scholarly journals Ground spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) associated with urban forest fragments in southern Amazon

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Genefer E. R. dos Santos ◽  
Kleber Solera ◽  
Cristiano A. da Costa ◽  
Marinêz I. Marques ◽  
Antonio D. Brescovit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Human Occupation ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Spider Abundance

Abstract: Forest fragments in urban areas comprise important habitats for a wide variety of species, however, conservationist policies for their maintenance and conservation are still incipient. This study examined the richness and abundance of the ground-spider assemblage in five forest fragments, with areas ranging between 18.5 and 103.98 ha, in the urban perimeter of Sinop, northern Mato Grosso State, southern Amazon region of Brazil. Sampling was carried out using the mini-Winkler extractor and pitfall traps in the dry (July) and rainy (November) seasons of 2017. All fragments were characterized in relation to the area and the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), to assess the effect of these variables on richness and abundance of soil spider assemblage. A total of 653 spiders were sampled, corresponding to 25 families and 52 species. Salticidae, Theridiidae, Lycosidae, Linyphiidae, Oonopidae and Symphytognathidae were the most abundant families (63.3% of the total sample). The assemblage was characterized by the dominance of hunting spiders (393 ind.; 60.2%) over web-building spiders (260 ind.; 39.8%). Greater spider abundance and richness was obtained during the rainy season (517 ind.; 79.2%; 41 spp.) as compared with the dry season (136 ind.; 20.8%; 24 spp.). Only 13 species occurred in dry and rainy season. Two species were recorded for the first time in the Amazon region, namely, Anapistula aquytabueraRheims & Brescovit, 2003 (Symphytognathidae) and Opopaea concolor (Blackwall, 1859) (Oonopidae). Species richness was not affected by IBI and area of fragment. Although the statistical model is not significant, species richness increases slightly with IBI and area of fragment. Similarly, abundance of spiders was not affected by IBI and area of fragment. Regardless of the area size, all evaluated forest fragments showed a low and regular IBI, demonstrating that these habitats have suffered with the pressures inherent from the urban perimeter, including the constant expansion of human occupation as well as misuse by the population. Nonetheless, these same fragments revealed considerable richness of species of ground spiders and can thus be categorized as important habitats for the maintenance of regional biodiversity. Therefore, action strategies must be set out to ensure their conservation.

scholarly journals First occurrence of Quadrigyrus nickoli (Acanthocephala) in the ornamental fishHyphessobrycon eques

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Yudi Fujimoto ◽  
Edilene Santos Almeida ◽  
Daniel Guerreiro Diniz ◽  
Jorge Costa Eiras ◽  
Mauricio Laterça Martins
Keyword(s):  
Rainy Season ◽  
Paratenic Host ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Seasonal Occurrence ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
First Occurrence

The objective of this work was to report the first seasonal occurrence of the acanthocephalan Quadrigyrus nickoliSchmidt & Hugghins, 1973(Quadrigyridae), in the “Mato Grosso”Hyphessobrycon eques (Characidae) (Steindachner, 1882), collected from the Chumucuí River, state of Pará, Brazil. The fish were collected between July 2006 (rainy season) and June 2007 (dry season) and were examined for parasites using pattern techniques. A total of 75 parasites were found in the stomach and intestine. Among 83 fish examined (50 in the dry season and 33 in the rainy season), 22 were parasitized by cystacanths of Q. nickoli. The importance of H. eques as a paratenic host for Q. nickoli is discussed. This is the first study on the biology of and infection by Q. nickoli occurring in the eastern Amazon region.

scholarly journals Bats in forest remnants of the Cerrado savanna of eastern Mato Grosso, Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Firmino de Sousa ◽  
Paulo Cesar Venere ◽  
Karina de Cassia Faria
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Anthropogenic Impact ◽  
Wiener Index ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Ecological Diversity ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Cerrado Savanna ◽  
Forest Remnants ◽  
Marked Decline

In the state of Mato Grosso, studies aiming to investigate the diversity and richness of bats are still scarce. In the present study, the chiropteran fauna of eastern Mato Grosso (Brazil) was investigated at four sites representing the Cerrado savanna biome with different degrees of anthropogenic impact, in the municipality of Nova Xavantina. Surveys were conducted between January and December, 2010, with a total of 48 nights of mist-netting. A total of 423 bats were captured, representing 25 species distributed in five families. A greater abundance of individuals was recorded at all sites during the rainy season, with considerable variation being observed over the course of the year in species richness and composition, and the abundance of bats. Species richness and bat abundance were higher in the better preserved habitats in comparison with the impacted areas. The timing of foraging activities appeared to vary among the specimens and there was a progressive increase in activity until 19:30 h, with a marked decline after 22:30 h. The ecological diversity (Shannon-Wiener index) of the bat community within the study area was H′ = 2.37.

scholarly journals Assessing the relative importance of human and spatial pressures on non-native plant establishment in urban forests using citizen science

NeoBiota ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 65 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Katherine Duchesneau ◽  
Lisa Derickx ◽  
Pedro M. Antunes
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Urban Forests ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Plant Introductions ◽  
Native Species Richness ◽  
Urban Activities

Since 2007, more people in the world live in urban than in rural areas. The development of urban areas has encroached into natural forest ecosystems, consequently increasing the ecological importance of parks and fragmented forest remnants. However, a major concern is that urban activities have rendered urban forests susceptible to non-native species incursions, making them central entry sites where non-native plant species can establish and spread. We have little understanding of what urban factors contribute to this process. Here we use data collected by citizen scientists to determine the differential impacts of spatial and urban factors on non-native plant introductions in urban forests. Using a model city, we mapped 18 urban forests within city limits, and identified all the native and non-native plants present at those sites. We then determined the relative contribution of spatial and socioeconomic variables on the richness and composition of native and non-native plant communities. We found that socioeconomic factors rather than spatial factors (e.g., urban forest area) were important modulators of overall or non-native species richness. Non-native species richness in urban forest fragments was primarily affected by residential layout, recent construction events, and nearby roads. This demonstrates that the proliferation of non-native species is inherent to urban activities and we propose that future studies replicate our approach in different cities to broaden our understanding of the spatial and social factors that modulate invasive species movement starting in urban areas.

scholarly journals How does landscape anthropization affect the myrmecofauna of urban forest fragments?

Sociobiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 441
Author(s):  
Graziele Da Silva Santiago ◽  
B. R. F. Campos ◽  
Carla Rodrigues Ribas
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Arboreal Ants ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
Remnant Forest

We evaluate whether landscape variables surrounding urban remnant forest fragments influence ant diversity and its components in urban areas. The study was conducted in six riparian forest fragments in midwestern Minas Gerais State, Brazil, by sampling epigaeic and arboreal ants. Arboreal ants respond to fragmente isolation with changes in alpha, beta and gamma diversities. Isolation likely hinders dispersion and re-colonization such that the more isolated a fragment is, the less likely that new species arrive there. On other hand, epigaeic diversity did not show any response to variables of the surroundings or fragments, probably because natural periodic floods constitute a more severe disturbance for these ants. In addition, throughout the process of urbanization, anthropogenic improvements, such as paving, that prevent the natural percolation of water, increase the flooding of riparian soil. Arboreal ant species composition responds to percentage of urban area, fragment area and distance from the urban center, while epigaeic ants respond only to fragment area and percentage of urban area. We believe that even with the loss of species diversity and anthropogenic influences on fragments within urban centers, these areas are still important for species conservation. We also suggest the development of environmental protection projects for riparian áreas within urban centers, including investments in ecological corridors connecting fragments and public policies seeking to preserve these areas.

scholarly journals The effects of fragmentation on the genetic structure of Theobroma speciosum (Malvaceae) populations

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana De Freitas Encinas Dardengo ◽  
Ana Aparecida Bandini Rossi ◽  
Tatiane Lemes Varella
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
National Park ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Fragmented Population ◽  
Forest Parks

Native Theobroma species, such as cacauhy, are losing their habitat due to the intense forest fragmentation in the Amazon region, and preserving their genetic diversity has been the main aim of many conservation programs. The aim of the present study is to assess whether fragmentation and habitat reduction affect the genetic structure and lead to genetic diversity losses in natural Theobroma speciosum populations. The study was conducted in two Mato Grosso State (Brazil) locations, namely: Apiacás and Alta Floresta counties. Juruena National Park (JNP) in Apiacás County holds a natural T. speciosum population that has not underwent anthropic influences. A population composed of individuals from three anthropized urban forest parks (UF) in Alta Floresta County was analyzed. The leaves of 75 T. speciosum individuals distributed in the urban forest fragments and of 100 individuals found in the Juruena National Park were sampled. All nine microsatellite loci showed high polymorphism levels between categories (adults and sub-adults), in both populations. The sub-adult individuals of the population (UF) in the fragmented area showed higher value (0.71), whereas the preserved population (JNP) category presented the same value (0.69). The increasing trend of estimating the fixation index towards the fragmented population was observed. The analysis of molecular variance showed 83% genetic diversity within categories; 16%, between populations; and only 1%, between categories. Although the effects were small, a persistent fragmentation process can increase the inbreeding levels and facilitate the genetic drift action. These effects may lead the T. speciosum populations to inbreeding depression, diversity loss and genetic structure change in the course of several generations.

scholarly journals Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil

2023 ◽  
Vol 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Ludwig ◽  
J. Y. Muraoka ◽  
C. Bonacorsi ◽  
F. C. Donofrio
Keyword(s):  
Urban Forest ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Candida Sp ◽  
Aspergillus Sp

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Species Richness and Phenology of Cerambycid Beetles in Urban Forest Fragments of Northern Delaware

2015 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Handley ◽  
J. Hough-Goldstein ◽  
L. M. Hanks ◽  
J. G. Millar ◽  
V. D'amico
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Cerambycid Beetles

scholarly journals Effect of environmental parameters on squamate reptiles in an urban forest fragment in central Amazonia

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-245
Author(s):  
Thais ALMEIDA-CORRÊA ◽  
Luciana FRAZÃO ◽  
Diogo Magalhães COSTA ◽  
Marcelo MENIN ◽  
Igor Luis KAEFER
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Forest Fragment ◽  
Tropical Biodiversity ◽  
Central Amazonia ◽  
Regional Species Pool ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance

ABSTRACT The increasing urbanization of the Amazonian biome has promoted the creation of several forest fragments surrounded by an urban matrix, but the relationship of animal assemblages to the urban environment, especially in forest fragments, is poorly known. Here we aimed to 1) determine the composition of the squamate fauna of the largest urban forest fragment from central Amazonia, in the Brazilian city of Manaus, and 2) evaluate the influence of environmental parameters on assemblage diversity. We sampled 10 standardized riparian plots through visual search in six surveys between 2008/09 and 2015, totaling 360 observer-hours. We found 15 species of lacertoids (lizards and amphisbaenians) and seven species of snakes through active search. After considering occasional encounters and search in museum collections, we recorded a total of 24 lacertoid and 22 snake species. Multiple regression models indicated that species richness and abundance of individuals increased with the distance from the edge of the fragment, while other structural parameters of the environment did not affect the assemblage. We conclude that this forest fragment 1) consists of a subset of the regional species pool, and 2) undergoes reduction of species richness and abundance of individuals from the center to the borders. This and additional urban forest fragments should be continually monitored in order to evaluate their long-term role in maintaining the tropical biodiversity.

scholarly journals Distribution patterns of diurnal raptors in open and forested habitats in south-eastern Brazil and the effects of urbanization

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Eduardo ◽  
Alencar Carvalho ◽  
Miguel Ângelo Marini
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Habitat Generalist

AbstractDiurnal raptors may be highly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances. We evaluated the diversity and abundance of diurnal raptors at an Atlantic Forest–cerrado transition zone in relation to two habitat types (forest fragments and open habitats) and to urbanization, comparing natural open and forested habitats with corresponding habitats within a large urban area. We sampled 80 points, 20 in each of four habitats (semi-natural and urban forests, semi-natural and urban open areas), during 12 months. Diurnal raptors recorded (21 species) included only three out of 10 species with some level of threat in the region. Forested habitats had more species (17) than open habitats (12). Urban areas had only 14 (67%) species, whereas semi-natural areas had all 21 species. Diurnal raptors were as abundant in urban areas as in semi-natural areas in spite of a loss in species richness in urban areas. A re-analysis without Caracara plancus showed that urban areas had a lower mean number of individuals per point than semi-natural areas. Overall species richness usually fluctuated from 14 to 16 species, being slightly higher between January and May than in other months. Overall abundance of diurnal raptors was much higher during summer than during winter. Local extinction may have already occurred for some species of diurnal raptors in the region and will probably shortly include several others. At least C. plancus, a habitat generalist, requires further studies and eventually management actions, since it is able to reach high population numbers in urbanized areas. Furthermore, highly sensitive species that were not recorded require further investigation regarding their conservation status.ResumoRaptores diurnos podem ser altamente sensíveis a perturbações antropogênicas. Avaliamos a diversidade e a abundância de raptores diurnos em uma região de transição entre Floresta Atlântica e Cerrado em relação a dois tipos de hábitats (fragmentos florestais e hábitats abertos) e è urbanização, comparando hábitats abertos e florestais aos hábitats correspondentes dentro de uma área urbana. Amostramos 80 pontos, 20 em cada um dos quatro hábitats (florestas semi-naturais e urbanas, áreas abertas semi-naturais e urbanas) durante 12 meses. Entre os raptores diurnos registrados (21 espécies) estão apenas três das 10 espécies com algum nível de ameaça na região. Mais espécies foram registradas nos hábitats florestados (17) do que nos hábitats abertos (12). Apenas 14 (67 %) espécies foram registradas nas áreas urbanas, enquanto as 21 espécies foram registradas nas áreas semi-naturais. Os raptores diurnos foram igualmente abundantes nas áreas urbanas e nas áreas semi-naturais independentemente da perda de espécies nas áreas urbanas. Uma nova análise sem Caracara plancus mostrou que as áreas urbanas tiveram um menor número médio de indivíduos por ponto do que as áreas semi-naturais. A riqueza total de espécies foi de 14 e 16 espécies, em geral, sendo um pouco mais alta entre janeiro e maio do que nos outros meses. A abundância total de raptores diurnos foi muito maior durante o verão do que no inverno. Algumas espécies de raptores diurnos já podem estar localmente extintas na região, o que ainda pode ocorrer para várias outras espécies em breve. Pelo menos C. plancus, uma espécie generalista de hábitat, necessita de mais estudos e eventualmente ações de manejo uma vez que pode atingir grandes tamanhos populacionais em áreas urbanizadas. Além disso, espécies altamente sensíveis que não foram registradas necessitam de mais investigações sobre seus status de conservação.

scholarly journals Active Humans, Inactive Carnivores, and Hiking Trails within a Suburban Preserve

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonny Bandak ◽  
Ronald Sarno ◽  
Michaela Peterson ◽  
Daniel Farkas ◽  
Melissa Grigione
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Hiking Trails ◽  
Spatio Temporal

As urban areas continue to proliferate, so does the demand for outdoor recreation. Hiking trails permeate almost all remaining forest fragments within highly urbanized areas. The effects of hiking trails on carnivores remain unclear, especially in the northeastern United States. Therefore, our objectives were to investigate the spatial and temporal activity patterns of mammalian carnivores in relation to distance from hiking trails. From 2011-2012, 236 camera stations were randomly deployed between trail and off-trail areas that covered an area of 4.8km2. A total of 3880 trap nights yielded 346 coyote (Canis latrans), 371 raccoon (Procyon lotor), 75 bobcat (Lynx rufus), and 78 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) detections. A consistent pattern of human avoidance by carnivores was observed in high human-use areas; although carnivores were detected more often on trails, detection was less likely during daytime than nighttime. We propose that within urban-forest fragments, trail-based recreation and habitat fragmentation may have similar impacts on carnivore spatio-temporal activity. Considering the top-down influence that coyotes have on ecosystem function (Henke and Bryant 1999), two approaches must be taken. First, efforts must be made to minimize the impacts of human recreation on carnivores through park management practices. Second, research and monitoring programs must be implemented to better understand the long-term effects that hiking trails have on carnivore activity and distribution.

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