Resumen Introducción: Uno de los principales cuellos de botella en proyectos de restauración basada en reproducción sexual es la supervivencia de las larvas posterior al asentamiento, principalmente por la competencia por el sustrato con algas filamentosas y la depredación. Por ello, se han creado y analizado sustratos de diferentes formas y materiales, buscando optimizar estos procesos con superficies atrayentes para las larvas, y estructuras donde los reclutas se encuentran protegidos de la depredación y se disminuya la competencia. Objetivo: Mejorar el asentamiento y la supervivencia de dos importantes corales formadores de arrecifes del Caribe, utilizando diferentes recubrimientos en sustratos. Métodos: Para determinar si las propiedades de la superficie del sustrato son favorables para el asentamiento de larvas de Orbicella annularis y O. faveolata, recolectadas en Puerto Morelos, Caribe mexicano, evaluamos su asentamiento durante tres semanas en seis recubrimientos con una combinación de propiedades. Cada recubrimiento fue diseñado para proporcionar una combinación de dos de tres propiedades: 1) repelencia al agua (hidrofobicidad), 2) fosforescencia y 3) química superficial enriquecida con minerales. En un experimento separado se evaluó el asentamiento de larvas en sustratos con recubrimientos de una sola propiedad. Finalmente, se determinó la supervivencia posterior al asentamiento de O. annularis y O. faveolata sobre los diferentes recubrimientos durante siete semanas. Resultados: La combinación de alta hidrofobicidad y micropartículas fosforescentes azules y alta hidrofobicidad y micropartículas fosforescentes rojo-naranja dio como resultado un mayor asentamiento de O. annularis y O. faveolata en comparación con otros recubrimientos (30.8 - 66.7 % mayor). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el número de larvas asentadas cuando se evaluaron de forma independiente la repelencia al agua y la fosforescencia. El tiempo de supervivencia posterior al asentamiento en los sustratos fue bajo, con un máximo de 34 días después del asentamiento para O. annularis y 42 días para O. faveolata. Conclusiones: En el asentamiento de larvas, la combinación de las propiedades del recubrimiento parece desempeñar un papel importante en la elección del microhábitat tanto para O. annularis como para O. faveolata. Pero de forma individual estas propiedades no generaron una ventaja en el asentamiento larvario. Además, algunos componentes químicos asociados con los recubrimientos pueden ser contraproducentes para la supervivencia de los pólipos a lo largo del tiempo.

Abstract Introduction: One of the main bottlenecks in restoration projects based on sexual reproduction is post-settlement survival, mainly due to competition for substrate with fleshy algae and predation. Therefore, substrates of different shapes and materials have been created and tested, seeking to optimize these processes with attractive surfaces for the larvae and structures where the recruits are protected from predation, and competition is reduced. Objective: To improve settlement and post-settlement survival of two important Caribbean reef-building corals, using different coatings on substrates. Methods: To determine whether substrate coatings properties are favourable to larval settlement in Orbicella annularis, and O. faveolata, collected in Puerto Morelos, Mexican Caribbean, we evaluated their settlement for three weeks on six coatings with a combination of properties. Each coating was designed to provide a combination of two out of three properties: 1) water repellence (hydrophobicity), 2) phosphorescence-based colour, and 3) mineral-enriched surface chemistry. In a separate experiment larvae settlement was tested using coatings with a single property. Finally, we determined the post-settlement survival of O. annularis and O. faveolata on the different coatings for seven weeks. Results: The combination of high hydrophobicity and light blue phosphorescent microparticles and high hydrophobicity and red-orange phosphorescent microparticles resulted in a higher settlement of O. annularis and O. faveolata when compared with other coatings (30.8 - 66.7 % higher). No significant differences were found in the number of larval settled when the water-repellence and the phosphorescence-based were evaluated independently. Post-settlement survival time on substrates was low, with a maximum of 34 days after settlement for O. annularis and 42 days for O. faveolata. Conclusions: In terms of the larval settlement, the combination of the coatings properties appears to play an essential role in the choice of microhabitat for both O. annularis and O. faveolata. But individually these properties did not generate an advantage in the larval settlement. Moreover, some chemical components associated with the coatings may be counterproductive to the survival of the polyps over time.

Abstract This study examined a population of ghost orchids (Dendrophylax lindenii) in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in Collier County, Florida, to determine if they exhibit host species preference, vertical stratification, substrate diameter stratification, or a distribution pattern similar to their host plants. Twenty-five ghost orchids were found on three host plant species: 20 (80%) were on pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), four (16%) on arthritis vine (Hippocratea volubilis), and one (4%) on pond apple (Annona glabra). Our analysis indicated a statistically significant occurrence of ghost orchids on pop ash relative to other woody plant species in the study area. Although most orchids were found below 3 m from the forest floor, this was not staistically significant when compared to orchids above 3 m. A weak trend (p=0.06) for increasing occurrence was observed in the next to largest (14.1 cm to 17.2 cm diameter at breast height) size class among the five size classes of pop ash in this study. The spatial analyses indicated that both the stems of pop ash and ghost orchids demonstrate non-random clumping on the landscape. In addition, the presence of an individual orchid increases the probability of multiple ghost orchids on a stem. These results further emphasize the importance of pop ash as a host species in Florida’s ghost orchid populations and add to the list of hosts (arthritis vine) in the literature. Continuing to study the vertical position of ghost orchids will be important as climate change has the potential to alter humidity patterns and the occurrence of both low temperature events and hurricanes. Improved understanding of host plant preference, microhabitat requirements, spatial distribution, and continued long-term monitoring of population dynamics are critical for the conservation of the ghost orchid.

Resumen Las tierras altas de Costa Rica son consideradas un punto caliente de diversidad y endemismo, pero los estudios sobre roedores son escasos. Comparamos la riqueza y abundancia de ratones entre el bosque de robledal y el páramo en la cima de la Cordillera de Talamanca. Seleccionamos dos sitios de estudio en la Cordillera de Talamanca: la Estación Biológica Cerro de la Muerte y el páramo. El primero es un bosque montano dominado por robles, y el segundo está dominado por una vegetación herbácea y algunos parches dispersos de arbustos. Capturamos ratones en dos microhábitats diferentes en el robledal y el páramo. Por lo que tuvimos cuatro microhábitats de muestreo: (1) páramo-arbustos, (2) páramo-Chusquea, (3) bosque montano-arbustos, y (4) bosque montano-Chusquea. Los ratones fueron marcados para identificar recapturas. Capturamos cuatro especies de ratones y sus abundancias variaron considerablemente entre hábitats y microhábitats (Tabla 1). La especie más abundante, con 85 % del total de capturas, fue Peromyscus nudipes. Los ratones fueron más abundantes en el robledal que en el páramo. Dentro del robledal, los ratones fueron más abundantes en el microhábitat compuesto por arbustos. El bosque montano posee una estructura vegetal más compleja, con mayor diversidad de recursos alimenticios y refugios que el páramo. Al igual que a nivel de hábitat, discutimos que las diferencias en abundancia entre microhábitats están directamente relacionadas con la estructura de la vegetación. Un hábitat con una estructura más compleja es de esperar que provea a los roedores de mejores condiciones.

Abstract The Costa Rican highlands are considered hotspots of diversity and endemism, but studies on rodents are scarce. We compared the richness and abundance of mice between the montane forest and the paramo at the summit of the Talamanca mountain range. We selected two study sites within the Talamanca mountain range: the Cerro de la Muerte Biological Station and the paramo. The former is a montane forest dominated by oaks, and the latter is dominated by an herbaceous layer, and some scattered bushy patches. We captured mice in two different microhabitats within each montane forest and paramo, so we had four different sampling microhabitats: (1) paramo-bush, (2) paramo-Chusquea, (3) montane forest-bush, and (4) montane forest-Chusquea. Mice were marked to identify recaptures. We captured four mouse species and their abundance varied largely between habitats and among microhabitats (Table 1). The most abundant species, representing 85 % of all mouse captures, was Peromyscus nudipes. Mice were more abundant in the montane forest than in the paramo. Within the montane forest, mice were more abundant in the microhabitat containing bushes. The montane forest has a more complex vegetation structure with more diversity of food resources and shelters than the paramo. As well as at the habitat level, we argue that differences in abundance among microhabitats are directly related with the structure of vegetation. A more complex habitat structure may provide rodents with better conditions.

Abstract The Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest is considered one of the world biodiversity hotspots, with high levels of endemism. Studies on the myxobiota of Atlantic Rainforest have been carried out mainly in the Northeast region of Brazil but the ground litter microhabitat has only been included in a few of these studies. This study aimed to record the composition and diversity of the myxobiota of the ground litter of Pedra Talhada Biological Reserve and to expanding the knowledge about the microbiota of Atlantic Rainforest. Samples of ground litter were collected at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season and 1,080 moist chambers were mounted. The identification of the specimens obtained were based on a morphological examination. Were obtained 86 specimens, identified, and registered in the UFP herbarium. Plasmodia and/ or sporocarps were recorded in 23.7% of the moist chambers. The inventory resulted in 13 new records for Alagoas raising the number of known species in the state to 61. Perichaena longipes and Stemonitopsis gracilis are registered for the first time in Northeast Brazil and in the Atlantic Rainforest, Macbrideola spinosispora is the first record for Brazil and Licea sp. is likely a new taxon. A key to identify the species occurring in Alagoas is presented, as well as, distribution and comments of the species in Brazil.

Resumo A Floresta Atlântica brasileira é considerada um dos hotspots de biodiversidade mundial, com altos níveis de endemismo. Estudos sobre a mixobiota de Floresta Atlântica têm sido realizados principalmente na região Nordeste do Brasil, mas o folhedo de solo foi incluído em poucos desses estudos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi registrar a composição e diversidade da mixobiota do folhedo de solo da Reserva Biológica de Pedra Talhada e expandir o conhecimento sobre a microbiota da Floresta Atlântica. Amostras do folhedo de solo foram coletadas no final da estação seca e início da estação chuvosa e 1.080 câmaras úmidas foram montadas. A identificação e descrição dos espécimes obtidos foram baseadas em análise morfológica. Foram obtidos 86 espécimes, identificados e registrados no Herbário UFP. Plasmódios e/ou esporocarpos foram registrados em 23,7% das câmaras úmidas. O inventário resultou em 13 novos registros para Alagoas, aumentando para 61 o número de espécies conhecidas para o estado. Perichaena longipes e Stemonitopsis gracilis são registrados pela primeira vez no Nordeste e na Floresta Atlântica. Macbrideola spinosispora é o primeiro registro para o Brasil e Licea sp. provavelmente é um novo táxon. Uma chave de identificação para as espécies ocorrentes em Alagoas é apresentada, bem como, comentários e distribuição das espécies no Brasil.

Abstract In this study we investigate the niche interaction between the frogs Physalameus cuvieri and Physalaemus kroyeri that occur in syntopy in water bodies of the Atlantic Forest located in the eastern Bahia State, Brazil. We investigated the niche width and overlap in the calling activity time, microhabitat use, diet composition, advertisement call, and body size. Both species preferred the same substrate and calling substrate categories, and showed low niche width values and high spatial niche overlap values. The pseudocommunity analysis revealed the absence of competition in space use. Ants and termites were the most important items in the diet of both species with the pseudocommunity analysis indicating an absence of competition in the diet. The two species demonstrate a greater similarity in body proportions and a high overlap in the calling activity time. However, they showed divergence in acoustic parameters, especially in the dominant frequency and call duration. Our results reinforce the role of advertisement call as a relevant attribute for anuran coexistence and highlight the importance of analyzing the various axes of the multidimensional niche for the most reliable description of the existence and magnitude of niche partitioning. State Brazil time use composition size categories However parameters duration partitioning

Abstract The Itatiaia National Park protects important Atlantic Forest remnants as well as a large number of rare bryophyte species. We reassessed the conservation status of 45 species of endemic and/or threatened mosses occurring in high-altitude fields in the Park. The conservation analysis followed the International Union for Conservation of Nature guidelines. The GeoCAT software was used to calculate the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO). The threat vectors were characterized based on field observations and data from the literature. After the reassessment, 31 species were considered threatened, with 16 being considered vulnerable (VU), seven critically endangered (CR), and eight endangered (EN). Two species were considered “near threatened” (NT) and three were considered “data deficient” (DD), and seven were considered “least concern” (LC). The main threats in that region are wildfires and excessive tourism - factors that lower habitat quality and reduce their EOO and AOO. Recommendations to minimize imminent losses of the local bryoflora include incentives for research and microhabitat protection. Our results are designed to aid in the elaboration of conservation strategies for mosses in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains.

Resumen Pocos aspectos de la biología de la Ninia diademata se conocen. Aquí se reporta por primera vez información relacionada con su ecología térmica y morfometría básica en agroecosistemas cafetaleros del municipio de Huitzilan de Serdán, Puebla.

Abstract Few aspects of the biology of the colubrid snake Ninia diademata are known. For the first time, we report data related to the species’ thermal ecology and basic morphometry in coffee agroecosystems from the municipality of Huitzilan de Serdán, Puebla.

Resumen Las Lagartijas Espinosas del Pacífico (Sceloporus utiformis) son endémicas de la vertiente del Pacífico de México. Son ovíparas y es sabido que habitan bosques tropicales y templados desde el nivel del mar hasta los 1800 m s.n.m. Aquí ampliamos este intervalo con base en el hallazgo, en mayo de 2022, de dos individuos de S. utiformis en la porción suroriental de la sierra de Manantlán, a 2,154 m de altitud. También proporcionamos datos morfométricos y temperaturas corporales en campo y del microhábitat de estos organismos. Un estudio previo realizado en la misma localidad hace casi tres décadas documentó la especie a altitudes mucho menores, por lo que proponemos la hipótesis de que este podría tratarse de un caso de desplazamiento de distribución ascendente por cambio climático. Además, ya que pocos miembros ovíparos del género Sceloporus habitan a más de 2,000 m de altitud, este registro detona muchas interrogantes acerca de las implicaciones ecológicas de la oviparidad a través de gradientes altitudinales.

Abstract Cope's Largescale Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus utiformis) are endemic to the Pacific slope of Mexico. They are oviparous and are known to inhabit tropical and temperate forests from sea level to 1800 m a.s.l. Here, we expand this range based on the finding, in May 2022, of two individuals of S. utiformis in the southeastern portion of the Sierra de Manantlán, at 2154 m elevation. We also provide data on morphometry and field body and microhabitat temperatures of these organisms. A previous study conducted at the same locality almost three decades ago found the species to be present at much lower elevations, so we hypothesize that this could be a case of upward range shifting due to climate change. Moreover, as few oviparous members of the genus Sceloporus occur above 2,000 m elevation, this record triggers many questions about the ecological implications of oviparity along elevation gradients.

RESUMEN Los anfibios contribuyen a que México sea considerado un país megadiverso por su alto endemismo cercano al 60 %. De ellos, al menos 174 especies (48 %), están amenazadas o críticamente amenazadas, principalmente por factores antropogénicos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estimar la riqueza, diversidad, patrones de distribución y preferencias de microhábitat de las especies de ranas que habitan en el Área Natural Protegida Sierra de Quila. Se efectuaron salidas de campo quincenales entre junio y septiembre de los años 2016 a 2018, para identificar las especies de anuros observadas o escuchadas durante los recorridos. Se emplearon senderos ubicados en los seis tipos de vegetación, registrando la especie y el microhábitat de cada organismo. Se registraron 24 especies de ranas y sapos, la riqueza y diversidad fueron mayores en el bosque tropical caducifolio y en el bosque de galería, aunque existen especies que tienen preferencia por bosques más templados, lo que genera un importante recambio de especies entre los tipos de vegetación. Los anuros hacen uso de ocho tipos de microhábitats, el suelo fue uno de los más frecuentes (16 especies), sin embargo, sólo siete especies exhibieron preferencia significativa por un microhábitat. Esta información será útil al precisar datos sobre la distribución de las especies y su uso del hábitat que sirvan de referencia tanto para futuros estudios científicos como educativos, enfocados en su conservación, y en comprender su ecología y distribución.

ABSTRACT Amphibians contribute to Mexico being considered a megadiverse country, due to its high endemism close to 60 %. At least 174 species (48 %) of Mexican amphibians are threatened or critically threatened mainly by anthropogenic factors. The objective of the present work was to describe richness, diversity, distribution patterns, and to identify the microhabitat preferences of anuran species in the Sierra de Quila Protected Natural Area. Field trips were made every two weeks between June and September from 2016 to 2018 to identify anurans watched or listened along the trips. Trails located in six vegetation types were used. Species and microhabitat location of each organism were recorded. A total of 24 species was recorded, being richness and diversity greater at the tropical deciduous forest and gallery forest, nevertheless, some species that have a strong preference for more temperate forests thus generating an important species turnover among vegetation types of the area. Anurans use eight types of microhabitats being the ground the most frequent space (16 species), however, only seven of the 24 species exhibited a significant preference for just one microhabitat. This information will be useful for support and lead the amphibian conservation effort at this Natural Protected Area specifying data about species distribution and their habitat use that serves as a reference for both future scientific and educational studies, focused on the conservation, and understanding of their ecology and distribution.

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms living in our intestines and has emerged as an important factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). The purpose of our study was to investigate the microbiota composition in Brazilian CRC patients compared with a local control population (CTL) to find out which changes could be considered universal or regional features in CRC microbiota. Fecal samples were obtained from 28 CRC and 23 CTL individuals. The 16S rRNA gene was used for metagenomic analysis. In addition to the anthropometric variables, the clinical stage (TNM 2018) was considered. Patients with CRC had a significant increase in alpha diversity and a higher percentage of genus Prevotella and a decreased proportion of Megamonas and Ruminococcus. Additionally, the proportion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was associated with a better prognosis in the first stages of CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum proved to be an important marker of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. Although regional differences influence the composition of the microbiota, in the case of CRC, the microhabitat created by the tumor seems to be a major factor. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the carcinogenic process, and even in different environments, some factors appear to be characteristic of the microbiota of patients with CRC.

Resumo Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi descrever a estrutura e os padrões espaciais da comunidade zooplanctônica em um pequeno sistema fluvial brasileiro (sub-bacia do rio Paranaíba) e avaliar o papel de um meandro na dinâmica dessa comunidade. Métodos Amostras de zooplâncton foram coletadas em pontos localizados em um meandro e no leito do rio Aporé durante os períodos chuvoso e seco. Coletamos essas amostras na superfície e fundo de duas zonas diferentes (litorânea e canal). Para cada período hidrológico, a análise de variância foi conduzida para determinar as diferenças na riqueza de espécies e abundância do zooplâncton entre os diferentes pontos (longitudinal), zonas (lateral) e profundidades (vertical). A análise de cluster foi realizada para avaliar a similaridade na composição de espécies. Além disso, uma análise de correspondência canônica foi usada para selecionar as variáveis ambientais que melhor explicaram a variação nos dados de abundância do zooplâncton. Resultados Registramos 152 espécies: 70 de rotíferos, 53 de amebas testáceas, 20 de cladóceros e 9 de copépodes. Observamos mudanças na riqueza de espécies e abundância do zooplâncton ao longo do eixo longitudinal do rio tanto no período chuvoso quanto no seco. No entanto, não detectamos nenhuma mudança lateral ou vertical nesses atributos. A análise de cluster também indicou que as maiores diferenças na composição de espécies estavam no eixo longitudinal do rio. A variabilidade longitudinal do zooplâncton foi associada principalmente a influência de um meandro a montante, bem como a mudanças na velocidade de fluxo d’água, turbidez e concentrações de sólidos suspensos à jusante. Conclusões Nossos resultados demonstraram a importância de uma heterogeneidade de características hidrológicas como fator estruturante da comunidade zooplanctônica no rio Aporé. Assim, destacamos a relevância de ações para proteger e manter as características naturais desses ambientes.

Abstract Aim Our objective was to describe the structure and spatial patterns of the zooplankton community in a small Brazilian river system (Paranaíba River sub-basin) and evaluate the role of an oxbow lake in the dynamics of this community. Methods Zooplankton samples were collected from sites located in an oxbow lake and the Aporé River bed during the rainy and dry seasons. We collected these samples from the surface and bottom levels of two different zones (littoral and channel). For each hydrological season, analysis of variance was conducted to determine the differences in species richness and abundance of zooplankton among different sites (longitudinal), zones (lateral), and depths (vertical). Cluster analysis was performed to assess the similarity in species composition. In addition, a canonical correspondence analysis was used to select the environmental variables that best explained the variation in zooplankton abundance data. Results We recorded 152 species: 70 rotifers, 53 testate amoebae, 20 cladocerans, and 9 copepods. We observed changes in the species richness and abundance of zooplankton along the longitudinal axis of the river in both the rainy and dry seasons. However, we did not detect any lateral or vertical changes in these attributes. Cluster analysis also indicated that the greatest differences in species composition were in the longitudinal axis of the river. The longitudinal variability of zooplankton was mainly associated with the influence of an upstream oxbow lake, as well as the changes in water flow velocity, turbidity, and concentrations of suspended solids downstream. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the importance of a heterogeneity of hydrological characteristics as a structuring factor of the zooplankton community in the Aporé River. Thus, we highlight the relevance of actions to protect and maintain the natural characteristics of these environments.

Abstract: Rodents influence the processes of succession and regeneration in tropical forests, functioning as important dispersers and predators of seeds and plants. In this study, we describe aspects of the population structure and dynamics, and characterize the microhabitat and composition of the feces of the semi-tree-dwelling rodents Peromyscus yucatanicus and Peromyscus mexicanus in tropical forests of Quintana Roo and Veracruz, in Mexico. We trapped Peromyscus yucatanicus with 122 Sherman traps between 2.00 to 10.00 m of height in 62 trees. Peromyscus mexicanus was trapped with 105 Sherman traps between 0 to 11.00 m of height on 57 trees. We characterized the microhabitat, identified the trees, and calculated the canopy openness in the sites where individuals were trapped. We collected the feces of each species from inside the traps and were analyzed to know their composition. From September 2014 to February 2015, we captured 48 individuals of Peromyscus yucatanicus at an average height of 2.58 m above ground level. Its population density was 26.60 ind/ha, with reproductive activity in the dry season. The average canopy openness was 7.75 %. Their feces mainly contained seeds, fruit pulp and starch. From March to September of 2015, we recorded 54 individuals of Peromyscus mexicanus at an average height of 1.15 m. Its population density was 20.83 ind/ha, with reproductive activity in both dry and rainy seasons. The canopy openness was 4.78 % (dry season) and 4.50 % (rainy season). Their feces mainly contained fruit pulp, starch and chitin remains in both seasons. The captured of rodents were higher on trees with small diameters and low leaf litter percentage; the rainy season favored the captures. Both species were mainly captured in sites with a covering of organic matter on the soil and in sites with higher vegetal cover and reduced canopy openness. Conservation of a diverse tropical forest is fundamental for the conservation of both semiarboreal rodents.

Resumen: Los roedores influyen en los procesos de sucesión y regeneración de las selvas, siendo importantes dispersores y depredadores de semillas y plantas. En este estudio describimos aspectos sobre la estructura y dinámica poblacional, caracterización del microhábitat y composición de los excrementos de los roedores semiarborícolas Peromyscus yucatanicus y Peromyscus mexicanus, en selvas de Quintana Roo y Veracruz, México. Se realizaron capturas de Peromyscus yucatanicus colocando 122 trampas Sherman entre los 2.00 y 10.00 m de altura sobre 62 árboles. Peromyscus mexicanus se capturó disponiendo 105 trampas entre 0 y 11.00 m de altura sobre 57 árboles. Se caracterizó el microhábitat, se identificaron los árboles y se calculó la apertura de dosel de los sitios donde ocurrieron las capturas. De ambas especies se colectaron excrementos del interior de las trampas y se analizaron para conocer su composición. De septiembre 2014 a febrero de 2015, capturamos 48 individuos de Peromyscus yucatanicus a una altura promedio de 2.58 m. Su densidad poblacional fue de 26.60 ind/ha y actividad reproductiva en temporada de secas. La apertura de dosel fue de 7.75 %. Sus excrementos estuvieron mayormente integrados por semillas, pulpa de frutos y almidón. De marzo a septiembre de 2015 registramos 54 individuos de Peromyscus mexicanus a una altura promedio de 1.15 m. Su densidad poblacional fue de 20.83 ind/ha, con actividad reproductiva en ambas temporadas. La apertura de dosel fue de 4.78 % (secas) y 4.50 % (lluvias). Sus excrementos estuvieron mayormente compuestos por pulpa de frutos, almidón y restos de quitina en ambas temporadas. Las capturas de los roedores fueron mayores sobre árboles con diámetros pequeños y bajos porcentajes de hojarasca, además, la temporada de lluvia favoreció el número de capturas. Las dos especies se capturaron principalmente en sitios con una cobertura de materia orgánica en el suelo y en sitios con mayor cobertura vegetal y dosel cerrado. La conservación de las selvas tropicales y su diversidad biológica es clave para la conservación de ambos roedores semiarborícolas.

Abstract Homonota taragui is an endemic gecko of the northeast of Argentina. We estimate demographic parameters: number of individuals by populations, sex and ontogenetic stage; sexual dimorphism; survival of this species; and describe the use of microhabitat and movement patterns. We measured 11 morphological variables, determined the sex and marked individually. We found bigger head width in males. Some factors contribute to the vulnerability of this species such as its constrained geographical distribution, use of the specific microhabitat and the isolation of their populations. We highlight demography studies as an essential data source for management and conservation of critically endangered species.

RESUMO Com as próprias patas: Como e onde o Sapinho-de-Jardim Rhinella dorbignyi constrói seus abrigos. Neste estudo, observamos que tocas de Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) são distribuídas de uma forma não-aleatória no habitat, sugerindo que esta espécie seleciona sítios para cavá-las. Esta conclusão foi baseada em uma caracterização de 36 tocas e do micro-habitat que as cerca. Estabelecemos um quadrante de 1 m x 1 m com a toca como seu ponto central (n=36) para medir a porcentagem (densidade) e a altura média de gramíneas, plantas herbáceas e arbustos. Todas as medidas foram repetidas em dois quadrantes não utilizados (sem tocas), para avaliar o micro-habitat disponível ao anfíbio (n=72). As tocas são construídas em áreas específicas do habitat com maior porcentagem de gramíneas, ervas mais altas, menos arbustos presentes e pouca área sombreada. Baseado em modelos tridimensionais do interior das tocas (n=15), observamos que todas elas são construídas com uma abertura elíptica que se abre para um canal estreito, perpendicular ao chão. Os canais têm diâmetro máximo médio de 38 mm e diâmetro mínimo médio de 18 mm. O comprimento médio das tocas é de 182 mm, e o volume médio é de 95 mL.

ABSTRACT In this study, we observed that burrows of Rhinella dorbignyi (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) are distributed in a non-random manner in the habitat, suggesting a microhabitat selection for digging. This conclusion was based on a characterization of 36 burrows and surrounding micro-habitat. We established a 1 m x 1 m quadrat with the burrow in its central point (n=36) to measure the percentage (density) and the average heights of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. All measurements were repeated in two unused quadrats (without burrows) to evaluate the available microhabitat (n=72). The burrows are built in specific areas of the habitat with a higher percentage of grass, taller herbs, lower density of shrubs and low shaded sites than the founded at control sites. Based on three-dimensional models of the interior of the burrow (n=15), we observed that all of them were constructed with an elliptical opening that opens into a narrow channel perpendicular to the ground. Channels had a mean maximum diameter of 38 mm and a mean minimum diameter of 18 mm. The mean length of the burrows is 182 mm, and the mean volume is 95 mL.

RESUMO Fatores de micro-hábitat associados ao hábitat do veado (Muntiacus vaginalis) foram examinados e comparados entre as estações de verão e inverno. As características do hábitat e o hábitat preferido foram medidos, localizando sinais diretos e indiretos. Para quantificar a utilização do hábitat de cervos-latidos, cada local de estudo selecionado foi amostrado para a diversidade floral de 2015 a 2017. Quadrats foram implantados ao longo de linhas de transecto para determinar a distribuição sazonal., Veados-latidos não foram distribuídos uniformemente pelos tipos de vegetação na área de estudo; ocorreram com mais frequência na floresta de folhas largas do que na floresta de pinheiros Chir, em uma faixa de elevação de 550-850 m, em vegetação densa, em encostas íngremes. O hábitat mais preferido incluía árvores e arbustos com 30% e 69% de cobertura, respectivamente. O veado-latido evitou uma cobertura de árvores mais espessa, possivelmente porque impede o movimento e a fuga de predadores. Nenhuma diferença significativa (χ2 = 6,37; df = 3; p = 0,19) na cobertura vegetal sazonal foi registrada.

ABSTRACT Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.