Abstract Introduction: Aquatic birds (AB) are usually associated with wetlands, which provide refuge, food, and/or nesting sites for resident and migratory species. Despite their ecological importance, there is little knowledge on AB in some tropical environments, such as those found on the Colima coast. Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal composition of the AB community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: Monthly counts were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 during low-tide conditions to record habitat use by AB. Species richness and bird counts were obtained to compare sampling areas; mean richness and number of individuals were compared between seasons. Results: We detected 53 species and 5 750 individuals. The highest species richness and relative abundance values were obtained in winter at the lagoon area farthest from the connection with the marine system, where anthropogenic activity is lower. Diversity was greater in zones 2 and 3 in spring, summer, and fall. Muddy flats were the most used environment, and the most frequent activity was resting. Nesting activity was only recorded in the middle of the lagoon at the mangrove during spring. “Shorebirds” and “waders” were the most dominant groups in the bird community of the Juluapan lagoon. Conclusions: This coastal wetland is a site of great biological importance for aquatic birds; thus, conservation measures should be implemented, and there should be a continuous study of the effects of anthropogenic pressure.

Resumen Introducción: Las aves acuáticas (AA) son usualmente relacionadas a los humedales debido a que éstos funcionan como sitios de refugio, alimentación y anidación de diferentes especies residentes y migratorias. Sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre las aves acuáticas en algunos humedales es nulo. Objetivo: Investigar la composición espacio-temporal de la comunidad de AA en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano. Métodos: Entre junio de 2017 y mayo de 2018 se llevaron a cabo conteos mensuales en condiciones de marea baja para registrar el uso de hábitat de las AA. Se obtuvieron valores de riqueza de especies y número de individuos para realizar comparaciones entre zonas de muestreo, así como el promedio del número de especies y número de individuos para comparaciones entre temporadas. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 53 especies y 5 750 individuos. Los valores de riqueza de especies y densidad de individuos fueron más altos durante invierno, en la zona más alejada al ambiente marino, donde la actividad antropogénica es menor. La diversidad tuvo valores más altos en la zona 2 y 3, durante primavera, verano y otoño. El ambiente más explotado por las aves fueron las planicies lodosas; y el descanso fue la actividad más frecuente. Asimismo, la actividad de anidación sólo se registró en el manglar de la zona media durante primavera. Las “aves playeras” y “aves zancudas” fueron los grupos más predominantes en la comunidad de aves de la laguna Juluapan. Conclusiones: Este humedal costero es un sitio de gran importancia biológica para aves acuáticas, por lo que resulta necesario la implementación de medidas de conservación, así como el estudio de los efectos por la presión antropogénica.

Verlorenvlei is a globally important RAMSAR wetland on the arid west coast of South Africa. A prolonged drought between 2016 and 2021 and increasing competition for water from the agricultural sector resulted in extremely low water levels. We used historical aerial and satellite imagery from 1942 and rainfall and water level data for the past 50 years, to assess habitat changes within the estuarine functional zone of the Verlorenvlei Estuarine Lake. Prior to the drought, lake water levels and water surface area remained stable (1113 ± 27 ha (SE)). Since then, there has been a 64% decrease in open water area, exposing 193 ha of sandbanks, of which 190.9 ha were hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich. The water in the lower lake was hypersaline (>100), and in the middle, it was acidic (pH<3). The low water level plus sediment and nutrient input from surrounding agriculture resulted in a localised increase in reeds. Additional pressures, such as fires, have reduced the above-ground biomass of reeds and sedges, potentially altering surface morphology and reducing stored carbon. Despite flooding and filling up in June 2023, the lake remained in an acidic state (3.9-4.3). Similar low-lake level, hypersaline and acidic conditions are predicted to become more common under future climate change scenarios where aridity and extreme weather events are anticipated. Inflow of fresh water into the estuary and control of farming practices are required to keep the Verlorenvlei in a functional state, with long-term monitoring necessary to assess the ecological condition in response to restoration actions. SIGNIFICANCE: We assessed the habitat changes in Verlorenvlei, an estuarine lake on the arid west coast of South Africa. Estuarine lakes are scarce, and an extended drought greatly reduced the water surface area, exposing hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich soils, leading to lake acidification and a negative response from biota. Competition for water from agribusiness and the burning of reeds are added pressures. Subsequent heavy rains have been slow to buffer lake acidity, and the impacts thereof serve as a warning for the management of similar ecosystems and their ecological water requirements, especially under climate change where extreme weather conditions, increased aridity and competition for water are realities.

Abstract The Puerto Pizarro mangrove is part of the Tumbes mangrove, the largest in Peru; it is also the mangrove with the greatest anthropic impact in the region; in this area, no studies have been carried out on the status of its population of Rhizophora mangle, the most important mangrove species in the Peruvian mangroves. The objective of this research was to establish the structural characteristics of R. mangle in the Puerto Pizarro mangrove. The study was carried out by subdividing the research area into three zones (A, B and C), in which 41 plots of 1 ha each were selected, in each plot a sub-area of 0.25 ha (50 m x 50 m) was taken). In these sub-areas, mangrove trees of the species Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa and Avicennia germinans were evaluated regarding their structural characteristics: diameter at breast height (DBH), height, basal area, density, frequency, dominance and index value of ecological importance (IVI). It was found that R. mangle had a greater DAP, height and basal area than the other species; also, higher density, frequency, dominance and relative IVI (adjusted to 100%) than the other species with values of 51.5%, 100%, 82.6% and 53.3%, respectively. The research findings allow us to conclude that the population of R. mangle in the Puerto Pizarro mangrove is a mature population, with a predominance of stems and latizales. However, its structural characteristics are not homogeneous throughout the Puerto Pizarro area, since zone A, with less anthropic impact and lower salinity, has R. mangle trees with better structural characteristics than those in zones B and C in which there is greater anthropic activity and greater salinity.

Resumen El manglar de Puerto Pizarro forma parte del manglar de Tumbes, el más grande del Perú; es también el manglar con mayor impacto antrópico en la región; en este no se han realizado estudios sobre el estado de su población de Rhizophora mangle, la especie de mangle más importante de los manglares peruanos. Esta investigación buscaba establecer las características estructurales de R. mangle en el manglar de Puerto Pizarro. El estudio se realizó subdividiendo el área de investigación en tres zonas (A, B y C), en las cuales se seleccionaron 41 parcelas de 1 ha cada una, en cada parcela se tomó una sub-área de 0,25 ha (50 m x 50 m). En estas sub-áreas se evaluaron los árboles de mangle de las especies Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa y Avicennia germinans respecto a sus características estructurales diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP), altura, área basal, densidad, frecuencia, dominancia e índice de valor de importancia ecológica (IVI). Se encontró que R. mangle presentó un mayor DAP, altura y área basal que las otras especies; así también, mayor densidad, frecuencia, dominancia e IVI relativos (ajustados al 100%) que las otras especies con valores de 51,5%, 100%, 82,6% y 53,3%, respectivamente. Los hallazgos de la investigación permiten concluir que la población de R. mangle del manglar de Puerto Pizarro es una población madura, con predominancia de fustales y latizales. En Puerto Pizarro, sus características estructurales no son homogéneas, ya que la zona A, con menor impacto antrópico y menor salinidad, presenta árboles de R. mangle con mejores características estructurales que los de las zonas B y C, donde hay mayor actividad antrópica y mayor salinidad.

Abstract (Introduction): Floodplain vegetation plays an important role in providing ecosystem services such as carbon capture and cycle regulation; hence, the need arises to assess its condition. (Objective): To analyze the vegetation structure of the “complejo cenagoso de Zapatosa” (CCZ), propose the Floodplain Vegetation Quality Index (FVQI), and evaluate vegetation quality. (Methodology): Rectangular plots of 500 m2 in 12 sampling sites were defined; richness, composition, and structure analysis were conducted. The FVQI, a modification of the River Vegetation Quality Index (QBR), is proposed, and CCZ vegetation quality is calculated using the proposed index. (Results): 48 species were found; most are native, and two are endemic. Of these, 32 are categorized as Least Concern (LC). The proposed FVQI evaluates the naturalness of continental wetland vegetation formations, vertical stratification, longitudinal connectivity, presence of native species, and anthropogenic alterations affecting the ecosystem; 66 % of the evaluated sites showed good vegetation quality, with slight transformation. (Conclusions): An assessment of floodplain vegetation in lentic ecosystems was conducted using the FVQI index. This index, along with structural analysis, provided information on the current state of vegetation and the degree of naturalness of vegetation formations. This study offers a more comprehensive view of ecosystem health and quality, crucial for their conservation and proper management.

Resumen (Introducción): La vegetación inundable desempeña un papel importante en la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos como la captura de carbono y la regulación de su ciclo; por esto surge la necesidad de evaluar su estado. (Objetivo): Analizar la estructura de la vegetación del complejo cenagoso de Zapatosa (CCZ), proponer el índice de calidad de la vegetación inundable (ICVI) y evaluar la calidad de la vegetación. (Metodología): Se definieron parcelas rectangulares de 500 m2 en 12 sitios de muestreo y se realizó el análisis de riqueza, composición y estructura. Se propone el ICVI, una modificación del índice de calidad de vegetación de ribera (QBR) y se calcula la calidad de la vegetación del CCZ con el índice propuesto. (Resultados): Se encontraron 48 especies; la mayoría nativas y 2 endémicas. De estas, 32 se categorizan en preocupación menor (LC). El ICVI evalúa la naturalidad de las formaciones vegetales de humedales continentales, la estratificación vertical, conectividad longitudinal, presencia de especies autóctonas y las alteraciones antrópicas que afectan el ecosistema. El 66 % de los sitios presentaron una calidad buena, con una ligera transformación. (Conclusiones): Se llevó a cabo una evaluación del estado de la vegetación inundable en ecosistemas lénticos utilizando el índice ICVI, que, junto con el análisis estructural, permitió obtener información sobre el estado actual de la vegetación y el grado de naturalidad de las formaciones vegetales. Este estudio proporciona una visión más completa de la salud y la calidad de los ecosistemas, lo que es fundamental para su conservación y manejo adecuado.

Hydropedology is an interdisciplinary field that studies the interactions between soil and water, recognizing that soils influence hydrological processes through their hydraulic properties, and serve as indicators of hydrological behaviour through their morphological properties that are shaped by water regimes. Given the practical implications of hydropedology and its integration into South Africa's latest soil classification system, an updated categorization of soil forms and 1 657 (1 629 + 28) families was necessary, organizing them into three overarching response groups based on their predominant hydrological responses: recharge, interflow, and responsive. Within these groups, recharge soils are further classified into deep, shallow, and slow subgroups, interflow soils encompass soil/bedrock, shallow, and slow categories, while responsive soils are subdivided into responsive shallow and responsive wet. This paper aims to enhance the reader's comprehension of hydrological responses and simplify the intricacies integrated into South Africa's official soil classification system.

Wetland delineation in South Africa incorporates soil form and soil wetness indicators, requiring formal soil classification and description of soil redox morphology. The current wetland definition used administratively in South Africa focuses on saturated (hydric) soil signatures within plant root zones. Saturated soil horizons deeper than plant root zones fall outside the 50 cm criterion in the local approach as well as the accepted zone in USA literature. The field of hydropedology accommodates the classification of the various hydrologically active horizons and provides a tool for the handling of horizons with ephemeral wetness. This approach has been variably accepted by mandated authorities in South Africa. The South African soil classification system has evolved through three editions over the past 50 years while retaining the same redox morphology understanding. However, despite the concepts and context of redox morphology having been thoroughly technically adopted by soil scientists, this is not the case within the wetland research and management environment. This especially because the classification system is structured differently from other international systems, and the South African landscape is geologically ancient with mature soils, introducing challenges to resource assessment specialists who rely on international norms and approaches for wetland assessment. This paper reviews the various components of soil classification and redox morphology based on Fe and Mn minerals within the context of the South African soil classification system, the field of hydropedology and wetland delineation indicators. We provide a qualitative correlation between the various diagnostic horizons and materials in the system and their related redox morphology contexts that are relevant to wetland assessment, delineation, and protection in South Africa. This paper therefore aims to serve as a reference point for the description and correlation of various soil hydrological parameters used in formal assessments.

Abstract Tropical wetland forests are fragile ecosystems facing critical risks due to global warming and other anthropogenic threats. Hence, gathering accurate and reliable information on them is urgent. Although remote sensing has demonstrated great potential in studying terrestrial ecosystems, remote sensing-based wetland forest research is still in an early stage of development. Mapping wetland forests, particularly mangrove forests, was an initial goal of this approach and is a task that still faces methodological challenges. Initially based on aerial photography only, wetland forest mapping through remote sensing underwent explosive diversification after the launching of artificial satellites in the 1970s. Later, precision in wetland forest mapping increased with the combination of hyperspectral, multispectral, and high and very high-resolution imagery. Accurate delimitation of wetland forest extent is also necessary to assess their temporal dynamics (losses, gains, and horizontal displacement). Despite the prevalence of mapping studies, current remote sensing-based research on wetland forests addresses new questions and novel aims, such as describing and predicting wetland forest attributes through mathematical modeling. Although this approach has made substantial progress in recent decades, modeling and predicting wetland forest attributes remain insufficiently explored fields of research. Combining active and passive sensors is a promising alternative to provide a more accurate picture of these communities’ attributes. In particular, LiDAR and radar-based technologies may help overcome difficulties encountered in older studies. In the future, we will witness conceptual and methodological progress that will enable us to surmount the remaining challenges.

Resumen Los humedales arbóreos tropicales están críticamente amenazados por el calentamiento global y otras amenazas antropogénicas; por ello, urge recopilar información confiable sobre estas comunidades vegetales. Aunque la percepción remota ha demostrado gran potencial en el estudio de ecosistemas terrestres, la investigación de los humedales arbóreos con este enfoque requiere mayor desarrollo. El mapeo de los humedales arbóreos (particularmente manglares), que fue el objetivo inicial de este enfoque, aún enfrenta desafíos metodológicos. Inicialmente basado solo en fotografías aéreas, el mapeo de humedales arbóreos se diversificó explosivamente con el lanzamiento de satélites artificiales y la interpretación de imágenes de percepción remota. La precisión de los mapas de estas comunidades aumentó con el uso combinado de imágenes multiespectrales, hiperespectrales, de alta y muy alta resolución. Para evaluar la dinámica temporal (pérdidas, ganancias, desplazamiento horizontal) de los humedales arbóreos necesitamos delimitar de manera precisa su extensión. Aunque todavía se están cartografiando numerosos humedales arbóreos, la investigación actual de estos ecosistemas por percepción remota aborda nuevas preguntas y objetivos (e.g., predecir los atributos comunitarios por medio de modelos matemáticos). A pesar de sustanciales avances recientes, el modelado y la predicción de los atributos de los humedales arbóreos siguen siendo temas poco explorados. La combinación de sensores activos y pasivos es una alternativa promisoria para evaluar con precisión los atributos de estas comunidades, y las tecnologías de radar y LiDAR pueden ayudar a superar dificultades enfrentadas en el pasado. Los avances conceptuales y metodológicos en el futuro permitirán superar los desafíos que aún persisten.

ABSTRACT Coastal wetlands adjacent to urban areas, such as the Pantanos de Villa in the city of Lima, Peru, are subject to constant changes in land use due to anthropogenic interaction. This has led to the reduction of dense vegetation areas, giving way to built-up areas. Therefore, this article addresses the issue of the physical changes experienced in urban areas adjacent to the wetland, such as the environmental management units, in this case the Zone of Protection of Outcrop and Surface Runoff (ZPAES), and the Zone of Landscape Protection of Edge (ZPB), as well as the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (RVSPV), as a result of rapid urban expansion. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of the Pantanos de Villa environment and urbanization within the Environmental Management Units ZPB, ZPAES, and RVSPV. To achieve this, the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was used, and satellite images from Landsat 5 TM and Sentinel 2 MSI sensors were processed. These images were worked on in the GEE interface and analyzed using spectral indices, NDVI and NDBI, through map algebra codes and pixel masking. For cartographic representation, a Geographic Information System (GIS) was used. The results show a 291.12% increase in built-up area and a 26% reduction in vegetated area over the last 35 years, for the Environmental Management Units ZPB and ZPAES, and the RVSPV. The identified reduction is directly related to unplanned expansion of urban areas and anthropogenic activities.

RESUMEN Los humedales costeros adyacentes a zonas urbanas, como los Pantanos de Villa en la ciudad de Lima, Perú, están sujetos a cambios constantes en el uso del suelo debido a la interacción antropogénica. Esto ha llevado a la reducción de áreas de vegetación densa, dando paso a zonas edificadas. Por esta razón, el presente artículo aborda la problemática de los cambios físicos experimentados en las zonas urbanas adyacentes al humedal, como las unidades de ordenamiento ambiental, en este caso la Zona de Protección de Afloramiento y Escorrentía Superficial (ZPAES y la Zona de Protección Paisajística de Borde (ZPB), así como el Refugio de Vida Silvestre Pantanos de Villa (RVSPV), como consecuencia de la rápida expansión urbana. Por ello, el objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la evolución espacial y temporal del entorno de los Pantanos de Villa y la urbanización dentro de las Unidades de Ordenamiento Ambiental ZPB, ZPAES y el RVSPV. Para ello, se utilizó la plataforma de Google Earth Engine (GEE) y se procesaron imágenes satelitales de los sensores Landsat 5 TM y Sentinel 2 MSI. Estas imágenes se trabajaron en la interfaz de GEE y se analizaron utilizando índices espectrales, NDVI y NDBI, mediante códigos de álgebra de mapas y el enmascaramiento de píxeles. Para la representación cartográfica, se empleó un Sistema de Información Geográfica (SIG). Los resultados muestran un aumento del 291.12% en la superficie edificada y una reducción del 26% en la superficie vegetal en los últimos 35 años, para las Unidades de Ordenamiento Ambiental ZPB y ZPAES, y el RVSPV. La reducción identificada se relaciona directamente con la expansión no planificada de la superficie urbana y las actividades antropogénicas.

ABSTRACT Mapping and classifying Coastal Wetlands is important for their conservation. The study aimed to apply Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and pixel-based approaches to answer the questions: (1) which approach is more accurate for classifying Wetlands; (2) Sentinel 1A images improve the classification of Wetlands compared to Sentinel 2A; (3) dual-station sorting has greater potential for sorting Wetlands compared to single-station sorting. We used Sentinel 1 and 2 in single and double seasons (winter and summer) to classify a coastal UA in Rio Grande do Sul. The results show OBIA with greater potential, with accuracy greater than 80%. Sentinel 2 shows higher ranking importance compared to Sentinel 1. Dual season OBIA increased kappa by up to 7% compared to single season. Furthermore, the pixel-based dual season had lower kappa than the OBIA single season. We conclude that OBIA, even at a single station, has greater potential to map coastal AUs. conservation ObjectBased Object Based (OBIA pixelbased pixel based questions (1 (2 A 2A 3 (3 dualstation station singlestation winter summer Sul 80 80% 7 Furthermore AUs ( 8

RESUMO Mapear e classificar Áreas Úmidas Costeiras é importante para a sua conservação. Este estudo teve como objetivo aplicar Análise de Imagens Baseada em Objetos (OBIA) e abordagens baseadas em pixels para responder às questões: (1) qual abordagem é mais precisa para classificar Áreas Úmidas; (2) as imagens do Sentinel 1A são melhores para classificação das Áreas Úmidas em comparação com o Sentinel 2A; (3) a classificação em estação dupla tem maior potencial para classificação de Áreas Úmidas em comparação com a classificação em estação única. Utilizamos Sentinel 1 e 2 em estações simples e duplas (inverno e verão) para classificar uma Área Úmida costeira no Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados mostram OBIA com maior potencial, com precisão superior a 80%. O Sentinel 2 apresentou maior importância na classificação em comparação com o Sentinel 1. O OBIA de estação dupla aumentou o kappa em até 7% em comparação com a estação única. Além disso, a estação dupla baseada em pixels teve kappa menor do que a estação única do OBIA. Concluímos que o OBIA, mesmo em uma única estação, tem maior potencial para mapear Áreas Úmidas costeiras. conservação (OBIA questões (1 (2 A 2A 3 (3 inverno verão Sul 80 80% 7 disso costeiras ( 8

Abstract Alchornea sidifolia is a tree species used in the regeneration of degraded forest environments and which grows in both non-flooded and flooded soils. We compared the wood anatomy of trees growing under both conditions in Atlantic Forest remnants in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to understand intraspecific aspects of the adaptation of tropical woody species to these conditions. Trees from permanently flooded soils showed wider, shorter, and less frequent vessel elements; wider fibretracheids, with a greater proportion of the gelatinous type; and a lower frequency of radial parenchyma, but with longer strands of axial parenchyma. These results indicate that A. sidifolia trees growing in permanently flooded sites do not show water deficit and that the species is capable of maximizing water use in this growth condition. This conclusion may be directly related to the greater proportion of gelatinous fibretracheids in flooded trees and is contrary to what was expected for wood anatomy of trees under physiological drought. nonflooded non Janeiro Brazil shorter elements type parenchyma A condition drought

Resumo Alchornea sidifolia é uma espécie arbórea utilizada na regeneração de ambientes florestais degradados e que cresce tanto em solos não alagados quanto alagados. Nós comparamos a anatomia da madeira de árvores crescendo sob ambas as condições em remanescentes de Mata Atlântica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, para entender aspectos intraespecíficos da adaptação de espécies lenhosas tropicais a essas condições. As árvores que se desenvolvem em solos permanentemente inundados apresentaram elementos de vasos mais largos, curtos e menos frequentes; fibrotraqueídes mais largas, com maior proporção do tipo gelatinoso; e menor frequência de parênquima radial, mas com séries de parênquima axial mais longas. Esses resultados indicam que as árvores de A. sidifolia crescendo em solo permanentemente inundado não apresentam déficit hídrico e que a espécie é capaz de maximizar o uso da água nesta condição de crescimento. Essa conclusão pode estar diretamente relacionada à maior proporção de fibrotraqueídes gelatinosos em árvores de ambientes alagados e contraria o que se esperava para a anatomia do lenho de árvores sob seca fisiológica. Janeiro Brasil largos frequentes largas gelatinoso radial longas A crescimento fisiológica

ABSTRACT The Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC) is internationally recognized for its economic, social, and environmental relevance. It is designated as a World Heritage site and part of selected wetland areas that protect and conserve biodiversity, especially waterbirds. However, it has historically been under pressure from human activities, and the information about waterbirds that use the region is fragmented. Thus, with this study, we sought to establish a baseline for the waterbirds using the bays of the PEC, considering aspects such as species richness, abundance, and conservation status. On board a boat, we conducted monthly surveys from March 2020 to February 2021 along 36 transects equally distributed among the three main bays of the PEC. We recorded 46 species distributed across 17 families and eight orders. The order Charadriiformes displayed the highest number of species, totaling 19. Among them, the Neotropic Cormorant, identified as Nannopterum brasilianum, stood out with the highest number of occurrences. Furthermore, we documented eight migratory species from the Northern Hemisphere, including Calidris pussilla, the Semipalmated Sandpiper, considered near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Additionally, we observed seven other species classified under some threat of extinction. Our results revealed that the PEC harbors a rich and diverse assemblage of waterbirds consisting of resident and migratory species, many of which are at some risk of population decline. Therefore, we reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring in the region, which can serve as a basis for public policies, supporting management and conservation strategies focused on waterbirds and the wetlands on which they depend. (PEC economic social relevance biodiversity However activities fragmented Thus study richness abundance status boat 202 3 4 1 orders 19 them Cormorant brasilianum occurrences Furthermore Hemisphere pussilla Sandpiper List Additionally extinction decline Therefore policies depend 20 2

Abstract: Aim In this study, we investigated the distribution of Anabaenopsis elenkinii and Limnospira platensis in the saline-alkaline lakes of Nhecolândia (Pantanal wetland) and evaluated the impact of pH, temperature, and nitrogen on their growth and development to understand their ecological responses, showing insights into their ecophysiology in both cultured and natural environments. Methods Both species were collected in the subsurface, using a plastic bottle (200 mL) and the parameters temperature, conductivity, and pH were measured in situ. From these samples, the strains A. elenkinii CCIBt1059 and L. platensis CCIBt3335 were isolated and underwent six different cultivation treatments, in triplicate, during 30 days, with daily cell count, photoperiod of 12-12 hours of light-dark, and light intensity between 80-100 µmol photons m-2.s-1, using BG-11 modified medium, as follows: nitrate concentration experiments were performed with a 750 mg.L-1 NaNO3 (50%) and a nitrogen-free condition (0%) (T1 vs T2); temperature experiments were performed with 30 °C and 35 °C (T3 vs T4); pH experiments with 10.5 and 7.0 (T5 vs T6). The adopted control conditions were BG-11m medium (3% NaNO3, 45 mg.L-1), pH adjusted to 9.5, and temperature set at 25 °C. Results We have found that the treatment with the highest nitrogen availability (T1), pH of 9.5, and a temperature of 25 °C, provides the most favorable conditions for the growth of both studied species. In nature, A. elenkinii occurred predominantly between pH 9.04 to 10.4 (average 9.8) and L. platensis at pH 9.22 to 10.23 (mean 9.9), highlighting the alkaliphilic nature of these species. Furthermore, we observed that temperature influences the frequency of heterocyte formation in A. elenkinii. At elevated temperatures (30 and 35 °C), the frequency of heterocytes was higher compared to 25 °C during the exponential growth phase, indicating that increased heterocyte formation is a strategy in response to temperature stress. Conclusions This research provides valuable insights into the ecological aspects and optimization of the cultivation of the two species studied, which hold ecological significance to saline lakes. Further studies are recommended to explore their potential biotechnological applications. Abstract study salinealkaline alkaline Pantanal wetland responses environments subsurface 200 (20 mL conductivity situ samples A CCIBt CCIBt105 L CCIBt333 treatments triplicate 3 days count 1212 12 12-1 lightdark, lightdark dark, dark light-dark 80100 80 100 80-10 m2.s1, m2s1 ms m 2.s 1, 2 s 1 m-2.s-1 BG11 BG 11 BG-1 follows 75 mg.L1 mgL1 mgL mg.L mg mg.L- NaNO 50% 50 (50% nitrogenfree free 0% 0 (0% T1 T (T T2 T2) C T3 T4 T4) 105 10 5 10. 70 7 7. T5 T6. T6 . T6) BG11m BGm 11m 3% (3 4 mg.L1, , mg.L-1) 95 9 9.5 T1, (T1) 904 04 9.0 104 average 9.8 98 8 922 22 9.2 1023 23 10.2 mean 9.9, 99 9.9 9.9) Furthermore °C) phase stress applications 20 (2 CCIBt10 CCIBt33 121 12- 8010 80-1 m2 s1 m2.s1 m2s 2s m-2.s- BG1 BG- L1 (50 (0 ( 9. 90 92 102 CCIBt1 CCIBt3 801 80- m2.s m-2.s (5

Resumo: Objetivo Neste estudo, investigamos a distribuição de Anabaenopsis elenkinii e Limnospira platensis nas lagoas salino-alcalinas do Pantanal da Nhecolândia e avaliamos o impacto do pH, temperatura e nitrogênio no crescimento e desenvolvimento dessas espécies para entender suas respostas ecológicas, mostrando insights em sua ecofisiologia em ambientes cultivados e naturais. Métodos Ambas as espécies foram coletadas em garrafas plástica (200 mL) e os parâmetros temperatura, condutividade e pH foram medidos in situ. A partir dessas amostras, as cepas A. elenkinii CCIBt1059 e L. platensis CCIBt3335 foram isoladas e submetidas a seis diferentes tratamentos de cultivo, em triplica, durante 30 dias, com contagem de células diárias, fotoperíodo 12-12 horas de claro-escuro e intensidade luminosa 80-100 µmol fótons m-2.s-1, utilizando meio BG-11 modificado, a saber: experimentos de concentração de nitrato foram realizados com NaNO3 750 mg.L-1 (50%) e uma condição livre de nitrogênio (0%) (T1 vs T2); experimentos de temperatura foram realizados com 30 °C e 35 °C (T3 vs T4); e experimentos de pH com 10,5 e 7,0 (T5 vs T6). As condições de controle adotadas foram meio BG-11m (3% NaNO3, 45 mg.L-1), pH ajustado para 9,5 e temperatura regulada para 25 °C. Resultados Descobrimos que o tratamento com maior disponibilidade de nitrogênio (T1), pH 9,5, temperatura 25 °C, proporciona as condições mais favoráveis para o crescimento de ambas as espécies estudadas. Na natureza, A. elenkinii ocorreu predominantemente entre pH 9,04 a 10,4 (média 9,8) e L. platensis em pH 9,22 a 10,23 (média 9,9), ressaltando a natureza alcalifílica dessas espécies. Além disso, observamos que a temperatura influencia a frequência de formação de heterócitos em A. elenkinii. Em temperaturas elevadas (30 e 35 °C), a frequência de heterócitos foi maior em comparação com 25 °C durante a fase de crescimento exponencial, indicando que o aumento da formação de heterócitos é uma estratégia em resposta ao estresse térmico. Conclusões Esta pesquisa fornece informações valiosas sobre os aspectos ecológicos e otimização do cultivo das duas espécies estudadas, que possuem importância ecológica para as lagoas salinas. Mais estudos são recomendados para explorar suas potenciais aplicações biotecnológicas. Resumo estudo salinoalcalinas salino alcalinas ecológicas naturais 200 (20 mL situ amostras CCIBt CCIBt105 L CCIBt333 triplica 3 dias diárias 1212 12 12-1 claroescuro claro escuro 80100 80 100 80-10 m2.s1, m2s1 ms m 2.s 1, 2 s 1 m-2.s-1 BG11 BG 11 BG-1 modificado saber NaNO 75 mg.L1 mgL1 mgL mg.L mg mg.L- 50% 50 (50% 0% 0 (0% T1 T (T T2 T2) C T3 T4 T4) 105 10 5 10, 70 7 7, T5 T6. T6 . T6) BG11m BGm 11m 3% (3 4 mg.L1, , mg.L-1) 95 9 9, T1, (T1) estudadas 904 04 9,0 104 média 9,8 98 8 922 22 9,2 1023 23 10,2 9,9, 99 9,9 9,9) disso °C) exponencial térmico salinas biotecnológicas 20 (2 CCIBt10 CCIBt33 121 12- 8010 80-1 m2 s1 m2.s1 m2s 2s m-2.s- BG1 BG- L1 (50 (0 ( 90 92 102 CCIBt1 CCIBt3 801 80- m2.s m-2.s (5

Abstract: The functioning of diverse ecosystems relies on the dispersal processes facilitated by animals, known as zoochory. This ecological process is the only way in which some aquatic species can move between aquatic systems through the terrestrial matrix. Despite its paramount importance, the dispersal mechanisms involving certain vectors, such as mammals, have remained relatively poorly understood. Based on observation of capybaras Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris emerging from a wetland with various aquatic plant species attached to their fur, we hypothesized that these mammals play a crucial role in dispersing aquatic plants. We conducted a controlled experiment and confirmed that capybaras disperse two species of duckweed, Lemna valdiviana and Wolffia columbiana, through both endozoochory and epizoochory. The discovery of entire plant dispersal is noteworthy because it is not dependent on the season and does not rely on the production of specific reproductive diaspores. This study presents pioneering documentation of capybaras capacity to disperse entire plants through their gastrointestinal passage and offers further evidence of their role in epizoochory within neotropical wetlands. Abstract animals zoochory matrix importance vectors understood fur duckweed columbiana diaspores wetlands

Resumo: O funcionamento de diversos ecossistemas depende de processos de dispersão facilitados pelos animais, conhecidos como zoocoria. Este processo ecológico é a única forma pela qual algumas espécies aquáticas podem se mover entre sistemas aquáticos, através da matriz terrestre. Apesar da sua importância, os mecanismos de dispersão envolvendo certos vetores, como os mamíferos, permanecem relativamente pouco compreendidos. Com base na observação de capivaras Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris emergindo de uma área úmida com diversas espécies de plantas aquáticas aderidas à sua pelagem, levantamos a hipótese de que esses mamíferos desempenham um papel crucial na dispersão de plantas aquáticas. Conduzimos um experimento controlado e confirmamos que capivaras dispersam duas espécies de lentilha-d’água Lemna valdiviana Fil. e Wolffia columbiana Karsten, ambas através de endozoocoria e epizoocoria. A descoberta da dispersão de plantas inteiras é notável porque não depende da estação do ano e da produção de diásporos reprodutivos específicos. Este estudo apresenta uma documentação pioneira da capacidade das capivaras de dispersar plantas inteiras através do seu trato gastrointestinal e oferece evidências adicionais de seu papel na epizoocoria em áreas úmidas Neotropicais. Resumo animais zoocoria aquáticos terrestre importância vetores compreendidos pelagem lentilhadágua lentilha d água Fil Karsten específicos Neotropicais

The Kruger National Park is the largest protected area in South Africa and one of the most extensively surveyed in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientific studies, passive sampling from rangers and citizen science records have resulted in comprehensive faunal species lists spanning the entire park. Albeit, numerous frog records from different sources exist, they reveal contrasting species assemblages for the northern reaches of the park. This inconsistency leads to problems in conducting ecological work and implementing conservation legislation, as the baseline data are not congruent across sources. This is problematic because the northern Kruger National Park is known as the Ramsar-declared Makuleke Wetland System. Although this system receives rigorous conservation efforts, there is a lack of a comprehensive and up-to-date list of frog species. In this study, we aimed to develop an updated regional baseline using a combination of published literature, citizen science and museum records, supplemented with active field surveys. Field surveys of the study region resulted in the identification of 18 species from 10 families of frogs. When combined with existing records, the Makuleke Contractual Park is expected to play host to at least 30 frog species. In addition to collating existing data into a single source, the field component of this study also revealed the first record of Tomopterna natalensis for the area during active surveys, reconfirmed the presence of several frogs, several of which have not been recorded in the region in over 50 years and provided the first confirmed national record of Afrixalus crotalus using phylogenetic reconstruction. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: Comprehensive species lists are fundamental for robust management protocols and ecological research. By collating data from multiple sources, this article presents an improved and updated frog list for the region, which will aid conservation, management and any long-term wetland ecosystem monitoring efforts in the region.

Resumen Los páramos son ecosistemas conocidos por su gran capacidad de retención hídrica y secuestro de carbono en los suelos, esto se atribuye a la variedad de flora y fauna de las zonas de humedales en los mismos. La presente investigación se realizó en el Páramo de Sayaro, ubicado en la parroquia de Juan Montalvo, perteneciente a el cantón Cayambe; con el objetivo de determinar la cantidad de carbono que se encuentra presente en tres zonas con distintos niveles de intervención y cuáles serían los factores a los que se atribuiría la diferencia. Zona Z1=sin intervención; Zona Z2=mediana intervención y Zona Z3= alta intervención. Se tomaron un total de 45 muestras de suelo, 15 en cada una de las zonas, para análisis fisicoquímicos del porcentaje de materia orgánica y la cantidad de carbono orgánico; determinados mediante el método de Walkey y Black (1947). Los valores promedios obtenidos de carbono orgánico fueron de 44,06 tC/ha en la zona sin intervención y de paramos jóvenes; 28,05 tC/ha en la zona con mediana intervención por la presencia de ceniza volcánica y 35,67 tC/ha en la zona con alta intervención por la vegetación y presencia de organismos como las lombrices.

Abstract The moors are ecosystems known for their high-water retention capacity and carbon sequestration in soils, this is attributed to the variety of flora and fauna of the wetland areas in them. The present investigation was carried out in the moors de Sayaro, located in the parish of Juan Montalvo, belonging to the canton of Cayambe; with the aim of determining the amount of carbon present in three areas with different levels of intervention and the factors to which the difference would be attributed. Zone Z1=no intervention; Zone Z2=medium intervention and Zone Z3= high intervention. A total of 45 soil samples, 15 in each of the zones, were taken for analysis of the physic-chemical parameters of the percentage of organic matter and the amount of organic carbon; determined by the Walkey and Black method (1947). The average values obtained of organic carbon were 44.06 tC/ha in the zone without intervention and young moors; 28.05 tC/ha in the zone with medium intervention due to the presence of volcanic ash and 35,67 tC/ha in the area with high intervention by vegetation and presence of organisms such as worms.