ABSTRACT Knowledge of neotropical freshwater gastrotrichs, especially in Brazil, has gained momentum in the past decades, with new species being discovered yearly, accumulating in the last 30 years more than 10% of known species worldwide. Nevertheless, there is still much to accomplish in the field, with large geographical gaps to be filled, especially in continental countries such as Brazil. In the present study, we report the partial results of an expedition that, for the first time, sampled the inland waters of Alagoas, Bahía, and Pernambuco states, Northeast Region, Brazil, and found ten species belonging to five genera of Chaetonotidae. We report the first occurrence in Brazil of Chaetonotus majestuosus Grosso & Drahg, 1984, originally described from Argentina, and the second record in Brazil of Chaetonotus dadayi Schwank, 1990, originally found in Paraguay, and the first occurrence beyond ‘terra typica’ of Heterolepidodermella jureiense Kisielewski, 1991, originally discovered in Southeastern Brazil. Furthermore, we report members of species in conformity to species originally described in European countries Chaetonotus cf. persetosus Zelinka, 1889, and Chaetonotus cf. oculifer Kisielewski, 1981, although further investigations are needed to confirm the occurrence of such widespread lineages. Finally, we list three putative undescribed species related to Lepidochaetus aff. zelinkai (Grünspan, 1908), Chaetonotus aff. hoanicus Schwank, 1990 and Chaetonotus aff. acanthocephalus Valkanov, 1937. This new survey increases the list of northeast Brazilian freshwater gastrotrichs to 13 species.

ABSTRACT The Atlantic Forest has one of the richest avifaunas in the world, with endemic, migratory and endangered taxa. However, some of the ornithological knowledge produced there has yet to be organized and published, hindering effective conservation actions. For example, a study concluded in 2005 documented 213 species for Parque das Neblinas (PN), a private reserve located in the Serra do Mar in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, but there has been no update since. We retrieved, organized, and technically evaluated ornithological data produced for PN over the last 20 years, including that from articles, online platforms, occasional lists and a systematic inventory logging 250 field hours. Data consolidation resulted in 293 bird species for PN, including 88 endemic and nine threatened with extinction. Two-hundred and fifty-seven species were recorded by different researchers and bird observers while 141 were recorded by the field inventory, which added 24 species to the total list, showing great potential for new research. The PN bird community is typical of the São Paulo plateau, with the occurrence of species from coastal lowlands as well as drier areas in the interior, and represents an important area for the conservation of Atlantic Forest birds that is also suitable for bird observation and photography.

ABSTRACT The emergence of non-native species as a threat to local biodiversity is a pressing concern that warrants immediate attention. Our study reports the first record of the non-native fish golden dorado, Salminus brasiliensis, for the Preguiças River Basin, Maranhão State, Northeastern Brazil, near the Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses (PNLM). This discovery occurred when a single adult, measuring 77 cm in total length, was captured by artisanal fishers using gillnets in January 2024. This finding underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring efforts focused on the ichthyofauna of the Preguiças River Basin: the tributaries of the lower portion of the basin are located within and at the border of the PNLM area. Such monitoring initiatives are essential for comprehending the distribution range of S. brasiliensis and evaluating its potential impacts on local native freshwater species.

ABSTRACT Ephydrini comprises 118 species (plus seven nomina dubia species) that are distributed in all biogeographical regions except Antarctica. The tribe currently includes 13 genera, of which three (Calocoenia Mathis, Ephydra Fallén, Paracoenia Cresson) include subgenera. The subgenus Ephydra and three other genera (Neoephydra Mathis, Notiocoenia Mathis, Setacera Cresson) include species groups. Representatives of all these groupings (genera, subgenera, and in most cases also species groups) are included in the phylogenetic analysis and taxonomic treatment. To test the monophyly of Ephydrini and to understand phylogenetic relationships among genera, a cladistic analysis was performed using equal and implicit character weightings based on the morphology of adult males and females. Species of all 13 genera of Ephydrini from different geographical regions were included to account for morphological and phylogenetic diversity. Also included in the analysis are species of the other tribes of the subfamily Ephydrinae to provide greater perspective on the phylogenetic position of Ephydrini within the subfamily and to serve as outgroups. In our analyses, cladograms from both equal weighting and implied weighting resulted in cladograms of 261 steps in length. The tribes Ephydrini, Dagini, and Scatellini were recovered as monophyletic lineages. The tribe Dagini is the sister lineage to the node giving rise to the tribes Scatellini and Ephydrini, and the latter two tribes were recovered as sister groups. Within Ephydrini, the implied weighting cladogram provided higher resolution among terminal taxa with the same number of steps and is thus our preferred cladogram. In this cladogram, all currently valid genera, including subgenera and species groups, were recovered as monophyletic lineages. Thus, no taxonomic changes are needed at the genus-group level. In the taxonomic section, the tribe Ephydrini is characterized, as are all included genera within the tribe. In addition, keys to all genera, subgenera, and species groups are provided to facilitate their identification.

ABSTRACT Urbanization may significantly impact wild population dynamics, even in protected green spaces. From 2016 to 2018, we accessed an assemblage of freshwater turtles isolated in an urban remnant of the Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil. We captured turtles by active search, hookless fishing, and funnel trap, and we marked them individually. Using a capture-mark-recapture method, we estimated population density, and movement, including home range size and habitat selection. Home ranges were estimated using the 100% minimum convex polygon method and habitat selections through eigenanalysis. We captured 41 specimens of Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812), 35 Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril & Bibron, 1835), and 20 Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839). The invasive T. dorbigni showed the highest density (1.72 individual/ha), followed by the native P. geoffroanus (1.36 individual/ha) and the invasive T. scripta elegans (0.87 individual/ha). Home range sizes for P. geoffroanus and T. dorbigni ranged between 0.04-0.48 ha, with the latter species covering the longest distance (525.8 m). All three species showed a preference for habitats influenced by human presence (walkways). Our findings highlight the anthropic influence on the movement of the freshwater turtle assemblage and underscore the need for enhanced protection of native species and control of invasive turtles. This study provides essential baseline data for future researches and management of urban areas.

ABSTRACT Habitat loss and fragmentation is the greatest threat to global biodiversity and is especially acute in biodiversity hotspots such as the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Because the Brazilian fauna suffers from ongoing human impacts both inside and outside protected areas and their buffer zones, inventories of the faunal assemblages in these areas remain vital. Based on field surveys and the examination of museum specimens, we report on the herpetofauna of the buffer zone of Parque Estadual da Serra da Tiririca, located in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. Across nine sampling areas during 2017 and 2018, we documented 30 species of anurans, one caecilian, 18 snakes, eight lizards, and one crocodilian. This assemblage includes the first record for five species from the protected area. Our inventory offers fundamental information that can promote actions to maintain populations of these taxonomic groups and their habitats within and outside of this protected area.

ABSTRACT The knowledge of the bat fauna from Minas Gerais, the largest state in southeastern Brazil, has greatly changed in recent years due to increased sampling and taxonomic revisions with reports of range extension and/or new species descriptions. The first annotated list of bats for the state dates to over 10 years ago. Our study aimed to update it by incorporating new localities sampled since then and by adding new species records to the list. We also conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and museum databases and analyzed 691 specimens collected in the state from all mesoregions and ecosystems deposited in collections. We documented the occurrence of 99 bat species from nine families, distributed in 181 municipalities, covering all mesoregions and biomes of the state. This is an increment of 30% in bat richness and of 241% in locality sites with bat records in Minas Gerais, when compared with the previous compilation. We report two previously unrecorded species for the state, the phylostomids Rhinophylla pumilio Peters, 1865 and Trinycteris nicefori (Sanborn, 1949). The mesoregions with the largest number of bat collection localities were “Metropolitana” (46), “Zona da Mata” (26), and “Norte de Minas” (21). The Atlantic Forest had the largest number of collection sites compared to the other biomes present in the state (102). There are a lot of sampling gaps in the state, and most of the conservation areas have not yet been sampled for bats. In face of that and based on the recent findings of several new species and records as a result of sampling and revisionary efforts, we suggest the implementation of rapid survey programs accompanied by taxonomic studies within the conservation units of Minas Gerais. Long-term monitoring programs, including bats, are also completely missing in the state. Gerais Brazil andor or descriptions 1 ago 69 collections 9 families 18 municipalities 30 241 compilation Peters 186 Sanborn, Sanborn (Sanborn 1949. 1949 . 1949) Metropolitana “Metropolitana 46, 46 , (46) Zona Mata 26, 26 (26) Norte 21. 21 (21) 102. 102 (102) efforts Longterm Long term 6 3 24 194 4 (46 2 (26 (21 (102 19 (4 (2 (10 ( (1

ABSTRACT Pterobdella arugamensis (Silva, 1963) is a marine leech that can be found the Indo-West Pacific region and has shown undesired effects in the aquaculture industry. In the Asia Pacific region, it has infested predominantly on the cultured hybrid groupers. Despite its known distributional range, the dispersion and transportation mechanisms of P. arugamensis are still poorly known. Hence, analyzing the DNA sequences of P. arugamensis may shed some light on this enigmatic leech, which will aid in mitigating the leech-associated issues faced by the aquaculture industry. This study analyzed the mitochondrial cytochrome b (CYTB) gene sequences of P. arugamensis from Brunei, China and Indonesia. The results provided further confirmation that P. arugamensis from these sites showed variation within the overall population but significant differences in its distribution across the region were not observed, which could be due to its introduction via the aquaculture industry or due to natural migration. Silva, Silva (Silva 1963 IndoWest Indo West groupers range P Hence leechassociated associated CYTB (CYTB Brunei Indonesia observed migration 196 19 1

ABSTRACT Kora Simone, 2012, currently includes three species known only by shell morphology. They are distributed in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais in central Brazil, where they occur in association with limestone outcrops. Features used to identify them include micro-ornamentation of the protoconch, color pattern, and morphometric data. This paper expands the characterization of the genus through the description of the internal anatomy of two of its species. These features also distinguish a new species, which is described herein. Material was collected manually during several field expeditions to Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu in northern Minas Gerais. Total height and maximum width, and height and width of the aperture, were measured; the number of whorls determined; and staining patterns typified. The digestive and reproductive systems and pallial complex were characterized for Kora rupestris Salvador & Simone, 2016 and Kora arnaldoi sp. nov., which are distinguished by the latter possessing a protoconch with a smooth first ½ whorl, a more tapered profile, a jaw with 18 folds, a buccal bulb with a short radular core, and a fertilization complex with only one tubular fold. The two species share a very peculiar pattern of radula teeth compared to other genera of the family, given that they are rupicolous but do not live inside caves. Diagnostic knowledge of the genus was expanded. Simone 2012 morphology Brazil outcrops microornamentation micro ornamentation data herein aperture measured determined typified 201 sp nov nov. whorl profile 1 folds core fold family caves expanded 20 2

ABSTRACT Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacépède) specimens were sampled in the Sanaga River and in the Dibamba River. Three new species, Protoancylodiscoides edeaensis sp. nov., P. yombai sp. nov. from both rivers, and P. dibambaensis sp. nov. from the Dibamba River alone, are described. Protoancylodiscoides edeaensis sp. nov., close to P. mansourensis El-Naggar, 1987 and P. chrysichthes Paperna, 1969 by the morphology of the haptor sclerotised parts, differs from these species by the penis length and the morphology of the vagina. Protoancylodiscoides yombai sp. nov. is close to P. edeaensis sp. nov., P. mansourensis, and P. chrysichthes by the morphology of some sclerotised parts of the haptor (ventral bar, ventral anchors, dorsal onchium and hooks). However, it differs from these species by the morphology of the vagina, of the outer root of the dorsal anchor, and the size of some sclerotised parts (dorsal anchor total length, dorsal bar length, ventral anchor length, and penis length). Protoancylodiscoides dibambaensis sp. nov. is close to P. ivoiriensis Bouah, N’Douba & Pariselle, 2021 by the lack of the onchium and the morphology of some sclerotised parts of the haptor. However, it differs from this species by the morphology of the dorsal bar, penis length, dorsal bar length, and of the ventral anchor total length. This study on monogeneans raises the question of ichthyofauna exchange between adjacent streams; it also reveals a longitudinal gradient of Protoancylodiscoides species richness in the Sanaga River. Lacépède (Lacépède sp nov P rivers alone described ElNaggar, ElNaggar El Naggar, Naggar El-Naggar 198 Paperna 196 vagina anchors hooks. hooks . hooks) However length) Bouah NDouba N Douba Pariselle 202 streams 19 20 1 2

ABSTRACT The ovary of sexually mature females involves oogenetic process for follicular development, ovulation, and luteinization (gametogenic function), which in turn relate to stages of the estrous cycle (EC), as well as the production and biotransformation (steroidogenic function) of sexual steroid hormones (SSH) during EC, pregnancy, and lactation. Depending on their concentrations, SSH play different functions to elicit such reproductive events, but little is known about this in free-living wild species. Here we used ELISA to assess intraovarian concentrations of progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol, during EC, pregnancy, and lactation in wild adult females of Peromyscus melanotis J.A. Allen & Chapman, 1897 and Peromyscus difficilis (J.A. Allen, 1891), immediately after their capture. Results of intraspecific ANOVA showed statistical differences between concentrations of different SSH in the same reproductive stage or event and between the stages or events for each SSH, according to the steroidogenic Δ 4 pathway. Although ANOVA analyses showed no interspecific differences of the same SSH in the same event, except for more testosterone in P. melanotis during heat, profiles of production curves suggest intraspecific peculiarities and interspecific differences that need to be further investigated. Our results contribute to physiological-endocrine evidence during the four stages of EC and first and second part of pregnancy in species of Peromyscus, and are the first documentation for overall lactation in wild rodents. development ovulation gametogenic function, function , (EC) (SSH freeliving free living progesterone androstenedione estradiol JA J A J.A Chapman 189 (J.A 1891, 1891 1891) capture pathway P heat investigated physiologicalendocrine physiological endocrine rodents (EC 18 1

ABSTRACT Habitat loss and land use changes resulting from urbanization in residential communities are among the greatest threats to wild mammals. Identifying anthropogenic factors determining mammal diversity and composition can help coordinate socio-economic development with ecological conservation. In this study, we used transect surveys to compare the mammal assemblages near human-disturbed communities with those in the natural off-community area around Beijing, a major metropolis. We assessed the variables affecting the mammals’ presence using 19 environmental indicators. Of the twelve mammal species detected in the area, three vulnerable species have obtained legislative protection. In 58% of the observations, mammals were discovered around communities closer to croplands and located at slightly higher elevations with less vegetation, and these are the main environmental variables contributing to more mammals’ presences in the disturbed near-community area. The selection of croplands for the mammals in the suburb should be a trade-off between feeding benefits and predation risks, and with the rise of protection willingness, green zones near residential communities can serve as additional habitats for mammals facing the expansion of urbanization. socioeconomic socio economic conservation study humandisturbed human offcommunity off community Beijing metropolis 1 indicators 58 observations vegetation nearcommunity tradeoff trade risks willingness 5

ABSTRACT To correct errors in previous catalogs and update the Brazilian fauna, thirty-five species of Darwin wasps erroneously reported for Brazil are removed from the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna, belonging to the following subfamilies: Anomaloninae (2 species), Banchinae (1), Campopleginae (8), Cremastinae (2), Cryptinae (8), Phygadeuontinae (3), Pimplinae (8), Tersilochinae (2), and Tryphoninae (1). Most species were incorrectly cataloged due to an incorrect interpretation of the species list created by Costa Lima in 1962, which mentions species occurring in neighboring countries but does not confirm their presence in Brazil. Thus, the Brazilian fauna of Ichneumonidae currently corresponds to 234 genera and 1,038 species. thirtyfive thirty five Fauna subfamilies 2 ( species, , species) 1, 1 (1) 8, 8 (8) 2, (2) 3, 3 (3) 1. . 1962 Thus 23 1038 038 1,03 (1 (8 (3 196 103 03 1,0 19 10 0

ABSTRACT The knowledge of the diversity and distribution of Opiliones in Brazil can be considered suitable. However, while the harvestmen fauna of the southern Atlantic Forest is also well-known, several gaps remain and they are still far from complete, notably those in Paraná. Thus, investigations on regional assemblages focused on primary data are critical for promoting many key research fields such as taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, as well as encouraging conservation efforts. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge on diversity, distribution, and the history of Opiliones research from the state of Paraná. Knowledge gaps are identified and the background of taxonomic studies, highlighting the key contributors, is also discussed. A total of 1115 records were compiled, with 584 from Paraná for 118 species belonging to five families. This compilation allowed to identify 60 endemic species and 106 type localities (including invalid specific names) for the state. Despite being one of the three Brazilian states with the greatest diversity of harvestmen, this knowledge is concentrated in a small region in the First Plateau and is the result of the efforts of a few researchers and collectors over a few decades. To overcome these limitations further sampling is required in the state’s western region. This study is a very first step toward to achieve a comprehensive database of knowledge about Opiliones from one of the richest hotspots for these invertebrates in the world. We encourage similar approaches that consider the state of art for other research fields such behavior, ecology, and natural history in the state, as well as to other neotropical areas. suitable However wellknown, wellknown known, known well-known complete Thus studies contributors discussed 111 compiled 58 11 families 6 10 including names decades s world behavior ecology areas 5 1