Abstract Introduction: Evidence suggests that herbivores, such as peccaries, shape vegetation structure and diversity through predation, trampling, dispersal, and rooting behavior. Objective: To evaluate the impact of peccaries (Dycotiles tajacu) on the understory vegetation of the tropical rainforest in the Nogal-La Selva Local Biological Corridor, Costa Rica, comparing a site with the absence of peccaries to another with the presence of these animals. Methodology: From June to November 2021, 20 experimental exclusions and 20 free access plots, each measuring 2 m2 were used to quantify herbivory, the number of leaf blades, damaged leaves, healthy leaves, sapling height, and fallen biomass at both sites. Results: A higher sapling density was found in the Nogal Reserve, but a lower sapling diversity, while in La Selva there was a higher sapling diversity, but a lower density of seedlings. Herbivory and sapling height in La Selva exceeded those in Nogal. The exclusion of peccaries reduced seedling damage but did not affect the dynamics of fallen biomass. Conclusion: For the design, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of biological corridors, it is crucial to consider plant-animal interactions to enhance the flow of ecological processes through functional and structural connectivity, analyzed from interactions such as those presented in this paper.

Resumen Introducción: Existe evidencia que herbívoros, como los saínos, dan forma a la estructura y diversidad de la vegetación a través del comportamiento de depredación, pisoteo, dispersión y enraizamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los saínos (Dycotiles tajacu) en la vegetación del sotobosque del bosque tropical húmedo en el Corredor Biológico Local Nogal-La Selva, Costa Rica, en un sitio con ausencia y en otro con presencia de saínos. Métodos: De junio a noviembre de 2021 se utilizaron 20 exclusiones experimentales y 20 parcelas de acceso libre de 2 m2, se cuantifico la herbivoría, número de láminas foliares, hojas dañadas, hojas sanas, altura de brinzales y biomasa caída en ambos sitios. Resultados: Se encontró una mayor densidad de brinzales en Reserva Nogal pero una menor diversidad, contrario en La Selva donde se encontró una mayor diversidad de brinzales, pero una menor densidad de plántulas. La herbivoría y la altura de brinzales en La Selva fue mayor que en Nogal. La exclusión de los saínos disminuyó el daño a las plántulas, pero no afectó la dinámica de la biomasa caída. Conclusión: Es necesario contemplar para el diseño, implementación y evaluación de la efectividad de corredores biológicos, las interacciones planta-animal, para potencializar el flujo de procesos ecológicos mediante la conectividad funcional y estructural, analizada a partir de interacciones como las presentadas en este trabajo.

ABSTRACT Amazonia (defined herein as the Amazon basin) is home to the greatest concentration of biodiversity on Earth, providing unique genetic resources and ecological functions that contribute to ecosystem services globally. The lengthy and complex evolutionary history of this region has produced heterogeneous landscapes and riverscapes at multiple scales, altered the geographic and genetic connections among populations, and impacted rates of adaptation, speciation, and extinction. In turn, ecologically diverse Amazonian biotas promoted further diversification, species coexistence, and coevolution, with biodiversity accumulating over tens of millions of years. Important events in Amazonian history included: (i) late Cretaceous and early Paleogene origin of major rainforest plant and animal groups; (ii) Eocene-Oligocene global cooling with rainforests contracting to tropical latitudes separating Atlantic coastal and Amazonian rainforests; (iii) Miocene uplift of central and northern Andes that separated Pacific coastal and Amazonian rainforests, spurred formation of mega-wetlands in the western Amazon, and contributed to the origin of the modern transcontinental Amazon River; (iv) late Neogene formation of the Panamanian Isthmus that facilitated the Great American Biotic Interchange; (v) Pleistocene climate oscillations followed by late Pleistocene-Holocene human colonization and megafaunal extinctions; and (vi) modern era of widespread anthropogenic deforestation, defaunation, and ecological transformations of regional landscapes and global climates. Amazonian conservation requires decade-scale investments into biodiversity documentation and monitoring to leverage existing scientific capacity, and strategic habitat planning to allow continuity of evolutionary and ecological processes now and into the future. defined basin Earth globally scales populations adaptation speciation extinction turn diversification coexistence coevolution years included i (i groups ii (ii EoceneOligocene Eocene Oligocene iii (iii megawetlands mega wetlands River iv (iv Interchange v (v PleistoceneHolocene Holocene extinctions vi (vi deforestation defaunation climates decadescale decade scale capacity future

RESUMEN La Amazonía (definida como la cuenca amazónica) concentra la mayor biodiversidad de la Tierra, proporcionando recursos genéticos y funciones ecológicas únicas que contribuyen a los servicios ecosistémicos a nivel mundial. La compleja historia evolutiva de esta región produjo paisajes heterogéneos a múltiples escalas geográficas, alteró las conexiones geográficas y genéticas entre las poblaciones e influyó en las tasas de adaptación, especiación y extinción. Las biotas amazónicas, ecológicamente diversas, promovieron una mayor diversificación, coexistencia de especies y coevolución, acumulando biodiversidad a lo largo de decenas de millones de años. Acontecimientos importantes en la historia de la Amazonía incluyeron: (i) orígenes durante el Cretácico tardío y el Paleógeno temprano de los principales grupos de plantas y animales; (ii) enfriamiento global del Eoceno-Oligoceno, contrayendo los bosques a latitudes tropicales y separando los de la costa Atlántica de los amazónicos; (iii) levantamiento de los Andes centrales y del norte en el Mioceno, separando las selvas tropicales de la costa del Pacífico y de la Amazonía, estimulando la formación de megahumedales en la Amazonía occidental y contribuyendo al origen del moderno Río Amazonas transcontinental; (iv) formación del istmo de Panamá durante el Neógeno tardío, facilitando el Gran Intercambio Biótico Americano; (v) oscilaciones climáticas del Pleistoceno seguidas por la colonización humana y las extinciones de megafauna; (vi) era moderna de deforestación antropogénica generalizada, defaunación y transformaciones ecológicas de paisajes regionales y climas globales. La conservación de la Amazonía requiere inversiones por décadas en la documentación y el seguimiento de la biodiversidad para impulsar la capacidad científica existente, así como la planificación estratégica del hábitat para permitir la continuidad de los actuales y futuros procesos evolutivos y ecológicos. definida amazónica Tierra mundial adaptación extinción amazónicas diversas diversificación coevolución años incluyeron i (i animales ii (ii EocenoOligoceno, EocenoOligoceno Eoceno Oligoceno, Oligoceno Eoceno-Oligoceno amazónicos iii (iii Mioceno transcontinental iv (iv Americano v (v megafauna vi (vi generalizada globales existente ecológicos

Abstract Threats must be eliminated from the tropical mountain forest habitat of Dolok Sipirok Natural Reserve, which is home to the Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). The threat arises from human-orangutan conflict resulting from the occupation of agricultural land and the opening of accessibility. The aim of this research is to identify areas and patterns of conflict between orangutans and humans in the vicinity of the Dolok Sipirok Nature Reserve. Data was gathered through community interviews and direct observation of the Tapanuli orangutan. The magnitude of community losses was determined by analyzing economic losses and crop destruction. The majority of conflicts were discovered in community fields that were about to be harvested. The main attraction for orangutans is fruit plants in those areas. These fruit trees are located in a roaming area and animal corridor. A buffer zone must be managed effectively to provide for the orangutan’s sustenance and nesting requirements. Reserve Pongo tapanuliensis. tapanuliensis . tapanuliensis) humanorangutan human orangutan accessibility destruction harvested corridor s requirements

ABSTRACT Plantation forests can be efficient C sinks in biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC), but the latter depends on many factors, including climate. Tropical humid, mountain areas have cooler temperatures, slowing microbial decomposition, and thus can store considerable SOC. However, the effects of forest plantations on SOC of these montane areas are still poorly studied. Here, we aimed to assess changes in SOC, and related soil properties, after conversion of native rainforest to plantations of five tree species, with rotation cycles varying from 7 to 30 years, on the Mantiqueira Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We measured SOC contents and stocks (0.00-0.40 m layer) under a native montane rainforest (control) and plantations of Eucalyptus, Pinus, Cunninghamia, Cupressus and Araucaria, all planted in 3 × 3 m spacing, at an altitude of ca. 1,300 m, marked by humid and cool climate, where SOC contents are naturally high. Soil organic carbon varied from 55 g kg-1 under Eucalyptus to 105 g kg-1 under Araucaria (0.00-0.05 m layer), decreasing in depth (0.20-0.40 m) to the still high values of 20-40 g kg-1. Soil organic carbon stocks for the top 0.20 m were also high, reaching ca. 140 Mg ha-1 under Araucaria, significantly higher value than the native forest (ca. 90 Mg ha-1, p<0.05), which did not differ from the other species. Soil organic carbon stocks were not affected in the 0.20-0.40 m soil layer, whereas soil structure patterns changed under some species, without however resulting in bulk density changes, and pH decreased under Araucaria. Such data showed large SOC stocks under montane native forests can not only be preserved upon conversion to forest plantations, but considerable SOC sequestration can be achieved in 30-years rotation cycles plantations of indigenous Araucaria angustifolia, marked by more open canopies and greater understory biomass. , (SOC) factors climate temperatures decomposition However studied Here properties species years Range Gerais Brazil 0.000.40 000040 0.00 0.40 0 00 40 (0.00-0.4 layer control (control Pinus Cunninghamia spacing ca 1300 1 300 1,30 5 kg1 kg kg- 10 0.000.05 000005 0.05 05 (0.00-0.0 0.200.40 020040 20 (0.20-0.4 2040 20-4 kg1. 1. 020 0.2 14 ha1 ha ha- (ca 9 ha1, 1, p<0.05, p005 p p<0.05 p<0.05) 0.20-0.4 30years angustifolia (SOC 000 0.000.4 00004 0.0 040 0.4 4 (0.00-0. 130 1,3 0.000.0 00000 005 200 0.200.4 02004 2 (0.20-0. 204 20- 02 0. p00 p<0.0 0.20-0. 0.000. 0000 04 (0.00-0 13 0.200. 0200 (0.20-0 p0 p<0. 0.20-0 0.000 (0.00- 0.200 (0.20- p<0 0.20- (0.00 (0.20 p< (0.0 (0.2 (0. (0 (

ABSTRACT The effective management of disturbed forests requires adequate knowledge of forest dynamics. In this study, we assessed the changes in a managed forest using 18 permanent 1 ha plots located in a ‘terra firme’ tropical rainforest in the Eastern Amazon (Paragominas, Brazil). All individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 20 cm were evaluated in two separate assessments conducted in 2006 and 2016. The results show that, ten years after logging, the managed forest exhibits an imbalance between recruitment (1.54% per year) and mortality (2.23% per year) rates, indicating that it is still in the process of recovering its structure. Nevertheless, biomass tended to increase after logging (28.49 tons per hectare). The characteristics of these changes suggest that the forest is undergoing a silvigenetic process driven by the effects of logging. Furthermore, our observations indicate that the forest remains active and has sufficient potential for new timber production at the end of the cutting cycle, considering the same species and tree sizes. dynamics study terra firme Paragominas, Paragominas (Paragominas Brazil. Brazil . Brazil) DBH (DBH 2 200 2016 1.54% 154 54 (1.54 year 2.23% 223 23 (2.23 rates structure Nevertheless 28.49 2849 28 49 (28.4 hectare. hectare hectare) Furthermore cycle sizes 201 1.54 15 5 (1.5 2.23 22 (2.2 28.4 284 4 (28. 1.5 (1. 2.2 (2. 28. (28 1. (1 2. (2 (

RESUMO O manejo eficaz de florestas perturbadas requer um conhecimento adequado da dinâmica florestal. Neste estudo, avaliamos a mudança de uma floresta manejada em 18 parcelas permanentes de 1 hectare localizadas na floresta tropical de terra firme no leste da Amazônia (Brasil, Paragominas). Todos os indivíduos com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) ≥ 20 cm foram avaliados em duas avaliações separadas realizadas em 2006 e 2016. Os resultados indicam que, dez anos após a exploração, a floresta manejada apresenta um desequilíbrio nas taxas de recrutamento (1,54% ao ano) e mortalidade (2,23% ao ano), sugerindo que a floresta ainda está em processo de recuperação estrutural. No entanto, a biomassa mostrou um aumento após a exploração, atingindo 28,49 toneladas por hectare. As características das mudanças indicam que a floresta está em um processo silvigenético impulsionado pela exploração madeireira. Além disso, observamos que a floresta permanece ativa e possui potencial suficiente para uma nova produção de madeira no final do ciclo de corte, considerando as mesmas espécies e tamanhos de árvores. florestal estudo Brasil, Brasil (Brasil Paragominas. Paragominas . Paragominas) DAP (DAP 2 200 2016 1,54% 154 54 (1,54 ano 2,23% 223 23 (2,23 ano, , estrutural entanto 2849 28 49 28,4 madeireira disso corte árvores 201 1,54 15 5 (1,5 2,23 22 (2,2 284 4 28, 1,5 (1, 2,2 (2, 1, (1 2, (2 (

Abstract: Ectothermic inhabitants of tropical forests are subjected to constant environmental temperatures, which determine their passive thermoregulatory strategies. We observe these trends during the summer of 2017, in the anurans Dendropsophus bifurcus, Rhinella marina, and Scinax ruber, in a tropical rainforest from the Upper Amazon Basin of Ecuador. D. bifurcus and S. ruber showed a tendency to tigmothermy, whereas R. marina presented tendencies towards heliothermy. Body temperatures (Tbs) did not differ between D. bifurcus and R. marina, but S. ruber presented a lower Tb. Our results suggest that thermal environment is influencing different thermoregulatory strategies as tigmothermy and heliothermy of frogs and toads distributed in tropical environments at low elevation.

Resumen: Los ectotermos que habitan los bosques tropicales están sujetos a temperaturas ambientales constantes, lo cual determina que sus estrategias termoregulatorias sean pasivas. Estas tendencias termoregulatorias fueron observadas durante el verano del 2017 en los anuros Dendropsophus bifurcus, Rhinella marina y Scinax ruber, en un bosque tropical de la cuenca amazónica alta del Ecuador. Una tendencia a la tigmotermia se presentó en D. bifurcus y S. ruber, mientras que R. marina presentó tendencia hacia la heliotermia. Las temperaturas de cuerpo (Tbs) no difirieron entre D. bifurcus y R. marina, pero S. ruber mostró una baja Tb. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el ambiente termal influencia las diferentes estrategias termoregulatorias como la tigmotermia y la heliotermia en ranas y sapos distribuidos en ambientes tropicales de baja elevación.

ABSTRACT The order Strigiformes contains approximately 250 owl species distributed worldwide, and the majority of them live in forests. Although basic information is available on many owls, few have been studied in-depth; consequently, little is known about the role of vegetation in their lives. This study aimed to investigate Strigiformes in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest using point count surveys conducted from January 2018 to De-cember 2019. Twelve points were sampled for 30 min/month, totaling 144 h. Data on vegetation structure were collected for analysis. The numbers of individuals and species were then estimated. Twenty-six individuals of four species were recorded: 12 Strix virgata, 6 Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, 5 Megascops atricapilla, and 3 Megascops choliba. Strix virgata was associated with sites with typical mature forest characteristics, although it tolerated variation in some parameters (e.g., average canopy height). Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana was a generalist in terms of habitat characteristics, even when using edge areas. Megascops choliba was scarce within the sampled area and seemed to avoid mature forest. Megascops atricapilla occurred from sites with a lower canopy to more mature forest areas. Altogether, this study highlighted the importance of conserving forest fragments in the Atlantic Forest, which harbors considerable biodiversity, especially of owls.

RESUMEN El Orden Strigiformes contiene aproximadamente 250 especies de búhos distribuidas en el mundo, y la mayoría viven en bosques. Aunque se dispone de información básica sobre muchos búhos, pocos han sido estudiados en profundidad; en consecuencia, se sabe poco sobre el papel que juega la vegetación en sus vidas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las especies de Strigiformes en un fragmento de la Mata Atlántica. Los recuentos de puntos se realizaron desde enero de 2018 hasta diciembre de 2019; se muestrearon doce puntos durante 30 min/mes, totalizando 144 h. Se recopilaron datos sobre la estructura de la vegetación para su análisis. Luego se estimó el número y las especies presentes. Se registraron 26 individuos de 4 especies: 12 Strix virgata, 6 Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, 5 Megascops atricapilla y 3 Megascops choliba. Strix virgata se asoció a sitios de características típicas de bosques maduros, aunque tuvo tolerancia en la variación de algunos parámetros (p. ej., altura media del dosel). Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana fue generalista en las características del hábitat, incluso cuando utilizó áreas de borde. Megascops choliba fue escaso dentro del área de muestreo y pareció evitar el bosque maduro. Megascops atricapilla se asoció desde sitios con un dosel más bajo hasta áreas de bosques más maduros. En conjunto, este estudio destacó la importancia de conservar fragmentos de bosque en el Bosque Atlántico, que alberga una biodiversidad considerable, especialmente de búhos.

Resumen Introducción: Chironomidae (Diptera) es la familia de insectos acuáticos más extendida y abundante en los ecosistemas dulceacuícolas. Los quironómidos se consideran buenos indicadores de la calidad del agua, pero rara vez se identifican a nivel de género en estudios de amplia escala espacial. Objetivo: Identificar las condiciones ambientales asociadas a los quironómidos en un gradiente altitudinal. Métodos: Comparamos ecorregiones, tipos de ríos y estaciones para quironómidos en arroyos y ríos neotropicales (18 sitios en ríos; 2014-2018; en un bosque tropical de Yungas y un bosque seco del Chaco Occidental, Argentina). Utilizamos escalamiento no métrico multidimensional, disimilitud, análisis de envfit y curvas de rango-abundancia. Resultados: Los ''ensamblajes'' de quironómidos coincidieron tanto con las ecorregiones como con los tipos de ríos. Sin embargo, las ecorregiones presentaron un mejor ajuste con la composición de especies. Los taxones estenotérmicos de Orthocladiinae fueron dominantes en las elevaciones altas y los euritermales de Chironominae en los ríos de las tierras bajas. La altitud, la temperatura del agua y la conductividad fueron importantes. Las diferencias estacionales fueron menores que las diferencias ecorregionales. Conclusiones: las ecorregiones, la altitud, la temperatura del agua y la conductividad se correlacionaron con las comunidades de quironómidos. Orthocladiinae fue dominante en los sitios altos y Chironominae en los ríos de tierras bajas.

Abstract Introduction: Chironomidae (Diptera) is the most widespread and abundant aquatic insect family in freshwater ecosystems. Chironomids are considered good indicators of water quality but are seldom identified at the genus level in broad spatial scale studies. Objective: To identify environmental conditions associated with chironomids in an altitudinal gradient. Methods: We compared ecoregions, river types, and seasons, for chironomids in neotropical streams and rivers (18 river sites; 2014-2018; Yungas rainforest and Western Chaco dry forest, Argentina). We used non-metric multidimensional scaling, dissimilarity, envfit analysis and rank-abundance curves. Results: Chironomid ''assemblages'' matched both ecoregions and river types. However, ecoregions presented a better fit with species composition. The stenothermal taxa of Orthocladiinae were dominant at high elevations and the eurythermal Chironominae in lowland rivers. Altitude, water temperature and conductivity were important. Seasonal differences were smaller than ecoregional differences. Conclusions: Ecoregions, altitude, water temperature and conductivity correlated with chironomid communities. Orthocladiinae were dominant at high elevations and Chironominae in lowland rivers.

Resumen Antecedentes: Mesoamérica es uno de los hotspots de biodiversidad más importantes del planeta. A pesar de importantes esfuerzos realizados durante más de dos siglos para contribuir al conocimiento florístico de esta región, el conocimiento de su flora todavía es disperso y desigual. Preguntas: ¿Cuál es la magnitud de la riqueza de plantas vasculares de la cuenca del río Usumacinta? Sitio y años de estudio: Cuenca del río Usumacinta (Guatemala y México), 1838-2018. Metodos: Se integró y sistematizó información florística a partir de diferentes fuentes de información derivadas de estudios florísticos y ecológicos. Resultados: Se registraron 6,977 especies, 1,892 géneros y 274 familias. El mayor número de especies (5,746) y registros (58,859) fueron de la porción mexicana, en comparación con su contraparte guatemalteca (4,445 especies y 19,952 registros). Las familias con mayor riqueza de especies fueron Orchidaceae (598), Fabaceae (512), y Asteraceae (476). La prevalencia de estas y todas las demás familias con contribuciones significativas a la flora varió entre los tres sectores altitudinales en los que se subdividió la cuenca (cuenca baja, cuenca media y cuenca alta). Conclusiones: La cuenca del río Usumacinta es una región estratégica para la conservación de la biodiversidad vegetal, con casi una tercera parte de las especies de plantas vasculares conocidas para Mesoamérica y ca. de 6 % de la flora del continente americano. Los esfuerzos de exploración botánica deben centrarse en áreas de la cuenca en donde la información disponible es escasa o nula a fin de obtener una mejor apreciación de su flora.

Abstract Background: Mesoamerica is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet. Despite significant efforts made over two centuries to contribute to the floristic knowledge of this region, our understanding of its flora is still scattered and uneven. Questions: What is the magnitude of the vascular plant species richness in the Usumacinta River Basin? Study site and dates: Usumacinta River Basin (Guatemala and Mexico), 1838-2018. Methods: We compiled the checklist by systematizing the floristic information acquired from various sources derived from numerous floristic and ecological studies. Results: We recorded 6,977 species, 1,892 genera and 274 families. The largest numbers of species (5,746) and records (58,859) correspond to the Mexican portion of the Usumacinta River Basin, compared to its Guatemalan counterpart (4,445 species and 19,952 records). The most species-rich families were Orchidaceae (598 species), Fabaceae (512), and Asteraceae (476). The prevalence of these and all other families with significant contributions to the flora varied among three elevation-defined sectors into which the Usumacinta River Basin was subdivided (lower, middle, and upper basin). Conclusions: The Usumacinta River Basin is a strategic region for plant biodiversity conservation as it hosts almost one third of all vascular plant species known for Mesoamerica and ca. 6 % of the entire flora in the Americas. Further botanical exploration should focus on those areas of the basin for which little or no information is available in order to gain a better appreciation of its flora.

Resumen Antecedentes: Se evalúa la influencia de la heterogeneidad ambiental en la comunidad de palmas a escala del paisaje en el límite norte de la distribución de la selva tropical húmeda en América. Preguntas: ¿Cómo la heterogeneidad a nivel de paisaje (edáfica, topográfica, así como la densidad, diversidad y biomasa arbórea) influye en la distribución de las especies de palma en una reserva forestal afectada por la defaunación? Sitio y años de estudio: El estudio se realizó en la Estación de Biológica Tropical Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México, en 2020. Métodos: Se delinearon unidades de paisaje (UP) basadas en suelo y geomorfología, se obtuvieron datos de la riqueza y abundancia de los árboles para caracterizar la heterogeneidad ambiental. Se analizó como influye la heterogeneidad ambiental en la composición, riqueza y abundancia de las especies de palma. Resultados: La abundancia y composición de las especies de palmas difirió entre las UP, en ambos casos fueron influenciadas por la presencia de fragmentos gruesos del suelo, altitud, inclinación de la pendiente y precipitación anual. La riqueza y densidad de árboles afectaron significativamente a la comunidad de palmas, pero sólo cuando se analizaron en combinación con variables edáficas y topográficas. Conclusiones: Los resultados revelan que existe una marcada heterogeneidad edáfica y topográfica que influye en la distribución de las especies de palmas a escala de paisaje, por lo que el enfoque de la heterogeneidad ambiental permite asociar la variación abiótica con los patrones de distribución de las especies y su coexistencia en comunidades tropicales altamente diversas.

Abstract Background: Our study presents the first assessment of the relationships between environmental heterogeneity and the palm community at the landscape scale at the northern boundary of tropical rainforest distribution in America. Question: How does landscape-level heterogeneity (edaphic, topographic as well as the density, diversity, and tree biomass) shapes the palm community in a protected reserve affected by defaunation? Study site and date: The study was carried out in Los Tuxtlas Tropical Biology Station, Veracruz, Mexico (2020). Methods: We delineated landscape units (LUs) based on soil and geomorphology to characterize the biophysical mosaic. We built rank-abundance curves to compare the palm richness and their abundance among LUs. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were applied to detect shifts in the palm community across LUs. Results: Integrating abiotic and biotic components by delimiting LUs allowed us to evaluate the multifactorial effect of environmental heterogeneity on the palm community. The density and composition of the palms changed significantly among the LUs, influenced by soil coarse fragments, elevation, slope inclination, and annual precipitation. Tree richness and density had a significant effect on the palm community only when analyzed in combination with the soil-topography variables. Conclusions: The results reveal that there is high edaphic and topographic heterogeneity that influences palm species distribution at the landscape scale. The environmental heterogeneity approach allows capturing novel abiotic variation to explain the distribution patterns of palm species and their coexistence in highly diverse tropical communities.

ABSTRACT We present the first records of a melanistic jaguar (Panthera onca) coexisting with non-melanistic jaguars in the Cordillera Escalera - Regional Conservation Area, San Martín, Peru. Between the years 2017 and 2022, twelve camera traps were installed in a wildlife corridor to evaluate the occurrence of mammals and birds within the conservation area. A total record of 9 photos and 24 videos was obtained, of which 6 photos and 10 videos corresponded to a melanistic male specimen. The largest number of records was in April and July 2021, during night events. These results represent important evidence of the presence of previously undocumented melanistic jaguars in the area, allowing the strengthening of jaguar conservation initiatives and distribution evaluation within the Cordillera Escalera - RCA.

RESUMEN Presentamos los primeros registros de un jaguar melánico (Panthera onca) coexistiendo con jaguares no melánicos en el Área de Conservación Regional - Cordillera Escalera, San Martín, Perú. Entre los años 2017 a 2022, se instalaron 12 cámaras trampa en un corredor de vida silvestre para evaluar la ocurrencia de mamíferos y aves dentro del área de conservación. Se obtuvo un registro total de 9 fotos y 24 vídeos, de los cuales, 6 fotos y 10 vídeos correspondieron a un ejemplar melánico macho. La mayor cantidad de los registros fue en abril y julio del 2021, durante eventos nocturnos. Estos resultados representan una importante evidencia sobre la presencia de jaguares melánicos no documentados anteriormente en la zona, permitiendo fortalecer iniciativas de conservación y evaluación de distribución de jaguares dentro del ACR - Cordillera Escalera.

ABSTRACT The primates that inhabit the rainforest surrounding the city of Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil) have long been recognised as potentially important reservoirs of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (ERIDs). PCR amplification of filarial sequences from wild-caught Simulium oyapockense has been used to incriminate potentially important Amazon-region ERID bridge vectors by showing they had previously fed on non-human primates. The broader use of filarial parasite sequences for the incrimination of biting insects as potentially important zoonotic disease vectors is limited by a paucity of primate-derived filarial parasite reference sequences which can be matched to the PCR amplified sequences obtained from insect-vector vectors. Here we have used shotgun sequencing to obtain reference data from an adult Dipetalonema gracile parasite which was found infecting a wild pied tamarin (Saguinus bicolor) in a peripheral region of Manaus. We report the parasite´s complete mitochondrial genome (which is 13,647 base pairs in length), 894,846 base pairs of its Wolbachia genome and 6,426 base pairs of its ribosomal DNA locus (spanning from the start of its 18S subunit to the end of its 28S subunit). Despite being critically endangered, S. bicolor is commonly encountered around the periphery of Manaus and in urban forest fragments. The reported sequences may be a useful reference tool for identifying ERID bridge vectors and potentially provide some insights into the amount and the nature of contact between primate pathogen reservoirs and the residents of Manaus. Amazonas, Amazonas (Amazonas Brazil reemerging re ERIDs. ERIDs . (ERIDs) wildcaught caught Amazonregion Amazon nonhuman non human primatederived derived insectvector insect vector Saguinus parasites s 13647 13 647 13,64 length, length , length) 894846 894 846 894,84 6426 6 426 6,42 spanning S subunit. subunit) endangered fragments (ERIDs 1364 1 64 13,6 89484 89 84 894,8 642 42 6,4 136 13, 8948 8 894, 4 6,

RESUMO Os primatas que habitam a floresta tropical ao redor da cidade de Manaus (Amazonas, Brasil) há muito são reconhecidos como reservatórios potencialmente importantes de doenças infecciosas emergentes e reemergentes. Sequências de DNA de parasitas filariais detectadas por PCR em amostras de Simulium oyapockense foram usadas para demonstrar que eles haviam se alimentado anteriormente de primatas não humanos e, dessa maneira, incriminar vetores-ponte da região amazônica. O uso mais amplo de detecção de parasitas filariais para a incriminação de vetores-ponte é limitado por uma escassez de sequências referência de parasitas filarias obtidas de hospedeiros. Aqui nós usamos o sequenciamento tipo shotgun para obter dados de referência de um parasita adulto Dipetalonema gracile encontrado infectando um sauim-de-coleira, Saguinus bicolor no entorno de Manaus. Relatamos o genoma mitocondrial completo do parasita (que tem 13.647 pares de bases de comprimento), 894.846 pares de bases de seu genoma de Wolbachia e 6.426 pares de bases de seu locus de DNA ribossômico (desde o início de sua subunidade 18S até o final de sua subunidade 28S). Apesar de criticamente ameaçado, S. bicolor é comumente encontrado no entorno de Manaus e em fragmentos florestais urbanos. As sequências relatadas podem ser uma ferramenta de referência útil para identificar vetores ponte e potencialmente fornecer algumas informações sobre o contato entre reservatórios de patógenos de primatas e os moradores de Manaus. Amazonas, Amazonas (Amazonas Brasil reemergentes maneira vetoresponte amazônica hospedeiros sauimdecoleira, sauimdecoleira sauim coleira, coleira sauim-de-coleira 13647 13 647 13.64 comprimento, comprimento , comprimento) 894846 894 846 894.84 6426 6 426 6.42 desde S 28S. 28S . 28S) ameaçado urbanos 1364 1 64 13.6 89484 89 84 894.8 642 42 6.4 136 13. 8948 8 894. 4 6.

Resumen Reportamos el primer evento de depredación del Basilisco de cabeza roja (Basiliscus galeritus) por la serpiente bejuquilla (Imantodes cenchoa) en un bosque húmedo tropical en Colombia. Este nuevo registro contribuye a una mejor comprensión de la historia natural y la ecología trófica de dos especies de reptiles en su interacción depredador-presa.

Abstract We report the first predation event of the red-headed Basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus) by the Blunt-headed treesnake (Imantodes cenchoa) in a tropical rainforest in Colombia. This new record contributes to a better understanding of the natural history and trophic ecology of two species of reptiles in their predator-prey interaction.

ABSTRACT The use of herbal tea with Artemisia annua by travelers and traditional communities in Africa has increased in recent years as a supposed form of malaria prophylaxis, although its use is not recommended due to lack of efficacy. The risk of severe malaria complications that can lead to death is real regarding said behavior, and awareness needs to be raised. We report a case of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria imported in the Amazon rainforest by a traveler returning from Cameroon who treated himself with Artemisia annua herbal tea. prophylaxis efficacy behavior raised

Abstract The Caatinga biome is the largest dry tropical forest region in South America as well as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the climate changes forecast for this century. Climate forecasts for the biome include increased air temperature, reduced rainfall and aridization. This biome does not have a homogeneous landscape; instead it has several rainforest enclaves. This article describes a study to model the potential distribution of four epiphytic cactus species (Epiphyllum phyllanthus (L.) Haw., Rhipsalis floccosa Salm-Dyck ex Pfeiff., Rhipsalis lindbergiana K. Schum and Rhipsalis russellii Britton & Rose.) in the biome under future climate scenarios and traces out a prognosis for the enclaves and the biome. For that purpose, we used the MaxEnt modeling method, considering two future time intervals (2041-2060 and 2061-2080) and the interval 1961-1990 for the current situation, with the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. The projections for future potential distribution showed a spatial contractions greater than 88% found in the areas of high potential presence for the target species throughout the biome and in all the scenarios. The results strengthen the expectation of aridization in the Caatinga biome, with the loss or shrinkage of rainforest enclaves as time progresses. century temperature landscape Epiphyllum L. L (L. Haw Haw. SalmDyck Salm Dyck Pfeiff Pfeiff. K Rose. Rose purpose method 20412060 2041 2060 (2041-206 20612080 2061 2080 2061-2080 19611990 1961 1990 1961-199 situation RCP45 RCP RCP4 5 RCP4. 85 8 8. 88 progresses (L 2041206 204 206 (2041-20 2061208 208 2061-208 1961199 196 199 1961-19 204120 20 (2041-2 206120 2061-20 196119 19 1961-1 20412 2 (2041- 20612 2061-2 19611 1 1961- (2041 2061- (204 (20 (2 (