of corn, which can cause damage to the productivity up to 34%. The control is strictly chemical. enemy predators programmingThe programming Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Noctuidae corn 34 34% chemical 3

ABSTRACT The South Pacific hake, Merluccius gayi, is an ecologically and economically important species in Ecuador. However, studies regarding its feeding habits remain scarce. This study aimed to characterize the food and feeding habits of M. gayi in the Ecuadorian Pacific Ocean by sex, sexual maturity stages, size classes, and years. Hakes obtained (n = 2993) from industrial fishing (captured with seine nets) were analyzed from September 2013 to December 2014. Their diet was composed of 27 prey species. The most important prey was the euphausiid Nyctiphanes simplex (52%) and the same hake species (M. gayi; 31%) according to the prey-specific index of relative importance (%PSIRI), making this species a cannibal predator. Results show no significant dietary differences between female and male hakes or immature and mature males, but found differences between immature and mature females and individuals from four size classes and hake between 2013 and 2014. According to Levin’s Index, the species showed a low trophic niche breadth (Bi = 0.03), making it a selective specialist mesopredator with high specialization. The trophic overlap analysis based on Jaccard’s index by sex was low (J = 0.23) for indetermined individuals, moderate (J = 0.59) for males and females, and high (J = 0.78) for immature females and males; moderate values were noted for size classes (J = 0.42-0.63) and low for years (J = 0.31). Based on the Cortés index, the trophic level totaled (TLk = 3.22), indicating that this species is a primary and secondary carnivore mesopredator. This information supports the understanding of the relations between predators and prey and the flow of nutrients and energy in marine ecosystems, which serve as a base for ecosystemic fishing management. Ecuador However scarce M stages n 2993 captured nets 201 2014 2 52% 52 (52% (M 31% 31 preyspecific specific %PSIRI, PSIRI %PSIRI , (%PSIRI) predator Levins Levin s Index Bi 0.03, 003 0.03 0 03 0.03) specialization Jaccards Jaccard J 0.23 023 23 0.59 059 59 0.78 078 78 0.420.63 042063 0.42 0.63 42 63 0.42-0.63 0.31. 031 0.31 . 0.31) TLk 3.22, 322 3.22 3 22 3.22) ecosystems management 299 20 5 (52 (%PSIRI 00 0.0 0.2 02 0.5 05 0.7 07 7 420 0.420.6 04206 042 0.4 063 0.6 4 6 0.42-0.6 0.3 32 3.2 29 (5 0. 0.420. 0420 04 06 0.42-0. 3. ( 0.420 0.42-0 0.42-

Abstract Upwellings are important oceanographic processes that induce several changes in marine ecosystems, including in the benthic-pelagic coupling (BPC) that plays a major role in coastal areas. However, there is little available information about the possible effects of coastal upwellings on the trophic role of predators and in the BPC. Thus, here we investigate possible seasonal and ontogenetic changes in the trophic interaction of a demersal predator, the Brazilian flathead Percophis brasiliensis, from an upwelling ecosystem. Sampling was carried out for one year during two coastal upwelling events. Based on stomach content analysis (SCA) were recorded seasonal diet shifts, probably driven by coastal upwellings, leading to an increase in pelagic prey and changing the trophic coupling pathways. Stable isotope analysis revealed that isotopic niche decreased with the body size, as well as the values of the Levins’ index. Also, significant, and positive relationships were observed between δ13C and δ15N versus total length. Our results showed that the demersal predator has a relevant trophic role in the BPC which is probably influenced by coastal upwellings. ecosystems benthicpelagic benthic (BPC areas However Thus brasiliensis ecosystem events SCA (SCA shifts pathways size Levins index Also significant δC δ C δN N length

Resumo Ressurgências são importantes processos oceanográficos que induzem diversas mudanças nos ecossistemas marinhos, inclusive no acoplamento bento-pelágico (ABP) que desempenha um papel importante nas áreas costeiras. No entanto, existem poucas informações sobre os possíveis efeitos das ressurgências costeiras no papel trófico de predadores e no ABP. Em vista disso, aqui investigamos as possíveis mudanças sazonais e ontogenéticas nas interações tróficas de um predador demersal, o tira-vira Percophis brasiliensis, em um ecossistema com ressurgência. A amostragem foi realizada ao longo de um ano durante dois eventos de ressurgências costeiras. Baseado nas análises de conteúdos estomacais (ACE) foram registradas mudanças sazonais na dieta provavelmente impulsionadas pelas ressurgências costeiras, levando a um aumento de presas pelágicas e alterando as vias de acoplamento trófico. As análises de isótopos estáveis revelaram que o nicho isotópico diminuiu com o tamanho do corpo, assim como os valores do índice de Levin. Além disso, relações significativas e positivas foram observadas entre δ13C e δ15N versus comprimento total. Nossos resultados mostraram que o predador demersal tem um papel trófico relevante no ABP que provavelmente é influenciado por ressurgências costeiras. marinhos bentopelágico bento pelágico (ABP entanto disso tiravira tira vira brasiliensis ressurgência ACE (ACE corpo Levin δC δ C δN N total

Resumo As espécies simpátricas de caranguejo-da-lama Panopeus americanus e Panopeus austrobesus são encontradas em ambientes entremarés associados a habitats lamacentos e rochosos, bem como em simpatria na costa do Atlântico Ocidental. Portanto, constituem um sistema modelo adequado para ser utilizado em estudos focados na investigação de aspectos de coexistência biológica entre espécies semelhantes, como estrutura populacional e habitat. Os objetivos do presente estudo são descrever e comparar a microdistribuição de duas espécies simpátricas de caranguejo-da-lama – P. americanus e P. austrobesus – com base na avaliação de sua distribuição espacial e temporal, em uma área estuarina complexa e com baixo impacto antrópico. A hipótese de que estas duas espécies apresentam microdistribuição semelhante, embora uma espécie seja mais abundante que a outra, foi testada. A amostragem foi realizada na zona entremarés de uma área específica do complexo estuarino de Cananeia, Estado de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil, em diferentes períodos durante dois anos. Ambas as espécies apresentaram microdistribuição e frequência semelhantes, principalmente nas zonas entremarés média e alta. Entretanto, Panopeus americanus foi mais abundante e apresentou menor tamanho médio em todas as zonas amostrais. A pronunciada disparidade de tamanho entre as espécies sugere preferências alimentares divergentes, potencialmente relacionadas ao tamanho das presas possibilitando a coexistência dessas espécies simpátricas. A predominância dessas duas espécies nas zonas intermareais superiores também indica uma estratégia para evitar a competição com os camarões alfeídeos. caranguejodalama caranguejo da lama rochosos Ocidental Portanto semelhantes habitat P temporal antrópico semelhante outra testada Cananeia Paulo Brasil anos alta Entretanto amostrais divergentes alfeídeos

Abstract Sympatric mud crab species Panopeus americanus and Panopeus austrobesus are found in intertidal environments associated with muddy and rocky habitats in the Western Atlantic coast. Therefore, they are a suitable model system to be used in studies focused on investigating biological coexistence aspects between close species, such as population structure and habitat. The aims of the current study are to describe and compare the distribution of two sympatric mud crab species – P. americanus and P. austrobesus – based on their spatial and temporal distribution, in a low human impact estuarine complex area. The hypothesis that these two species show similar distribution, although one species is more abundant than the other, was herein tested. Sampling was carried out in the intertidal zone of a specific area in Cananeia estuarine complex, São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil, in different periods of time for two years. Both species presented similar pattern distribution and frequency, with predominance in the middle and high intertidal zones, including all demographic categories. However, Panopeus americanus was more abundant and presented smaller mean size in all sampling zones. The pronounced disparity in size between the species suggests divergent dietary preferences, potentially related to prey size allowing the coexistence of these sympatric and syntopic species. The predominance of these two species in the upper intertidal zones was understood as a strategy for avoiding competition with the intertidal alpheid shrimps. coast Therefore habitat P other tested State Brazil years frequency categories However preferences shrimps

Abstract Terminalia argentea tree, native to Brazil, is widely used in landscaping, recovering degraded areas, its wood, coal production, and the bark or leaf extracts has medicinal use. Despite of its importance, the arthropod fauna associated to this plant and its interspecific relationships still needs further studies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the arthropods, their ecological indices and the distribution in the leaf faces on T. argentea saplings. The numbers of phytophagous insects (e.g., Cephalocoema sp.), pollinators (e.g., Tetragonisca angustula), and natural enemies (e.g., Oxyopidae), and their ecological indices (e.g., species richness), were higher on the adaxial leaf faces on T. argentea saplings. Aggregated distribution of phytophagous insects (e.g., Aphis spiraecola), pollinators (e.g., Trigona spinipes), and natural enemies (e.g., Camponotus sp.) on T. argentea saplings was observed. Abundance, diversity, and species richness of natural enemies correlated, positively, with those of phytophagous and pollinators insects. Predators and tending ants followed their prey and sucking insects, respectively. Tending ants protected sucking insects against predators, and reduced chewing insects. The high number of Cephalocoema sp. on T. argentea saplings is a problem, because this insect can feed on leaves of this plant, but its preference for the adaxial leaf face favors its control. The aggregation behavior of arthropods on T. argentea saplings favors the control of potential pests of this plant. There seems to be competition between tending ants for space and food resources on T. argentea saplings. tree Brazil landscaping areas wood production use importance studies T e.g., eg e g (e.g. sp., sp , angustula, angustula angustula) Oxyopidae, Oxyopidae Oxyopidae) richness, richness) spiraecola, spiraecola spiraecola) spinipes, spinipes spinipes) observed Abundance diversity correlated positively respectively predators problem e.g. (e.g e.g

Resumo Terminalia argentea, árvore nativa do Brasil, é muito utilizada no paisagismo, na recuperação de áreas degradadas, sua madeira na produção de carvão e o extrato da casca ou das folhas tem uso medicinal. Apesar de sua importância, a fauna de artrópodes associada a esta planta e suas relações interespecíficas ainda carecem de estudos mais aprofundados. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os artrópodes, seus índices ecológicos e a distribuição nas faces foliares de mudas de T. argentea. O número de insetos fitófagos (ex.: Cephalocoema sp.), polinizadores (ex.: Tetragonisca angustula), e inimigos naturais (ex.: Oxyopidae), e seus índices ecológicos (ex.: riqueza de espécies), foram maiores nas faces adaxiais das folhas das mudas de T. argentea. Foi observada uma distribuição agregada de insetos fitófagos (ex.: Aphis spiraecola), polinizadores (ex.: Trigona spinipes) e inimigos naturais (ex.: Camponotus sp.) em mudas de T. argentea. A abundância, diversidade e riqueza de espécies de inimigos naturais correlacionaram-se, positivamente, com as de insetos fitófagos e polinizadores. Os predadores e as formigas cuidadoras seguiram as suas presas e os insetos sugadores, respectivamente. As formigas cuidadoras protegeram os insetos sugadores contra os predadores e reduziram os insetos mastigadores. O elevado número de Cephalocoema sp. em mudas de T. argentea é um problema, pois esse inseto pode se alimentar de folhas dessa planta, mas sua preferência pela face adaxial da folha favorece seu controle. O comportamento de agregação de artrópodes em mudas de T. argentea favorece o controle de potenciais pragas dessa planta. Parece haver competição entre as formigas cuidadoras por espaço e recursos alimentares nas mudas de T. argentea. Brasil paisagismo degradadas medicinal importância aprofundados T ex. ex (ex. sp., sp , angustula, angustula angustula) Oxyopidae, Oxyopidae Oxyopidae) espécies, espécies) spiraecola, spiraecola spiraecola) spinipes abundância correlacionaramse, correlacionaramse correlacionaram se, correlacionaram-se positivamente respectivamente mastigadores problema (ex

Resumo As respostas funcionais de larvas de Chrysoperla carnea foram avaliadas em sete diferentes densidades de ninfas de 3º instar de Aphis craccivora e Gynaikothrips ficorum, a fim de descobrir a relação entre as densidades de predadores e suas presas, e sua capacidade de controle biológico de pulgões e tripes. Os resultados revelaram que todos os instares larvais testados de Ch. carnea apresentaram resposta de tipo II em relação à presa. Além disso, os coeficientes de taxa de ataque (a) e tempo de manejo (Th) diferiram entre os vários instares de crescimento do predador e para a espécie de presa. As larvas de 3º instar de Ch. carnea manifestaram a maior taxa de ataque (1,23 e 1,22) nas ninfas de 3º instar de A. craccivora e G. ficorum, respectivamente. Além disso, a maior taxa de predação máxima (Na máx.) (50,00 e 52,63) apresentou-se em ninfas de A. craccivora e G. ficorum, respectivamente, em comparação aos demais tratamentos. Assim, é possível concluir que o Ch. carnea pode ser considerado um agente de biocontrole promissor para o manejo de A. craccivora e G. ficorum.

Abstract The functional responses of Chrysoperla carnea larvae were evaluated at different seven densities of the 3rd instar nymphs of Aphis craccivora and Gynaikothrips ficorum in order to find out the relationship between predator densities and its prey by the, and also to find out their capability for biological control of aphids and thrips. Results revealed that all tested larval instars of Ch. carnea exhibited a type II response in relation to the prey. Moreover, the coefficients of attack rate (a) and handling time (Th) was differed among various growing instars of predator and for the prey species. The 3rd instar larvae of Ch. carnea manifested the highest attacking rate (1.23 and 1.22) on the 3rd instar nymphs of A. craccivora and G. ficorum, respectively. In addition it exhibited the highest maximum predation (Na max) (50.00 and 52.63) on A. craccivora and G. ficorum nymphs, respectively as compared with the other treatments. Accordingly, Ch. carnea could be considered as a promising bio-control agent for A. craccivora and G. ficorum management.

Resumo A raposa-vermelha (Vulpes vulpes) é um carnívoro de médio porte que ocorre em diferentes regiões do Paquistão, porém ainda carece de dados científicos sobre sua ecologia e distribuição. O presente estudo investigou o status filogenético e a dieta da raposa-vermelha (V.v. griffithii) que ocorre no Parque Nacional de Ayubia, Paquistão. Por meio de armadilhas fotográficas e análises moleculares, confirmamos a ocorrência de raposa-vermelha na área de estudo. Com base no citocromo B mitocondrial (304 bp) e amostragem limitada, quase todas as raposas-vermelhas do Parque Nacional de Ayubia e áreas circundantes do Himalaia se enquadram na linhagem materna holártica, enquanto as raposas-vermelhas encontradas nas planícies do Paquistão fazem parte da linhagem materna basal paleártica. Usando 32 fezes, descobrimos que a dieta da raposa-vermelha compreende 80% de espécies de presas de origem animal (selvagens e domésticas) e 19% de matéria vegetal. As espécies de presas de animais selvagens incluíram a lebre-do-cabo (Lepus capensis) e o esquilo-voador (Pteromyini sp.), que constituíram 17% e 15% da dieta, respectivamente. As raposas-vermelhas consumiam raramente ratos domésticos (Mus musculus), algas do Himalaia (Paguma larvata) e ovelhas (Ovis aries), cada um compreendendo cerca de 6% a 9% da dieta da raposa-vermelha. A espécie de raposa também se alimentava de burros domésticos de forma oportunista. Com base em nossa amostragem, nosso estudo sugere que a raposa-vermelha (V.v. griffithii) que ocorre no Parque Nacional de Ayubia e nas cordilheiras menores do Himalaia pertence à linhagem materna holártica. O estudo também destaca o consumo de sementes de plantas por raposas-vermelhas, indicando que pode desempenhar um papel ecológico importante na dispersão de sementes no Parque Nacional de Ayubia.

Abstract The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a medium-sized carnivore that occurs in different regions of Pakistan, however, still lacks scientific data on its ecology and distribution. The current study investigated the phylogenetic status and diet of the red fox (V.v. griffithii) occurring in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan. Through camera trapping and molecular analysis, we confirmed the occurrence of red fox in the study area. Based on mitochondrial cytochrome B (304 bp) and limited sampling, nearly all red foxes of Ayubia National Park and surrounding Himalayan ranges fall within Holarctic maternal lineage, whereas red foxes found in plains of Pakistan are part of the basal Palearctic maternal lineage. Using 32 scats, we found that red fox diet comprises of 80% animal-based prey species (both wild and domestic) and 19% plant matter. The wild animal prey species included Cape hare (Lepus capensis) and flying squirrel (Pteromyini sp.), which constituted 17% and 15% of diet, respectively. Red foxes infrequently consumed House mouse (Mus musculus), Himalayan Palm civet (Paguma larvata) and sheep (Ovis aries), each comprising around 6% to 9% of red fox diet. The fox species also scavenged on domestic donkey opportunistically. Based on our sampling, our study suggests that the red fox (V.v. griffithii) that occurs in Ayubia National Park and across the lesser Himalayan ranges belongs to Holarctic maternal lineage. The study also highlights consumption of plant seeds by red foxes, indicating it may play an important ecological role in seed dispersal in Ayubia National Park.

Resumo O crescimento da população humana é um risco solene para a biodiversidade em nível global. A pressão antrópica maciça e a invasão nos habitats naturais iniciaram o conflito homem-vida selvagem nas áreas rurais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o conflito entre humanos e animais selvagens no Parque Nacional Musk Deer (MDNP) de 2013 a 2018. Os resultados revelaram uma estimativa de 241.784 cabeças de gado nômades e 5.589 residenciais pastando em diferentes áreas do MDNP durante a temporada de verão. Um total de 126 cabeças foi depredado por carnívoros durante o período de estudo. A maioria (n = 39) das cabeças de gado foi morta em maio (n = 29). A depredação do gado resultou em perdas econômicas no valor de 3,115 milhões de PKRs (US$ 25.744) para a comunidade de pastores, enquanto os agricultores receberam 1,629 milhões de PKRs (US$ 13.466) perdas devido à invasão de plantações. A maioria (64%) dos entrevistados acredita que o conflito entre humanos e animais selvagens aumentou devido à escassez de alimentos ou presas nos habitats naturais dos carnívoros. A maioria (92%) dos entrevistados não gostou da presença de predadores no MDNP. Esquemas de compensação de perdas podem transformar essa atitude negativa em positiva e aumentar a tolerância com a presença de carnívoros em suas proximidades. Este estudo fornece uma visão sobre o conflito homem-vida selvagem no MDNP e abre caminho para a compreensão do conflito e conservação de espécies carnívoras na área de estudo.

Abstract Growing human population is a solemn risk to biodiversity at a global level. Massive anthropogenic pressure and invasion in the natural habitats initiated the human-wildlife conflict in rural areas. Present study aimed to assess human-wildlife conflict in Musk Deer National Park (MDNP) from 2013 to 2018. Results revealed an estimated 241784 nomadic and 5589 residential livestock heads grazed in different areas of MDNP during the summer season. A total of 126 heads were depredated by carnivores during the study period. Majority (n=39) of livestock heads were killed in May (n=29). Livestock depredation resulted in economic losses worth 3.115 million PKRs (25744 US$) to the herder community while farmers received 1.629 million PKRs (13466 US$) losses due to crop raiding. Most (64%) of the respondents believed human-wildlife conflict heightened due to scarcity of food or prey in the natural habitats of carnivores. Majority (92%) of the respondents did not like the presence of predators in MDNP. Loss compensation schemes could turn this negative attitude into the positive one and increase tolerance about the presence of carnivores in their vicinity. This study provides an insight into the human-wildlife conflict in MDNP and paves a way for understanding the conflict and conservation of carnivore species in the study area.