Abstract Over the decades, riverine ecosystems is suffering from intense human intervention resulting in degradation and habitat loss as a consequence, many fish species become endangered, particularly in rivers where heavy demand is placed on freshwater. Wallago attu is fast growing catfish belongs to the family siluridae has good market demand having high protein content and nutritional value in it’s flesh. The data was obtained for metal concentration in wet and dry body weight in wild Wallago attu. All metal was found under permissible limit as recommended by different international organizations. Calcium was found highest, while cadmium in lowest concentration. Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, K, Na, Ca and Mg showed highly significant (P<0.001) positive correlation with wet body weight except Co and Cd showed non-significant (P>0.05) correlation. Metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, K, Ca, Mg and Co shown negative allometric pattern with increasing body weight concentration of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni, Pb, Mn, Na, Ca and K showed positive relationship (P<0.001) with total length (cm), except for Co and Cd, which indicated non significant correlation (P>0.05). Present Study will helpful to assess toxicity due to presence of heavy metals for researchers and different organizations from River Chenab, Punjab, Pakistan.

Resumo Ao longo das décadas, os ecossistemas ribeirinhos sofreram intensa intervenção humana, resultando em degradação e perda de habitat. Como consequência, muitas espécies de peixes tornaram-se ameaçadas, principalmente em rios onde há grande demanda de água doce. Wallago attu é um bagre de crescimento rápido pertencente à família Siluridae tem boa demanda de mercado com alto teor de proteína e valor nutricional em sua carne. Os dados foram obtidos para concentração de metal no peso corporal úmido e seco em Wallago attu selvagem. Todo o metal foi encontrado no limite permitido, conforme recomendado por diferentes organizações internacionais. O cálcio foi encontrado em maior concentração, enquanto o cádmio em menor concentração. Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, K, Na, Ca e Mg apresentaram correlação positiva altamente significativa (P < 0,001) com o peso corporal úmido, exceto Co e Cd que apresentaram correlação não significativa (P > 0,05). Metais como Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, K, Ca, Mg e Co apresentaram padrão alométrico negativo com o aumento do peso corporal(P < 0,001) e do comprimento total (em centímetros), exceto para Co e Cd, que indica correlação não significativa (P > 0,05). O presente estudo será útil para avaliar a toxicidade devido à presença de metais pesados para pesquisadores e diferentes organizações de River Chenab, Punjab, Paquistão.

Abstract Introduction: The coastal wetland Poza de La Arenilla (HCPA), located in Callao (Peru), is an important resting and roosting habitat for aquatic birds, including the family Laridae. However, the wetland is suffering critical degradation due to the development of anthropogenic activities. Objective: To evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of aquatic birds of the family Laridae reported at HCPA seasonally during the period 2013-2018. Methods: Biweekly sampling was carried out in 11 delimited zones in HCPA between January 2013 and December 2018, during morning and afternoon hours using the total count method. Results: A total of 12 species of Laridae birds were recorded. Leucophaeus pipixcan is the most dominant species in most of the studied zones and its presence is highlighted in summer and spring. The species with the greatest distribution in the wetland was L. pipixcan, Larus dominicanus, and Larus belcheri, which were reported in all the zones studied. The highest average total abundance of species was recorded in summer, while the lowest in winter. A gradual increase in the average abundance of aquatic birds was observed, with these increases being noticeable between the springs and summers from one year to the following. Also, overall richness of the larids was observed to decrease throughout the period evaluated. A similar seasonal variation pattern of the Shannon diversity index (H’) was observed from one year to the following, due the fact that Laridae are migratory, and a tendency for the index to decrease with the passage of time. Conclusions: The HCPA plays a key role for the aquatic birds of the region. The presence of five migratory and seven resident species of Laridae has been recorded, which show spatial preferences in different areas of the wetland. Despite a decrease in overall species richness over time, the average abundance of Laridae birds is increasing.

Resumen Introducción: El humedal costero Poza de La Arenilla (HCPA), Callao, Perú, es un hábitat importante para el descanso y reposo de aves acuáticas, entre ellas la familia Laridae. Sin embargo, el humedal está sufriendo una degradación crítica debido al desarrollo de actividades antropogénicas. Objetivo: Evaluar la distribución espacio-temporal de las aves acuáticas de la familia Laridae reportadas en HCPA según la temporada del año entre 2013 y 2018. Métodos: Se realizaron muestreos quincenales en 11 zonas delimitadas de HCPA de enero 2013 a diciembre 2018, durante la mañana y la tarde, mediante el método de recuento total. Resultados: Se registraron 12 especies de la familia Laridae. Leucophaeus pipixcan fue la especie de mayor dominancia en la mayoría de las zonas estudiadas y su presencia se destaca en verano y primavera. Las especies con mayor distribución en el humedal son L. pipixcan, Larus dominicanus y Larus belcheri, que se registraron en todas las zonas estudiadas. La mayor abundancia total promedio de especies se registró en verano y la menor en invierno. Se observó un aumento gradual de la abundancia promedio de aves, siendo estos aumentos notables entre primavera y verano de un año a otro. Además, se observó una disminución de la riqueza global de los láridos durante el periodo evaluado. Se observó un patrón de variación estacional del índice de diversidad de Shannon-Weaver (H’) similar de un año a otro, debido a que los láridos son aves migratorias, y una tendencia a la disminución del índice con el paso del tiempo. Conclusiones: El HCPA desempeña un papel fundamental para la avifauna acuática de la región. Se ha registrado la presencia de cinco especies migratorias y siete residentes de esta familia, las cuales muestran preferencias espaciales en diferentes zonas del humedal. A pesar de que se observa una disminución en la riqueza global de las especies en el tiempo, la abundancia promedio de aves aumenta.

ABSTRACT The Markham’s Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates markhami) is considered "Near Threatened” worldwide, due to the high impact of light pollution and the destruction and degradation of its breeding habitat. So far, it is known that most of the breeding population is found in the colonies of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. However, some records of fledglings attracted to luminaries suggested the probable existence of breeding sites in southern Peru. Therefore, an expedition was carried out in the departments of Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna. During seven days, 2000 linear km were traveled in search of suitable substrate for breeding. The methodol-ogy included visual and olfactory inspection of cavities, complemented with the use of borescopes and playback; additionally, the search for individuals in flight was carried out with the help of binoculars and thermal visor. Fifteen nests of Markham’s Storm-Petrel were found in Pampa Pie de Candela, in the department of Tacna, two of which contained chicks between 60-90 days old. It was estimated to be a relatively marginal, sparsely populated colony, with about 30 breeding pairs in total. The colony is threatened by the advance of agriculture in the desert. This finding reveals the potential of southern Peru for the species and encourages the search for new colonies.

RESUMEN La Golondrina de Mar Negra (Hydrobates markhami) es considerada "Casi Amenazada” a nivel mundial, debido al alto impacto de la contaminación lumínica y a la destrucción y degradación de su hábitat reproductivo. Hasta ahora, se conoce que la mayor parte de la población reproductiva se encuentra en las colonias del desierto de Atacama, en el norte de Chile. Sin embargo, algunos antecedentes de volantones atraídos a luminarias daban cuenta de la probable existencia de sitios de reproducción en el sur de Perú. Por ello, se realizó una expedición en los departamentos de Arequipa, Moquegua y Tacna. Durante siete días se recorrieron 2000 km lineales en busca de sustrato adecuado para la reproducción de golondrinas de mar. La metodología incluyó inspección visual y olfativa de cavidades, complementada con la utilización de boroscopios y playback; adicionalmente, se realizó la búsqueda de ejemplares en vuelo con ayuda de binoculares y visor termal. Se encontraron 15 nidos de golondrinas de mar negra en Pampa Pie de Candela, en el departamento de Tacna, dos de los cuales contenían en su interior pichones de entre 60-90 días de edad. Se estimó que el sitio descripto es un territorio reproductivo relativamente marginal, poco denso, con unas 30 parejas reproductoras en total. Este se encuentra amenazado por el avance de la agricultura en el desierto. Nuestro hallazgo revela el potencial del sur del Perú para la especie e insta a la búsqueda de nuevos sitios de reproducción.

Resumen En los últimos años, se ha observado en los bosques templados de la Montaña de Guerrero a pinos con marchitez, amarillamiento del follaje, tallos secos y algunos individuos muertos; síntomas atribuibles al ataque de diversos organismos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar a los insectos causantes del daño en Pinus pseudostrobus en fragmentos de bosque de pino en la comunidad Plan de Guadalupe, además de evaluar el nivel de infestación. Se establecieron tres sitios de 400 m2 para determinar el nivel de daño de cada individuo, registrar el número de grumos en el fuste y el diámetro normal. Se recolectaron larvas y pupas para su determinación taxonómica. La palomilla resinera o barrenador de pino Synanthedon cardinalis fue el insecto presente en el fuste de los árboles vivos de pino en el área de estudio. Este es el primer registro de la especie en la comunidad Plan de Guadalupe y para el estado de Guerrero. Se observó que las larvas producen grumos de resina color rosado, además al crecer forman túneles en el floema y la zona del cambium. La infestación en los tres sitios fue de 9.09 %. La altura promedio de ubicación de los grumos fue de 70.9 cm y la media del número de grumos de 2.81.

Abstract Fires are part of the cycle of some ecosystems and can cause the degradation of others. Their main causes are anthropogenic, including, among others, poorly extinguished bonfires, agricultural activities, and dumping of garbage, all of which generate habitat loss and air pollution on a large scale. This paper refers to the application of a genetic algorithm based on an ant colony to generate, at a theoretical level, verification routes for the monitoring and early detection of forest fires in the State of Mexico by means of unmanned aerial devices, as it is one of the entities with the highest number of forest fires in Mexico. The data used in the proposal were drawn from the reports generated by the National Forestry Commission (Comisión Nacional Forestal, Conafor). During the analysis process, those municipalities that have been affected in at least three different geographic locations were filtered out. In the course of the evaluation process, the software developed displayed the routes with the shortest distances, reordering the filtered localities. Finally, a map is displayed pinpointing the localities where a forest fire has occurred and showing the approximate distance of the entire route. The new routes planned with this procedure resulted in an average 54 % reduction compared to a sequential route.

Resumen Los incendios forman parte del ciclo de algunos ecosistemas, los cuales pueden ser causantes de la degradación de otros. Algunas de sus causas son principalmente antropogénicas, entre ellas las fogatas mal apagadas, actividades de agricultura y liberación de basura, que generan la pérdida de hábitats y contaminación aérea a gran escala. El presente trabajo hace referencia a la aplicación de un algoritmo genético basado en una colonia de hormigas para generar, de forma teórica, las rutas de verificación para el monitoreo y la detección temprana de incendios forestales en el Estado de México mediante dispositivos aéreos no tripulados, debido a que es una de las entidades con mayor número de este tipo de incidencias en México. Los datos que se emplearon en la propuesta se extrajeron de los registros que genera la Comisión Nacional Forestal (Conafor). Durante el proceso de análisis se realizó el filtrado de los municipios en donde se han presentado afectaciones en al menos tres localidades geográficas distintas. En el proceso de evaluación, el software desarrollado desplegó las rutas en las que se obtuvieron las distancias más cortas, reordenando las localidades extraídas. Finalmente, se despliega el mapa en el cual se ubican aquellas en donde se ha presentado un incendio forestal, así como la distancia aproximada del recorrido total de la ruta. Los resultados presentaron 54 % de media de reducción en las nuevas rutas planificadas, en comparación con una ruta secuencial.

Abstract Fires are part of the cycle of some ecosystems and can cause the degradation of others. Their main causes are anthropogenic, including, among others, poorly extinguished bonfires, agricultural activities, and dumping of garbage, all of which generate habitat loss and air pollution on a large scale. This paper refers to the application of a genetic algorithm based on an ant colony to generate, at a theoretical level, verification routes for the monitoring and early detection of forest fires in the State of Mexico by means of unmanned aerial devices, as it is one of the entities with the highest number of forest fires in Mexico. The data used in the proposal were drawn from the reports generated by the National Forestry Commission (Comisión Nacional Forestal, Conafor). During the analysis process, those municipalities that have been affected in at least three different geographic locations were filtered out. In the course of the evaluation process, the software developed displayed the routes with the shortest distances, reordering the filtered localities. Finally, a map is displayed pinpointing the localities where a forest fire has occurred and showing the approximate distance of the entire route. The new routes planned with this procedure resulted in an average 54 % reduction compared to a sequential route.

BACKGROUND: Sorocephalus imbricatus (Thunb.) R.Br. is a range-restricted species endemic to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa. It is currently classified as Critically Endangered in accordance with the IUCN criteria. Like many other species endemic to the CFR, S. imbricatus is subjected to several major threats including habitat loss, habitat degradation and the impacts of invasive alien species. Sorocephalus imbricatus was recently identified as a species requiring improved representation in ex-situ collections. During field work undertaken to collect germplasm for this purpose, a concerning number of dead and dying plants were observed. OBJECTIVES: To determine the cause of rapid death of individuals in a remnant subpopulation of S. imbricatus. METHOD: A field visit to a subpopulation of the only extant population, Elands-kloof, was conducted to examine the symptoms associated with S. imbricatus mortality, and to collect samples for isolation and identification of putative pathogens. RESULTS: Dead and dying plants showed clear symptoms of root and collar rot, with Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands recovered from all samples. The collections highlighted the severe impact of P. cinnamomi on S. imbricatus, with the size of the subpopulation being reduced from 62 to 37 individuals (a 40% reduction) between October 2021 and May 2022. CONCLUSION: This study describes, for the first time, rapid mortality of the Critically Endangered Proteaceae species, S. imbricatus, likely caused by the invasive pathogen P. cinnamomi. This concerning discovery highlights the urgent need for greater recognition of the threat P. cinnamomi poses not only to S. imbricatus, but to the broader floristic diversity of the CFR. Importantly, it illustrates a need for a substantial body of work to be undertaken to address a significant lack of knowledge regarding the relative threat that P. cinnamomi poses to species of the CFR.

Southern African mountain ranges are characterised by rich and diverse plant species thriving in different habitats with pronounced endemic species. However, globally, biodiversity at the species level is deteriorating rapidly because of environmental change leading to habitat degradation and fragmentation. Mountainous grassland communities are particularly vulnerable to rapid ecosystem changes because of their specialised niches and sensitivity to global warming. Understanding the determinants of vegetation is necessary for effective and efficient management. This study aimed to determine significant environmental drivers influencing plant species richness in mountainous mesic grasslands. Topographical variables (slope and elevation) were derived by using a 30 m resolution Digital Elevation Model. Soil variables such as bulk density, silt fragments, pH, coarse fragments, soil organic carbon, sand and nitrogen were acquired from the International Soil Conference and Information Centre (ISCI), and species richness and diversity were derived from vascular plant species inventory data compiled using a field survey. Species richness was influenced by soil bulk density, and the interaction between elevation and soil bulk density; higher species richness was associated with lower bulk density and higher elevations. Similarly, species composition changed as edaphic factors and elevation changed. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: Species richness increased with soil bulk density, which decreased with elevation. Fire severity had little effect on species richness and diversity, which may indicate that management actions do not affect species. However, the impact of grazers still needs to be better understood at this time. Moreover, the strong positive relationship between species richness and diversity in this study shows that species richness can be used as a surrogate for diversity and conservation monitoring, especially in mesic highland grasslands

Abstract The Amazon River basins present distinct natural and anthropogenic characteristics that influence the structure of stream habitats and their associated biota. The influence of these characteristics can be evaluated through different spatial scales. We aimed to assess the influence (with and without the effect of spatial-geographical factors) of local, macroscale, and land-use variables in the structure of stream fish assemblages of Amazonian catchments with different deforestation levels. A partial redundancy analysis and a reduced metrics model were used to assess these influences. With geographic-spatial effects, we verified that the macroscale and local variables explained the variation in fish composition, and, without the effects, land use also explained the variation in this composition. In the forested catchments, the biota was associated with streams with natural characteristics (e.g., leaf banks). In the deforested catchments, it was associated with land use, sandy catchments with higher soil density (higher capacity of degradation), and less complex streams (fewer leaf banks, more sand). The associated fish have life features linked to these characteristics (e.g., Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni associated with sand). This configuration seems to be a result of both the impact of land use in the catchment (i.e., increased erosion, increased sedimentation) and the naturally sandy constitution of the catchment as well, reflecting the sandy substrate.

Resumo A Amazônia apresenta bacias hidrográficas com características naturais e antrópicas que estão presentes em distintas escalas espaciais da paisagem e que influenciam a estrutura do habitat de riachos e sua biota associada. Nosso objetivo foi verificar a influência (com e sem o efeito de fatores espaciais e geográficos) de variáveis locais, de macroescala e uso da terra na estrutura de assembleias de peixes de riachos de microbacias amazônicas com diferentes níveis de desmatamento. A análise de redundância parcial e modelo reduzido de métricas foram realizadas para verificar essas influências. Com os efeitos geográfico-espaciais, verificou-se que as variáveis de macroescala e locais explicavam a variação da composição dos peixes, e sem os efeitos, os usos da terra também explicaram. Nas microbacias florestadas, a biota foi associada a riachos com características naturais (e.g., bancos de folhas). Nas microbacias desmatadas, foi associada a usos da terra, a microbacias arenosas com maior densidade do solo (maior capacidade de degradação) e a riachos menos complexos (menos bancos de folhas e mais areia). Os peixes associados a essas microbacias desmatadas possuem aspectos de vida atrelados a essas características (e.g., Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni associado a areia). Essa configuração parece ser um reflexo tanto do impacto do uso da terra na microbacia (i.e., maior erosão, maior sedimentação) quanto da própria constituição natural arenosa da microbacia, refletindo o substrato arenoso.

Abstract Habitat destruction and fragmentation can change environmental conditions and disrupt mutualistic interactions, leading to impacts on natural populations. Here we checked how plant population structure responds to environmental degradation by quantifying effective seed dispersal and patterns of population distribution for the animal-dispersed palm Euterpe edulis Mart. (Arecaceae). Thus, we assessed E. edulis population structure at two locations with different degrees of fragmentation in the Interior Atlantic Forest (west of the State of Paraná, Brazil), where we registered the density of saplings at increasing distances from adults palms and from large trees in the vicinity (perch-trees). We found differences between locations, with aggregated saplings and highest densities at the most fragmented site, although in this site Immature individuals were almost absent. We also identified patches of saplings under perch-trees canopies, in a way which suggests these individuals originate from dispersal events. In both sites, the abundance of Immature saplings was similar either nearby adult palms or perch-trees, pointing to perch-trees being relevant to E. edulis population dynamics. Thus, while conservation of E. edulis in the Interior Atlantic Forest can benefit from such new data, it is still necessary to check whether our findings are recurring and consistently found elsewhere.

ABSTRACT: The decline in the jaguar population confirms how much the species is vulnerable to extinction in Brazil. It also indicates the degradation of its natural habitat’s environmental integrity and quality. Studies claim that large felids are susceptible to feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and are presumptively diagnosed clinically in Brazil. A free-living jaguar (Panthera onca) cub was found unconscious and rescued due to a possible hit-and-run in the savannah of Mato Grosso. During recovery, it exhibited clinical and hematological signs consistent with FPV infection. The PCR was positive for FPV, with 99.61% identity between the FPV sequences available in the GenBank database through the BLAST tool. Due to habitat restrictions, certain diseases threaten wild cats and habitat encroachment by domestic animals can alter the pattern of spread of pathogens. We highlight the importance of the molecular diagnosis and phylogenetic analysis of FPV to elucidate how it has reached wild felids.

RESUMO: O declínio da população de onça-pintada confirma o quanto a espécie está vulnerável à extinção no Brasil, indicando também a degradação da integridade ambiental e da qualidade de seu habitat natural. Estudos afirmam que felinos de grande porte são suscetíveis ao vírus da panleucopenia felina (FPV) e são diagnosticados clinicamente de forma presuntiva no Brasil. Um filhote de onça-pintada (Panthera onca) de vida livre foi encontrado inconsciente e resgatado devido a um possível atropelamento no cerrado do Mato Grosso. Durante a recuperação, apresentou sinais clínicos e hematológicos compatíveis com infecção por FPV. A PCR foi positiva para FPV, com 99,61% de identidade entre as sequências de FPV disponíveis no banco de dados GenBank por meio da ferramenta BLAST. Devido a restrições de habitat, certas doenças ameaçam felinos selvagens e a invasão de habitat por animais domésticos pode alterar o padrão de propagação de patógenos. Destacamos a importância do diagnóstico molecular e da análise filogenética do FPV para elucidar como ele atinge os felídeos silvestres.

Abstract: Aim This study aimed to evaluate whether the upper São Francisco River basin floodplain is still used as a nursery by migratory fish and present the current status of the area’s ichthyofauna after almost 40 years since the only survey was conducted in the region. Methods Sampling occurred in seven perennial lagoons and six temporaries from São Francisco River or its direct tributaries using gillnets and trawls. Temperature, pH, and transparency of each lagoon were measured. The estimated richness was calculated, and the fish assemblage from both perennial and temporary lagoons was compared using NMDS and ANOSIM. Results Forty species were captured, of which four were non-native and three were migratory. Although there was a low abundance of migratory species, most captured individuals were juveniles. Moreover, the perennial lagoons showed higher species richness. Conclusions After almost 40 years, the floodplain lagoons of the upper São Francisco basin remain important for the recruitment of migratory species and harbor an impressive proportion of fish fauna in the upper São Francisco area. However, the reduction of migratory species and the presence of non-natives may be a sign of the degradation of these environments, emphasizing the need for conservation measures in this area.

Resumo: Objetivo O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar se a planície de inundação da bacia do alto rio São Francisco ainda é usada como berçário pelos peixes migradores, além de apresentar o status atual da ictiofauna da área após quase 40 anos desde o único estudo feito na região. Métodos A amostragem foi feita em sete lagoas perenes e seis temporárias, do rio São Francisco ou de seus tributários diretos, usando redes de espera e de arrasto. Foram medidos a temperatura, pH e transparência de cada lagoa. A riqueza estimada foi calculada e a assembleia de peixes das lagoas perenes e temporárias foi comparada usando NMDS e ANOSIM. Resultados Quarenta espécies foram capturadas, destas, quatro são não-nativas e três migradoras. Apesar da baixa abundância de espécies migradoras, a maioria dos indivíduos capturados eram juvenis. Além disso, as lagoas perenes apresentaram uma maior riqueza. Conclusões Depois de quase 40 anos, as lagoas da planície de inundação da bacia do alto rio São Francisco continuam sendo importantes para o recrutamento de espécies migradoras, além de abrigar uma porção impressionante da fauna de peixes do alto rio São Francisco. Apesar disso, a redução de espécies migradoras e a presença de espécies não-nativas podem ser sinais de degradação desses ambientes, enfatizando a necessidade de medidas de conservação nessa área.

Abstract The Antillean manatee occurs discontinuously from the state of Amapá to the state of Alagoas on the coast of Brazil. There is also evidence of reintroduced manatees using the coasts of Sergipe and Bahia, with a preference for calm shallow waters. This study characterized the home range areas of six rehabilitated manatees released in northeastern Brazil. The activities were conducted in the states of Paraíba, Sergipe, and Bahia. Type of environment, substrate, depth, aquatic vegetation, physicochemical variables of the water, presence of solid waste, human settlements, and watercraft were considered to characterize the areas. The results showed a manatee preference for sheltered areas. Resources were available in larger quantities in the dry season, and a reduction in the availability of food items was fund over the years. High overlap was found in the multivariate space of the individuals in terms of the characteristics of the habitats. The estuary of the Paraíba River and the coastal area of Cabedelo Beach in Paraíba showed the greatest amount of solid waste, human settlements, and watercraft. Released manatees exhibited a preference for sites shallower than two meters, with food resources and fresh water availability. Brazil Bahia waters environment substrate depth vegetation waste settlements season years habitats meters

Resumen La protección de los ecosistemas es garantía de la sostenibilidad de las actividades humanas. La presencia de hábitats excepcionales en el suroeste de la península Ibérica es frecuente, resultando imprescindible su estudio y conservación. Este es el caso de las estepas salinas mediterráneas de interior, siendo descritas en pequeñas extensiones de Alentejo y Extremadura. Su estudio, correcta interpretación y conservación deben ser prioritarios, como así es considerado este hábitat en la Lista Roja de Hábitat de la Unión Europea. Caracterizaremos dos áreas, en Alentejo y Extremadura, en las que se presenta vegetación resistente a condiciones salinas, estudiando la parte superficial del suelo, las aguas del nivel freático y el clima. Los resultados iniciales sugieren la presencia de: suelos sódicos (ECe < 2 dS/m y PSI >15); vegetación halófila; agua alcalina y elevada concentración de sales y disminución de precipitación con aumento de la Evapotranspiración potencial /ETo). El deterioro ambiental como consecuencia del cambio de uso de los terrenos circundantes, así como la tendencia a la aridización ponen en peligro la singular presencia de este hábitat.

Abstract The protection of ecosystems is a guarantee of the sustainability of human activities. The presence of exceptional habitats in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula is frequent, making their study and conservation essential. This is the case of the inland Mediterranean salt steppes, being described in small extensions of Alentejo and Extremadura. Their study, correct interpretation and conservation should be a priority, as this habitat is considered in the Red List of Habitats of the European Union. We will characterize two areas, in Alentejo and Extremadura, where vegetation resistant to saline conditions is present, studying the topsoil, water table and climate. Initial results suggest the presence of: sodic soils (ECe < 2 dS/m and PSI >15); halophilic vegetation; alkaline water with high salt concentration, and decreased precipitation with increased potential Evapotranspiration (ETo). Environmental deterioration due to land use change, as well as the trend towards aridity, threaten the unique presence of this habitat

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la distribución, riqueza e identificación molecular de cangrejos araña en las costas Pacífico y Caribe costarricenses. Se realizaron mapas de distribución de especies de la familia Mithracidae en las costas del Caribe y Pacífico de Costa Rica a partir de muestreos exploratorios y registros espacio-temporales de colectas (1960 al 2016) suministrados por el Museo de Zoología de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Además, se obtuvo un árbol filogenético mediante topología concatenada multigénica de fragmentos de genes mitocondriales y nuclear. Los registros históricos revelan la presencia de 24 especies de cangrejos mitrácidos y su distribución geográfica en el Pacífico y Caribe de Costa Rica, incluyendo islas de la plataforma continental y oceánica. Los análisis moleculares confirman relaciones de parentesco entre los clados Ala-Maguimithrax, Omalacantha-Microphrys,Omalacantha+Microphyrs-Teleophrys y el clado bien soportado de las especies del género Mithraculus. Los resultados generados en este estudio contribuyen con información para el desarrollo de estrategias futuras de protección ambiental de los recursos marinos, al aportar una línea base para el monitoreo de la degradación ambiental y la destrucción del hábitat de cangrejos araña en las costas de Costa Rica. La información molecular obtenida a futuro permitirá estudios de genética de poblaciones, filogeografía, flujo génico regional y divergencia entre especies del Caribe y Pacífico.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a distribuição, riqueza e identificação molecular de caranguejosaranha no litoral costarriquenho do Pacífico e do Caribe. Foram realizados mapas de distribuição de espécies da família Mithracidae nas costas do Caribe e do Pacífico da Costa Rica a partir de amostragens exploratórias e registros de espaço-tempo de coletas (1960 a 2016) fornecidos pelo Museu de Zoologia da Universidade da Costa Rica (UCR). Além disso, foi obtido um posicionamento taxonômico por meio da topologia multigênica concatenada de fragmentos genéticos mitocondriais e nucleares. Registros históricos revelam a presença de 24 espécies de caranguejos Mithracida e sua distribuição geográfica no Pacífico e Caribe da Costa Rica, incluindo ilhas da plataforma continental e oceânica. As análises moleculares confirmam relações de parentesco entre os clados Ala-Maguimithrax, Omalacantha-Microphrys, Omalacantha+MicrophyrsTeleophrys e o clado bem apoiado de espécies do gênero Mithraculus. Os resultados gerados neste estudo contribuem com informações para o desenvolvimento de futuras estratégias de proteção ambiental dos recursos marinhos, fornecendo uma linha de base para o monitoramento da degradação ambiental e a destruição do habitat do caranguejo-aranha no litoral da Costa Rica. As informações moleculares obtidas, no futuro, permitirão estudos de genética populacional, filogeografia, fluxo genético regional e divergência entre espécies do Caribe e do Pacífico.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the distribution, richness, and molecular identification of spider crabs in the Costa Rican Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Distribution maps were created for species of the Mithracidae family on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica, based on exploratory samplings and spatio-temporal records of collections (1960 to 2016) provided by the Universidad de Costa Rica’s Museum of Zoology. In addition, phylogenetic relationships were explored using a multigene concatenated phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments. Historical records reveal the presence of 24 species of mithracid crabs and their geographic distribution in the Pacific and Caribbean of Costa Rica, including islands on the continental and oceanic shelf. Molecular analyses confirm sister relationships between the clades Ala-Maguimithrax, Omalacantha-Microphrys, Omalacantha+MicrophyrsTeleophrys, and a well-supported clade of species belonging to the genus Mithraculus. However, our concatenated molecular data set suggests a monophyletic relationship between Thoe, Petramithrax, and Hemus, differing from what was previously reported. The results obtained in this study will help in the development of strategies for the environmental protection of these marine resources, by providing a baseline for monitoring environmental degradation and destruction of habitats used by spider crabs on the coasts of Costa Rica. Furthermore, the molecular information obtained in this study will help future studies focusing on understanding the population genetics, phylogeography, regional gene flow, and divergence among species between the Caribbean and Pacific coast.

Resumen La degradación de los ecosistemas en los Andes, una de las regiones con mayor biodiversidad del mundo, es atribuida principalmente a la deforestación y la fragmentación. La implementación de áreas protegidas (AP) es una estrategia de conservación efectiva para mitigar los efectos de la transformación del paisaje sobre la biodiversidad. En la Cordillera Occidental de Colombia, en Antioquia, se estableció recientemente el Corredor del Oso de Anteojos (COA, ~4169 km2), como una estrategia para la conservación de la biodiversidad. En este estudio, a partir de información derivada de sensores remotos y bases de datos, localizamos las áreas con mayor biodiversidad en este corredor, y analizamos si estás áreas están siendo protegidas. Los resultados indican que la deforestación (162.37 km2) y la fragmentación (> 90 %) en el COA durante los últimos 19 años se concentran en las áreas más biodiversas, al interior y por fuera de las AP. Si bien las AP alcanzan 30% del área total del COA, las áreas de mayor biodiversidad están representadas en menos de un 17%. Estos resultados indican el riesgo de pérdida de biodiversidad y la creciente necesidad de fortalecer las AP y delimitar nuevas áreas biodiversas.

Abstract The degradation of ecosystems in the Andes, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, is caused by deforestation and forest fragmentation. The implementation of protected areas (PA) is an effective conservation strategy to mitigate the effects of landscape transformation on biodiversity. In the western mountain range of Colombia, in Antioquia, the Spectacled Bear Corridor (COA, ~ 4169 km2) was recently established. We describe the state of forest conservation in the COA and analyze whether areas of high biodiversity are being protected or not, using information obtained from remote sensors and large databases. The results indicate that deforestation (162.37 km2) and fragmentation (> 90%) in the COA during the last 19 years are concentrated in the areas of greatest biodiversity, and occur both inside and outsidePA. Although protected areas reach 30% of the total area of the COA, the areas with the greatest biodiversity represent less than 17%. These results indicate the risk of biodiversity loss and the growing need to strengthen PA and to delimit new biodiverse areas.