RESUMEN La tendencia al aumento de las actividades al aire libre relacionadas con el turismo de naturaleza genera preocupación entre investigadores y conservacionistas debido al impacto potencial sobre la vida silvestre. Entre los lugares que experimentan una mayor presión son los sitios de concentración de aves, como las colonias de nidificación. Topes de Collantes (centro-sur de Cuba) es un área protegida donde se encuentran las mayores colonias de nidificación de Vencejo de Collar de Cuba. Se evaluó si la actividad turística interfiere con los elementos clave de la biología reproductiva de la especie (la cronología reproductiva, los factores limitantes para establecer una colonia de anidación y los picos de actividad durante el día en las colonias de nidificación) en tres sitios de nidificación del área. Los impactos de las actividades recreativas y la interacción entre visitantes y aves se determinaron por observación directa a través de caminatas dentro de los sitios de estudio, sus alrededores y senderos. No se detecta impactos directos de los visitantes en las tres colonias de nidificación evaluadas, donde se observa una efectiva segregación espacio-temporal. Sin embargo, la presencia de especies exóticas y el daño a los sitios (las paredes de las cuevas) por graffiti requiere estrategias de manejo, que incluyan orientación y educación ambiental.

ABSTRACT The trend to increase outdoor activities related to nature-based tourism raises concern among researchers and conservationists due to the potential impact on wildlife. Among the places experiencing increasing pressure are the sites of bird’s concentration, such as nesting colonies. Topes de Collantes (south-center Cuba) is a protected area where the largest nesting colonies of White-collared Swift are found in Cuba. In the work is evaluated if the tourist activity interferes with the key elements of the reproductive biology of the species (the breeding chronology, the limiting factors to establish a nesting colony and the peaks of activity during the day at nesting colonies) in three study sites at Topes de Collantes. The impacts of recreational activities and the interaction between visitors and birds were determined by direct observation through walks within the studied sites, their surroundings and trails. We did not detect direct impacts of visitors in either of the three nesting colonies evaluated, where we observed an effective space-time segregation. However, the presence of alien species and damage to cave walls by graffiti requires management strategies, including guidance and environmental education.

Abstract We collected data during three consecutive breeding seasons (2015-2018) to assess the effects of Taphropiestes plaumanni (Coleoptera: Cavognathidae) on its bird hosts in a native forest of central eastern Argentina. We monitored bird nests for T. plaumanni in 207 nests of Masked Gnatcatcher (Polioptila dumicola, Polioptilidae), 302 nests of Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus, Tyrannidae), 55 nests of Blue-and-yellow Tanager (Pipraeidea bonariensis, Thraupidae), 99 nests of Small-billed Elaenia (Elaenia parvirostris, Tyrannidae), 23 nests of Yellow-browed Tyrant (Satrapa icterophrys, Tyrannidae), and other passerine species nesting in the same forest patches. We found 13 nests in which nestlings showed evidences of parasitism of which four species are new hosts for this parasite (Vermilion Flycatcher, Masked Gnatcatcher, Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata, Thraupidae, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana). Skin lesions caused by T. plaumanni larvae consisted in lacerations and crusts on the belly and chest areas. In one parasitized nest of Vermilion Flycatcher and one parasitized nest of Masked Gnatcatcher we observed the death of nestlings after being parasitized. This study adds new species to the list of hosts for this parasite, reports nestling skin lesions in nests with T. plaumanni parasitism, and reports for the first time the death of parasitized nestlings.

Abstract Agroforestry systems can represent important ecological niches that contribute to the conservation of bird diversity. The objective of this work was to estimate and compare the diversity and habitat use of insectivorous birds in agroforestry systems located in a montane cloud forest. Bird monitoring was carried out from August 2018 to January 2019 in three habitats: traditional coffee plantation (CT), paddock (PT) and montane cloud forest (BMM). Relative abundance (IAR), richness (Jacknife1), similarity (Jaccard) and diversity (Shannon-Wiener) indices were determined. The IAR presented low values for the three habitats. The Jacknife1 method denoted considerable average richness for the three areas (CT: 33.02, PT: 24.20, BMM: 9.98, CT-PT-BMM: 52.22). The Jaccard technique recorded little similarity in richness, reaffirming the effect of habitat, composition and floristic structure as determining factors, which at the same time established high diversity averages, obtained by the Shannon-Wiener method (H´= 3.3; 3.1 ; 2.27; 3.78, respectively), revealing a relatively stable diversity in the three habitats. For his part, Kruskal-Wallis noticed differences in diversity, but not for richness and abundance. The formation of clusters and groups that found greater similarity between the richness and abundance of species for each applied monitoring was evidenced. Principal component analysis indicated a higher correlation of habitat and vegetation used for feeding in the herbaceous and arboreal stratum, at heights ranging from 5 m to 10 m, using the aerial stratum for flight. The agroforestry systems studied constituted a niche of opportunity where the avifauna found food, nesting and reproduction areas. The implementation of good agroforestry management practices that contribute to the conservation of species is recommended.

Resumen Los sistemas agroforestales pueden representar importantes nichos ecológicos que coadyuven a la conservación de la diversidad avifaunística. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar y comparar la diversidad y uso de hábitat de aves insectívoras en sistemas agroforestales enclavados en un bosque mesófilo de montaña. Se efectuó el monitoreo de aves de agosto de 2018 a enero de 2019 en tres hábitats: café tradicional (CT), potrero (PT) y bosque mesófilo de montaña (BMM). Se determinaron índices de abundancia relativa (IAR), riqueza (Jacknife1), similitud (Jaccard) y diversidad (Shannon-Wiener). El IAR presentó valores bajos para los tres hábitats. El método Jacknife1 denotó una riqueza promedio considerable para las tres áreas (CT: 33.02, PT: 24.20, BMM: 9.98, CT-PT-BMM: 52.22). La técnica de Jaccard registró poca similitud en la riqueza, reafirmando el efecto del hábitat, composición y estructura florística como factores determinantes, al mismo tiempo que estableció promedios de diversidad alta obtenidos mediante el método de Shannon-Wiener (H´= 3.3; 3.1; 2.27; 3.78, respectivamente), revelando una diversidad relativamente estable en los tres hábitats. Por su parte, Kruskal-Wallis advirtió diferencias en la diversidad, pero no para la riqueza y la abundancia. Se evidenció la conformación declústeresy agrupaciones que encontraron mayor similitud entre la riqueza y la abundancia de especies por cada monitoreo aplicado. El análisis de componentes principales indicó mayor correlación del hábitat y la vegetación utilizados para la alimentación en el estrato herbáceo y arbóreo, en alturas que van de 5 m a 10 m, utilizando el estrato aéreo para vuelo. Los sistemas agroforestales estudiados constituyeron un nicho de oportunidad en donde la avifauna halló alimento, áreas de nidación y reproducción. Se recomienda la implementación de buenas prácticas de manejo agroforestal que coadyuven a la conservación de especies.

Abstract The nesting characteristics (number of nests and eggs, time of year, nesting initiation, and nesting length) of leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles of the southern Caribbean Sea (specifically in the Gulf of Paria in Venezuela), were examined in association with weekly precipitation averages and number of rainy days per week during the period between 2009 and 2018. We hypothesized about the influence of rainfall intensity and patterns as the main abiotic factor for sea turtle nesting. On average, leatherbacks preferred nesting during the drier season of each year (March, April, and May), while hawksbills nested during the rainy season (June to September). For both species, we found few significant correlations between the number of nests or clutch size (number of eggs per nest) and weekly averages of seasonal precipitation rates in the region. Average hawksbill clutch sizes were not correlated with average precipitation rates but were positively correlated with the number of rainy days per week (r=0.66, P≤0.05). Average hawksbill clutch sizes decreased each year on average (-3.3 eggs/year, r=-0.88, P≤0.001), which coincided with a negative long-term trend in the number of rainy days (-0.11 rainy days/week, r=-0.69, P≤0.05). During the study period, nesting activities for both leatherback and hawksbills started progressively later (0.9 and 0.6 weeks/year, respectively p≤0.05) and were shorter (-0.9 and -0.8 weeks /year, P≤0.1 and P≤0.05, respectively).

Resumen Las hormigas pueden ejercer biocontrol del cultivo de café, pero este servicio puede declinar en plantaciones manejadas intensivamente debido a que se pierden recursos de nidificación. Considerando cómo incrementar las hormigas, estudiamos si estas anidan en diferentes tipos de sustratos artificiales adheridos sobre arbustos de café tanto en cafetales de sombra como de sol. Se realizaron tres exámenes independientes en cafetales del suroccidente colombiano para responder: 1) ¿Anidan las hormigas en sustratos artificiales hechos de materiales reciclables? 2) ¿El tipo de sustrato (material y configuración) y el tipo de manejo del cafetal (sombra vs. sol) afectan la colonización, riqueza e identidad de hormigas? 3) ¿Afecta el tiempo las tasas de colonización de sustratos artificiales? Cada experimento comparó diferentes materiales y diseños, tanto en cafetales de sombra como de sol. Las hormigas anidaron más en uno de los sustratos ofrecidos y hubo mayor nidificación en cafetales de sombra. Ocho especies anidaron en los sustratos artificiales, la mayoría generalistas arbóreas. Un mayor número de especies de hormigas colonizó sustratos en cafetales de sombra, aunque no fue estadísticamente significativo. Nesomyrmex asper y Crematogaster spp. siempre se encontraron anidando en ambos tipos de plantación. La evidencia soporta que se puede ofrecer sustratos artificiales favorece la anidación por hormigas arbóreas en plantaciones de café.

Resumo As formigas podem exercer controle biológico no cultivo do café, porém essa função pode reduzir em plantações manejadas intensivamente, já que os recursos de aninhamento são perdidos. Considerando o aumento das formigas, foi estudado se o aninhamento se dá em diferentes tipos de substratos artificiais aderidos sobre arbustos de café tanto em cafezais sombreados quanto ensolarados. Foram realizadas três provas independentes em cafezais do sul ocidental colombiano para responder: 1) As formigas se aninham em substratos artificiais feitos de materiais recicláveis? 2) O tipo de substrato (material e configuração) e o tipo de manejo do cafezal (sombra vs. sol) afetam a colonização, riqueza e identidade das formigas? 3) O tempo afeta as taxas de colonização de substratos artificiais? Cada experimento comparou diferentes materiais e desenhos, tanto em cafezais sombreados quanto ensolarados. As formigas se aninharam mais em um dos substratos oferecidos e houve maior aninhamento em cafezais sombreados. Oito espécies aninharam-se nos substratos artificiais, a maioria generalistas arbóreas. Um maior número de espécies de formigas colonizou substratos em cafezais sombreados, ainda que não tenha sido estatisticamente significativo. Nesomyrmex asper e Crematogaster spp. sempre foram encontrados se aninhando em ambos os tipos de plantação. A evidência propõe que é possível oferecer substratos artificiais para favorecer o aninhamento de formigas arbóreas em plantações de café.

Abstract Ants can provide pest biocontrol for coffee crops; however, this ecosystem service may decline in intensively managed plantations due to the loss of nesting resources. Considering how to increase the number of ants, we studied if they nest in different types of artificial substrates attached to coffee bushes both in shade-grown and sun-grown coffee plantations. Three independent tests were conducted at some coffee plantations in southwestern Colombia with the purpose of answering the following questions: 1) Do ants nest in artificial substrates made from recyclable materials? 2) Do the types of substrate (materials and configuration) and coffee management (shade-grown vs. sun-grown coffee) affect colonization rates, richness, and identity of colonizing ants? 3) Does time affect substrate colonization rates? Each experiment independently compared different substrate materials and designs, in both shade and sun-grown coffee. Results showed preference of one of the substrates offered and higher nesting rates in shade-grown plantations. Eight ant species were found nesting in artificial substrates, most of them being arboreal generalists. A higher number of ant species colonized substrates in shade-grown plantations; however, the effect was not statistically significant. Nesomyrmex asper and Crematogaster spp. were always found nesting in both types of plantation. There was a trend to increase nesting activity with time in shade-grown coffee but not in sun-grown coffee. Evidence supports that offering artificial substrates enhances arboreal ant nesting in coffee plantations.

Resumen Introducción: A pesar de que las tortugas golfinas (Lepidochelys olivacea) son las tortugas marinas más abundantes del mundo, su información cuantitativa disponible es escasa y se encuentra distribuida de manera desigual entre regiones. Existen muchos programas de manejo y conservación para esta especie, y sus evaluaciones son necesarias para identificar tendencias de anidación y poder manejar de manera efectiva los programas de conservación actuales. PROTORMAR-UAS es un programa de Investigación y Conservación de la tortuga golfina creado por la Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, México. El Programa cuenta con dos estaciones biológicas: Santuario de Playa Ceuta (SPC) y Playa Caimanero (PC). Objetivo: Evaluar la tendencia de anidación de la tortuga golfina en dos playas del noroeste de México y predecir las tendencias prospectivas de anidación para los próximos 30 años. Métodos: A partir de los datos de registros anuales de anidación de 40 años para SPC (1976-2016) y 30 años para PC (1986-2016), evaluamos las tendencias de anidación, el éxito de la eclosión y los problemas de depredación y saqueo de nidos de la tortuga golfina en las dos playas del noroeste de México. Posteriormente, se calcularon las estimaciones prospectivas de anidación para los próximos 30 años usando un modelo predictivo de series de tiempo. Resultados: Se identificó una correlación positiva y significativa entre el registro anual de nidos y el tiempo de estudio para ambas playas (rho = 0.850, P ≤ 0.01 para SPC; rho = 0.677 y P ≤ 0.01 para PC); así como el éxito de eclosión promedio de 65.09 para SPC y de 60.72 % para PC. El modelo predictivo de series de tiempo indicó que las anidaciones continuarán aumentando para el 2045, tres veces para SPC y seis para PC, con respecto al último año de monitoreo. Conclusiones: Hay una clara tendencia positiva de anidación de la tortuga golfina en ambos sitios, lo cual es consistente con la tendencia observada en otros estudios recientes de la región. Por lo tanto, sugerimos incluir a PC como un área de anidación legalmente protegida, la cual se ubica en los límites latitudinales de anidación de la tortuga golfina, dada la necesidad de contar con recursos disponibles para la operación del campamento ante el aumento de anidaciones y de problemas de depredación y saqueo. Porque en México operar una playa de anidación sin ningún estatus de protección implica no tener presupuesto para su manejo.

Abstract Introduction: Although olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the most abundant sea turtles in the world, quantitative information is scarce and unevenly distributed among regions. There are many management and conservation programs for this species, and assessments are necessary to identify nesting trends and effectively manage current conservation programs. PROTORMAR-UAS is a Research and Conservation program for the olive ridley turtle created by the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Mexico. The program utilizes two biological stations: Santuario Playa Ceuta (SPC) and Playa Caimanero (PC). Objective: To evaluate the nesting trend of olive ridley turtles on two beaches in Northwestern Mexico and to predict prospective nesting trends for the next 30 years. Methods: Using annual nesting data collected over 40 years at SPC (1976-2016) and 30 years at PC (1986-2016), we evaluated nesting trends, hatching success, predation and poaching of olive ridley turtles on the two beaches in Northwestern Mexico. Then, prospective nesting estimates for the next 30 years were calculated predictive time series model. Results: A positive and significant correlation was identified between the number of annual nests and time for both beaches (rho = 0.850, P ≤ 0.01 for SPC; rho = 0.677, P ≤ 0.01 for PC); the average hatching success rates were 65.09 at SPC and 60.72 % at PC. The predictive time-series model indicated that the numbers of nests will continue to increase through 2045, increasing three-fold at SPC and six-fold at PC with respect to the last year of monitoring. Conclusions: There was a clear positive trend in the number of olive ridley sea turtle nests at both sites, which is consistent with trends found in other recent studies from the region. Therefore, we suggest that PC be designated a legally protected nesting area since it is located within the latitudinal limits of olive ridley nesting and given the need for resources for camp operation considering increased nesting and current problems with predation and poaching. Because in Mexico operating a nesting beach without any protection status implies not having a budget for its management.

Resumen El estudio de la biología reproductiva de las aves permite predecir e identificar especies susceptibles a un mayor riesgo de extinción o llevar a cabo manejo de poblaciones con fines de conservación. Es importante documentar las características de las historias de vida, ya que para muchas especies neotropicales es incompleta. La eufonia garganta amarilla (Euphonia hirundinacea) es un fringílido común y ampliamente distribuido en el neotrópico mexicano, sin embargo, existe poca información sobre su historia de vida y sitios de anidación en el país. En este estudio aportamos información sobre la biología reproductiva y sitios de anidación de la especie en la región de las Altas Montañas de Veracruz. Además, registramos por primera vez la construcción de un nido sobre un sustrato artificial.

Abstract The study of breeding biology allows us to predict and identify species with a higher extinction risk or carry out population management for conservation purposes. It is important to document the characteristics of life histories, since for many Neotropical species it is incomplete. The Yellow-throated Euphonia (Euphonia hirundinacea) is a common finch widely distributed in the Mexican Neotropics, however, there is little information on its life history and nesting sites in the country. In this study we provide information about breeding biology and nest sites of the species in the Altas Montañas region of Veracruz, Mexico. We also recorded for the first time the construction of a nest on an artificial substrate.

Resumo Estuários são utilizados por aves aquáticas como locais de forrageio, descanso e nidificação, servindo, também, como pontos de parada para aves migratórias. A dinâmica dessa avifauna em um ambiente pode estar associada a diferenças entre horários do dia, altura da maré, temperatura, velocidade do vento e uso do local. Esse trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar aspectos comportamentais de aves aquáticas, relacionando a influência de variáveis ambientais com suas atividades. Amostragens mensais foram realizadas na foz de dois importantes rios do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, entre junho de 2015 e maio de 2016, em intervalos de duas horas no decorrer do dia. Um total de 44 espécies foram registradas, dez das quais foram migratórias. Os comportamentos mais observados foram forrageio e descanso. A análise de Kruskall-Wallis não indicou diferenças significativas no comportamento entre os horários de amostragem. O teste de similaridade Bray-Curtis resultou em três agrupamentos: 1) - espécies que forragearam na maior parte do tempo; 2) - espécies que descansaram na maior parte do tempo; e 3) - mesma quantidade de tempo em ambas atividades. A Análise de Espécies Indicadoras mostrou que 17 espécies estiveram associadas com apenas um microhabitat e 15 espécies com mais de um. A Análise de Correlação Canônica indicou que apenas as variáveis maré, temperatura e precipitação foram significativamente correlacionadas com os comportamentos demonstrados e apenas a atividade de descanso foi positivamente correlacionada com as todas as variáveis. Isso pode estar associado com a termorregulação e com a habilidade de algumas espécies de permanecer no mediolitoral durante a maré cheia. Os resultados demonstram que diferentes espécies de aves aquáticas utilizaram as áreas estudadas de diferentes maneiras. Assim, a heterogeneidade de microhabitats em um ambiente aquático é de extrema importância para a coexistência e a manutenção da diversidade de aves.

Abstract Estuaries are used by waterbirds as foraging, resting and nesting sites, serving also as shelter for migratory birds. The dynamics of this avifauna in an aquatic environment may be associated with the differences of time of day, tide height, temperature, wind speed and use of the site by different species. This study had the objective of evaluating behavioral aspects of aquatic birds, relating the influence of environmental variables with their activities. Bird counts were performed at the mouth of two important rivers of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during two-hour intervals throughout the day in monthly samplings between June (2015) and May (2016). A total of 44 species were recorded, ten of which were migratory. The most recorded behaviors were foraging and resting. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicated no significant difference in behavior between the sampling intervals. The Bray-Curtis similarity test resulted in three groups: 1) - species that foraged most of the time; 2) - species that rested most of the time; and 3) - same time in both activities. The Indicator Species Analysis showed that 17 species were associated with only one microhabitat and 15 species with more than one. The Canonical Correlation Analysis indicated that only tide height, temperature and rainfall variables were correlated with the behaviors performed and only the resting activity was positively correlated with all variables. This may be associated with thermoregulation and the ability of some species to stay in midlitoral at high tide. The results demonstrate that different waterbird species used the studied areas in different ways. Thus, the heterogeneity of microhabitats in an aquatic environment of extreme importance for the coexistence and maintenance of the diversity of waterbirds.

RESUMEN Durante los años 2005, 2014-2017, estudiamos seis nidos del monjito (Euphonia elegantissima) en dos sitios urbanos y suburbanos de la ciudad de Xalapa. Los nidos se localizaron en la punta de un árbol de macadamia, debajo de bromelias epífitas y debajo de macetas colgantes con helechos o euforbiáceas. Los dos nidos que fueron colectados fueron cerrados y esféricos (7.2 x 7.5 x 5.6 cm; 10.1 x 8.6 x 11 cm), con una entrada lateral y estuvieron fabricados principalmente de fibras vegetales, hojas y telarañas. Las observaciones incluyeron la construcción del nido, la incubación de los huevos y el cuidado de los polluelos. La construcción de los nidos tardó al menos entre 10 y 11 días. La incubación de los huevos duró entre 14 y 18 días. En todos los casos con excepción de uno, la incubación fue hecha por la hembra y en todas las observaciones el macho escoltó a la hembra al nido. El tiempo de incubación por sesión fue de 36-88 min (media = 62 min) con sesiones fuera del nido más cortas (3-18 min, media = 9 min). En dos nidos se encontraron tres huevos, en uno de los cuales sólo dos huevos eclosionaron; en otro nido se observaron cuatro polluelos. En dos nidos la fase de polluelos duró lo mismo, 20 días, presentando los machos un mayor tiempo de cuidado de los polluelos (35-300 s, media = 109 s) que las hembras (25-99 s, media = 53 s). Se observó una escolta recíproca durante la fase de polluelos, siendo el macho el primero en llegar siempre. La reproducción ocurrió en los meses de enero, abril, mayo (dos nidos), junio y julio. Al registrarse para el monjito la escolta de la hembra por el macho durante la fase de incubación, se corroboran observaciones previas en los géneros Euphonia y Chlorophonia. Los tiempos observados para las fases de incubación y polluelos fueron similares a valores previamente publicados para las especies de ambos géneros.

ABSTRACT Between 2005, 2014-2017, we studied six Elegant Euphonia (Euphonia elegantissima) nests from two sites (urban and suburban) in the city of Xalapa, Veracruz. They were located in a macadamia tree crown, under epiphytic bromeliads, and under hanging fern and Euphorbia pots. The two nests we extracted and measured (7.2 x 7.5 x 5.6 cm; 10.1 x 8.6 x 11 cm), were closed and globular, with a lateral entry and mainly made of plant fibers, leaves, and cobwebs. Our observations included nest construction, egg incubation and chick care (nestling phase). Nest construction took at least 10-11 days, while egg incubation took 14-18 days. Incubation was done by the female in all but one observation, and the male escorted the female to the nest on every occasion. Time of incubation sessions ranged from 36-88 min (mean = 62 min) with shorter out nest sessions (3-18 min, mean = 9 min). There were three eggs in two of the nests, and in one only two eggs hatched; four chicks were observed in another nest. The nestling phase lasted 20 days in two nests, with the male spending more time (35-300 s, mean = 109 s) than the female taking care of the chicks (25-99 s, mean = 53 s). Reciprocal escorting was observed during the nestling phase, with the male always arriving first. Breeding occurred in January, April, May (two nests), June, and July. Observing the male of the Elegant Euphonia escorting the female during the incubation period, corroborates previous observations of this behavior in genera Euphonia and Chlorophonia. Incubation and nestling time periods were similar to other species of these genera.

Resumo Neste estudo, a análise de isótopos estáveis em múltiplos tecidos (vitelo e carapaça) foi usada para avaliar as trajetórias individuais de nicho isotópico de tartarugas verdes em nidificação no Atol das Rocas, nordeste do Brasil, e para revelar uma mudança de dieta na dimensão temporal. As trajetórias individuais da dieta de tartarugas verdes foram altamente direcionais, com um componente mais forte na direção de valores decrescentes de δ15N da carapaça ao vitelo. Quando as tartarugas verdes estão em seus locais de forrageamento (janela temporal medida pelas amostras de vitelo), elas são mais herbívoras. Por outro lado, em uma janela temporal mais ampla, as tartarugas verdes demonstram uma estratégia carnívora-onívora, representada por valores mais elevados de δ15N na carapaça. Os resultados confirmam uma mudança temporal na dieta. Este é o primeiro estudo que aplica trajetórias de nicho trófico para tartarugas marinhas, adicionando uma nova ferramenta isotópica para entender a ecologia trófica desses animais migrantes.

Abstract In this study, multi-tissue (yolk and carapace) stable isotope analysis was used to assess individual isotopic niche trajectories of nesting green turtles on Rocas Atoll, off northeastern Brazil, and to reveal a diet shift in the temporal dimension. The diet trajectories of individual green turtles were highly directional, with a stronger component towards decreasing values of δ15N from carapace to yolk. When the green turtles are in their foraging sites (temporal window measured by the yolk samples), they are more herbivores. Conversely, in a broader temporal window, the green turtles demonstrate a carnivore-omnivore strategy, such as represented by heavier δ15N values in the carapace. This finding confirms a temporal diet shift. This is the first study that applies trophic niche trajectories for sea turtles, adding a new isotopic tool to understand the trophic ecology of these migrant animals.

ABSTRACT Stream insects use in different ways the stream habitats which affect patterns of species occurrence on stream. The nestedness is one of these patterns being an ecological mechanism that generates beta diversity. In this study, we verify the effects of temporal environmental variations on nestedness patterns of Chironomidae assemblages on subtropical streams. We collected chironomid larvae during winter and summer during three years (2010, 2011 and 2012) in Brazilian Subtropical low-order streams (Erechim, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). We measured environmental variables in each stream. To assess if assemblages will show nested patterns intra- and interannual we used a NODF metric. We observed nestedness only in one year, this pattern was due to variation of limnological factors, which are directly associated with climatic conditions (precipitation and water temperature) and agricultural management (e.g. dissolved oxygen and nutrients). Climatological events affect Chironomidae community through the time. The variations on precipitation values could be one of the mainly factors that influence nestedness for this community. Finally, studies on nesting on time scales should consider inter-annual comparisons, as climatic variations are more evident.

Abstract Tawny-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila hypoxantha) is an endangered (in Brazil) grassland dependent species, whose breeding success remains poorly known hampering conservation measures on its breeding grounds. Here we analyze the nest survival of the species in relation to temporal and environmental variables over three breeding seasons in hilly dry grasslands in southern Brazil. The apparent nest success was 40%, and MARK survival 20%. Predation was the main cause of failure, affecting 55% of the unsuccessful nests, followed by desertion, infestation by Philornis fly larvae, cattle trampling and burning. The productivity was 1.77 young per pair. Best models include time-specific factors (nest age and time of breeding season), reflected by a gradual reduction in nest survival over the nesting cycle, accompanied by an increase in temperature, subcutaneous larvae infestation, and predation. Nest site characteristics did not influence nest survival. Predation is more prevalent in the nestling rearing period than during incubation. This tendency may be caused by an increase in the activity in the nests, as is predicted by the Skutch hypothesis. The conclusion that time-specific factors influence nest survival more than ecological variables is important to plan on seasonally dependent conservation and management measures.

Green sea turtles are one of the two species of marine turtles known to nest in the Maldives. The prevalent time of nesting seems to be inconsistent throughout the island nation. In this study, sea turtle nesting activity was monitored on the island of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll over a period of 12 months. A total of 13 nests were confirmed with a median hatching success rate of 89.58% as ascertained by nest excavation. In one of the nests, a severely deformed hatchling with polycephaly, an opening in the neck area and a lordotic spine was found, and we investigated in detail with radiographic images and a necropsy. Our findings support the importance of consistent nesting activity and nest monitoring efforts in the country as a basis for conservation efforts.

RESUMO Visitas de pássaros e uso de recursos em palmares de Butia odorata (Arecaceae) no sul do Brasil. Avaliamos as visitas das aves nas palmeiras Butia odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick. em um palmar localizado no Pampa brasileiro. Registramos as espécies de aves, a frequênc ia de visitas, e seu comportamento alimentar em palmeiras com diferentes disponibilidades de flores e frutos. Entre janeiro de 2018 e fevereiro de 2019 observamos 1.094 visitas em 347 palmeiras e registramos 53 espécies de aves. As visitas mais frequentes foram feitas por Sicalis flaveola (Linnaeus, 1766), Myiopsitta monachus (Boddaert, 1783) e Zonotrichia capensis (Statius Muller, 1776). O principal uso das palmeiras foi o uso como poleiro (79%). Nossa hipótese de que o aumento de oferta de flores e frutos seria acompanhado por um maior número de visitas de aves insetívoras e frugívoras não foi corroborada. Além disso, houve um maior número de espécies visitando as palmeiras sem recursos do que as com recursos. A riqueza de espécies, o número de visitas, bem como a duração das visitas não variaram entre as palmeiras com e sem flores ou frutos. Com isso nós acreditamos que a principal contribuição da Butia odorata no palmar para o estabelecimento da avifauna está relaciona com a oferta de poleiros, abrigos e sítios para nidificação.

ABSTRACT We evaluated avian use of a palm grove of Butia odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick in the Brazilian Pampa. We recorded bird species richness, frequency of visits, and feeding behavior in palms trees with different flower and fruit availability. From January 2018 to February 2019, we observed 1,094 bird visits in 347 palm trees and identified 53 species. The most frequent visitors were Sicalis flaveola (Linnaeus, 1766), Myiopsitta monachus (Boddaert, 1783) and Zonotrichia capensis (Statius Muller, 1776). Perching was the most frequent use of palm trees by the birds (79%). Our hypothesis that an increase in the availability of flowers and fruits will be followed by a larger number of visits by insectivorous and frugivorous birds was not corroborated. In addition, there was a higher number of species visiting palm trees with no resources. The species composition and the number of guilds of visiting birds varied seasonally, but independently from resources availability. Bird richness, number of visits, and time length of visits did not vary between flowering/fruiting and resourceless palm trees. Based on this we argue that the main contribution of Butia odorata to the establishment of bird assemblages in palm groves is their role in offering perching, sheltering, and nesting sites.

Abstract: The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) is a endemic seabird on the coasts of South America. The present work describes its nesting in the Caicura lslands (41° S), southern Chile, providing information on the number of nests, eggs and chicks, during three consecutive reproductive seasons (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16). Egg laying began in November, with chicks observed in December, and fledglings in January. Most of the nests featured only one egg. The total eggs per season were 295, 386 and 313, respectively. The hatching rate was significantly different between the three seasons, increasing over time from 41.2%, 62.5% and 82.8%, respectively. The cumulative total of chicks per season was 119, 249 and 223, respectively. The total chick mortality was near to 10%. The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) was identified as the main predator of eggs and chicks of the South American Tern. Finally, the Caicura lslands are the second most important site in Chile for the reproduction of the South American Tern.

Resumen: El gaviotín sudamericano (Sterna hirundinacea) es un ave marina endémica de las costas de América del Sur. El presente trabajo describe su nidificación en islas Caicura (41° S), sur de Chile, entregando información sobre el número de nidos, huevos y polluelos, durante tres temporadas reproductivas consecutivas (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16). La puesta de huevos comenzó en noviembre, observándose polluelos en diciembre y volantones en enero. La mayoría de los nidos contó con sólo un huevo. El total de huevos por temporada fue de 295, 386 y 313, respectivamente. La tasa de eclosión fue significativamente distinta entre las tres temporadas, aumentando en el tiempo desde un 41,2%, 62,5% y 82,8%, respectivamente. El total acumulado de polluelos por temporada fue de 119, 249 y 223, respectivamente. Se estimó una mortalidad total de polluelos cercana al 10%. Se identificó a la gaviota dominicana (Larus dominicanus) como el principal depredador de huevos y polluelos del gaviotín sudamericano. Finalmente, las islas Caicura son el segundo sitio de mayor importancia en Chile para la reproducción del gaviotín sudamericano.