Influence of area, altitude and hydroperiod on macroinvertebrate communities in southern Brazil wetlands

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
pp. 993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Stenert ◽  
Leonardo Maltchik
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Wetland Area ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
Intermittent Wetlands ◽  
Natural Wetlands ◽  
Richness Patterns

Wetlands are important ecosystems in southern Brazil because they show high productivity and biological diversity. However, conservative data indicate that ~90% of the wetlands have disappeared as a result of agricultural expansion. In this sense, the understanding of species composition and richness patterns in fragmented and natural wetlands is a priority for biodiversity conservation strategies. The main goal of the present study was to determine how much variation in macroinvertebrate richness and composition is explained by wetland area, hydroperiod and altitude. This survey was carried out in an extensive area of the Neotropical region (~280000 km2 – southern Brazil) with a large number of wetland systems (72) and covering a wide gradient of altitude and wetland surface area. The macroinvertebrate richness was higher in permanent wetlands than intermittent ones, and intermittent wetlands supported a macroinvertebrate composition that clearly differed from those of permanent wetlands. Macroinvertebrate richness was positively affected by wetland area; however, this relationship was significant only in permanent wetlands. There is a need to promote conservation of all wetland systems in southern Brazil, regardless of their hydroperiod and area. These arguments are essential to develop conservation and management programs of wetlands in this region.

scholarly journals Responses of freshwater molluscs to environmental factors in Southern Brazil wetlands

2010 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Maltchik ◽  
C. Stenert ◽  
CB. Kotzian ◽  
D. Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Ecosystems ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Water Conductivity ◽  
Wetland Area ◽  
Freshwater Molluscs ◽  
Intermittent Wetlands ◽  
Freshwater Mollusc ◽  
Mollusc Species

Freshwater molluscs play an important role in aquatic ecosystems, providing food for many fish species and vertebrates. Investigations on factors that determine mollusc species richness and distribution in wetland systems are scarce in the Neotropical region. The main goal of this study was to determine how much variation in mollusc richness and composition is explained by area, hydroperiod, altitude, water conductivity, and dominant aquatic vegetation. This survey was performed in an extensive area of a Neotropical region (~280,000 km² in southern Brazil), with a large number of wetland systems (111) and covering a wide gradient of altitude and wetland surface area. The mollusc richness was positively associated with wetland area and negatively associated with altitude. The richness and composition of the freshwater molluscs were similar between permanent and intermittent wetlands and it did not differ significantly between aquatic bed and emergent wetlands. The first three axes of CCA explained 16.2% of the total variation in the composition of the freshwater mollusc observed. The variation in the composition had a correlation with wetland area, altitude and water conductivity. Our results showed that the wetlands are important habitats for molluscs in southern Brazil, and that the richness and the composition of molluscs were associated with area, altitude, water conductivity and dominant vegetation.

Environmental predictors of macroinvertebrate communities in coastal wetlands of southern Brazil

2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Stenert ◽  
Roberta C. Bacca ◽  
Carolina C. Mostardeiro ◽  
Leonardo Maltchik
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Water Depth ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Sediment Chemistry ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Wetland Area ◽  
Aquatic Macroinvertebrate ◽  
Negatively Associated

The rapid degradation of wetlands worldwide accentuates the urgent need for ecological data to help manage and protect the threatened biodiversity in the remaining often-fragmented wetlands. In the Neotropics where fragmentation is common, environmental factors structuring aquatic macroinvertebrate communities are poorly known. We tested the hypothesis that physical features, such as wetland area, habitat diversity, water depth and temperature, and water and sediment chemistry are important correlates with richness, density and composition of wetland macroinvertebrate assemblages in Brazil. If so, do these correlations differ between summer and winter? A total of 16 895 individuals across 61 families were collected. Richness was positively associated with habitat diversity and water depth and negatively associated with water temperature. Macroinvertebrate density was negatively associated with water depth, and positively correlated with habitat diversity, percentage of sediment organic matter and water conductivity. Macroinvertebrate composition was associated mainly with wetland area and habitat diversity in the wetlands studied; these relationships persisted in both seasons. Our data illustrate environmental factors that potentially structure and maintain aquatic macroinvertebrate biodiversity in southern Brazil wetlands, and should be managed because 90% of these ecosystems have already been lost as a result of human activities.

scholarly journals Reconciling the conservation of the purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) and its damage in Mediterranean rice fields through sustainable non-lethal techniques

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubén Moreno-Opo ◽  
Josep Piqué
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Rice Fields ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Natural Wetlands ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Porphyrio Porphyrio ◽  
And Control

Resolving human–wildlife conflicts requires the assessment and implementation of appropriate technical measures that minimize negative impacts on socio-economic uses, including agriculture, and ensure the adequate protection of biological diversity. Rice paddies are widely distributed in the western Mediterranean region. Because of their high productivity, they can be a good habitat for waterbirds, including the purple swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio, particularly in areas where natural wetlands have been removed or reduced. As a result of its population growth, there have been increasing levels of damage caused by this species in rice fields due to stem-cutting and opening of bald patches in rice fields. With the aim of reducing damage, we evaluated the effectiveness of passive and active measures that would limit access to rice fields and deter/scare away purple swamphens in affected areas of the Ebro Delta (NE Spain). We selected the techniques according to the growth phase of rice and the activity of birds in the rice fields (perimeter fences and clearing vegetation around the rice plots during sprouting and growing phases, and falconry at maturation). There were positive results during the sprouting and growing phases thanks to fences and clearing vegetation, reducing the affected area by 37.8% between treatment and control plots. This would mean an economic savings of 18,550 €/year in compensation payments by regional administrations including the investment in implementing and maintaining passive protection measures. Active deterrence through falconry did not reduce the level of damage. The analysis of purple swamphen home range, activity centers (centroids), and the proportion of locations in and outside of rice fields showed no differences before and after dissuasive practices. These results were influenced by multiple concurrent factors including weather, the structural configuration of the rice plots and their location. In summary, we recommend the establishment of protection measures (perimeter fences + clearing vegetation around the rice plots) to reduce the level of damage.

scholarly journals The Modeling and Forecasting of Carabid Beetle Distribution in Northwestern China

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
Xueqin Liu ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Dahan He ◽  
Xinpu Wang ◽  
Ming Bai
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Additive Models ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Carabid Beetle ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Environmental Predictors ◽  
Temperate Steppe ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Steppe Ecosystems ◽  
Modeling And Forecasting ◽  
Richness Patterns

Beetles are key insect species in global biodiversity and play a significant role in steppe ecosystems. In the temperate steppe of China, the increasing degeneration of the grasslands threatens beetle species and their habitat. Using Generalized Additive Models (GAMs), we aimed to predict and map beetle richness patterns within the temperate steppe of Ningxia (China). We tested 19 environmental predictors including climate, topography, soil moisture and space as well as vegetation. Climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, soil temperature) consistently appeared among the most important predictors for beetle groups modeled. GAM generated predictive cartography for the study area. Our models explained a significant percentage of the variation in carabid beetle richness (79.8%), carabid beetle richness distribution seems to be mainly influenced by temperature and precipitation. The results have important implications for management and conservation strategies and also provides evidence for assessing and making predictions of beetle diversity across the steppe.

scholarly journals Analysis of Characteristics and Driving Factors of Wetland Landscape Pattern Change in Henan Province from 1980 to 2015

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 564
Author(s):  
Heying Li ◽  
Jiayao Wang ◽  
Jianchen Zhang ◽  
Fen Qin ◽  
Jiyuan Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Redundancy Analysis ◽  
Yellow River ◽  
Land Development ◽  
Henan Province ◽  
Driving Factors ◽  
Wetland Area ◽  
Natural Wetlands ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

The study of the temporal and spatial evolution of wetland landscapes and its driving factors is an important reference for wetland ecological restoration and protection. This article utilized seven periods of land use data in Henan Province from 1980 to 2015 to extract the spatial distribution characteristics of wetlands and analyze the temporal and spatial changes of wetlands in Henan Province. Transfer matrix, landscape metrics, correlation analysis, and redundancy analysis were applied to calculate and analyze the transformation types and area of wetland resources between all consecutive periods, and then the main driving factors of wetland expansion/contraction were explored. First, the total wetland area in Henan Province increased by 28% from 1980 to 2015, and the increased wetland area was mainly constructed wetlands, including paddy field, reservoir and pond, and canal. Natural wetlands such as marsh, lake, and floodplain decreased by 74%. Marsh area declined the most during 1990–1995, and was mainly transformed into floodplain and “Others” because of agricultural reclamation, low precipitation, and low Yellow River runoff. The floodplain area dropped the most from 2005 to 2010, mainly converted to canals and “Others” because of reclamation, exploitation of groundwater, the construction of the South–to–North Water Transfer Project, and recreational land development. Second, the results of correlation analysis and redundancy analysis indicated that economic factors were positively correlated with the area of some constructed wetlands and negatively correlated with the area of some natural wetlands. Socioeconomic development was the main driving factors for changes in wetland types. The proportion of wetland habitat in Henan Province in 2015 was only 0.3%, which is low compared to the Chinese average of 2.7%. The government should pay more attention to the restoration of natural wetlands in Henan Province.

scholarly journals Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Rivers Under the Influence of Mining Activities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Eduardo Rico-Sánchez ◽  
Alexis Joseph Rodríguez-Romero ◽  
Jacinto Elías Sedeño-Díaz ◽  
Eugenia López-López ◽  
Andrea Sundermann
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Central Plateau

Abstract Mining is one of the main pollution issues worldwide, causing the greatest disturbances to the environment. Industrial and artisanal mining activities are widespread in Mexico, being a major global producer of various metals. This study aimed to assess the ecological impairments resulting from mining activities using the aquatic macroinvertebrates assemblages (MA). A multiple co-inertia analysis (MCOA) was applied to determine the relationships between environmental factors, habitat quality, heavy metals, and aquatic macroinvertebrates in two rivers of the Central Plateau, Mexico. The results revealed three contrasting environmental conditions and different MA. High concentrations of heavy metals, nutrients, and salinity limit the presence of various families of seemingly sensitive macroinvertebrates, these factors were identified as the drivers of structural changes in the MA, showing that not only mining activities, but also agriculture, and villages in the basin, exert negative effects to the macroinvertebrate communities. Diversity indices showed that the lowest diversity matched with both, the most polluted and the most saline rivers. The rivers studied displayed a high alkalinity and hardness, which can lead to the formation of metal precipitates and thus acting as a protection to aquatic biota. Aquatic biomonitoring in rivers, impacted by mining and other human activities, is critical for detecting the effect of metals and other pollutants to improve management and conservation strategies. This study supports the design of cost-effective and accurate water quality biomonitoring protocols in developing countries.

scholarly journals The fish fauna of streams in the Madeira-Purus interfluvial region, Brazilian Amazon

Check List ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela de França Barros ◽  
Jansen Zuanon ◽  
Fernando Pereira De Mendonça ◽  
Helder Mateus Viana Espírito Santo ◽  
André Vieira Galuch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Taxonomic Group ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Species Richness And Diversity ◽  
High Species Richness

Small headwaters streams of the Neotropical region usually have high species richness and diversity. This study aimed to investigate the species composition and abundance of fish fauna in the headwaters streams of the Madeira-Purus interfluvial plain in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 22 streams of 1st to 3rd order were sampled during two expeditions at two separate locations in April-May and July of 2007. A total of 5508 fishes were captured using hand and small seine nets, belonging to 78 species, 22 families and six orders. Characiformes was the most diverse taxonomic group in the samples, followed by Gymnotiformes and Siluriformes. Our findings indicate that the fish fauna of streams in the Madeira- Purus interfluvial plain is both rich and diverse and should be considered during the implementation of strengthened environmental conservation strategies in this region. 

Ornithodoros brasiliensis Aragão (Acari: Argasidae): description of the larva, redescription of male and female, and neotype designation

Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3178 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
DARCI M. BARROS-BATTESTI ◽  
VALERIA C. ONOFRIO ◽  
FERNANDA A. NIERI-BASTOS ◽  
JOÃO FÁBIO SOARES ◽  
ARLEI MARCILI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Ornithodoros Parkeri ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Scanning Electron

Ornithodoros brasiliensis is an endemic tick from Brazil and is very aggressive to humans, resulting in pain, fever andintense inflammatory response. After more than 50 years without report, this species was recently found in rural areas ofSão Francisco de Paula municipality, State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, from where it was originally described.Herein, we describe the larva and redescribe the adults of O. brasiliensis based on scanning electron microscopy. Sincethe type was lost we designate the neotype specimen under the number IBSP 10409. In addition, the relationship betweenO. brasiliensis and other species from the Neotropical region that share the morphological characteristics of Ornithodoroswith dorsal humps on tarsi, and also live under the soil and feed on hosts other than bats, are discussed. Molecular analysisinferred from a portion of the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene is also provided and it placed O. brasiliensis in a cluster sup-ported by a maximal bootstrap value (100%) with Ornithodoros parkeri, Ornithodoros rostratus, and Ornithodoros turicata.

scholarly journals New records of Hippocampus patagonicus Piacentino & Luzzatto, 2004 (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) from the coast of Paraná, southern Brazil

Check List ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1822
Author(s):  
Luci F. Pereira ◽  
Rosana B. Silveira ◽  
Vinícius Abilhoa
Keyword(s):  
New Records ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Brazilian Coast ◽  
Southwestern Atlantic ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Incidental Capture ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Trawl Fishery ◽  
Shrimp Trawl ◽  
Management And Conservation

Abstract: The seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) is the southernmost occurring species of its genus in the South Atlantic Ocean. Its distribution seems to be restricted to the Southwestern Atlantic, along the coasts of Argentina and Brazil. Herein we report the incidental capture of six individuals as bycatch in the shrimp trawl fishery off the coast of Paraná, southern Brazil. Additional information on the geographic distribution of H. patagonicus, together with its ecology and life history, is important for conservation of this threatened species. These data can promote the development of appropriate management and conservation strategies for populations along the Brazilian coast. 

scholarly journals Primatology in southern Brazil: a transdisciplinary approach to the conservation of the brown-howler-monkey Alouatta guariba clamitans (Primates, Atelidae)

2010 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Jerusalinsky ◽  
Fernanda Zimmermann Teixeira ◽  
Luisa Xavier Lokschin ◽  
André Alonso ◽  
Márcia Maria de Assis Jardim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Expansion ◽  
Research Management ◽  
Conservation Education ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Howler Monkey ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Alouatta Guariba Clamitans ◽  
The Impact

Human interventions in natural environments are the main cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. The situation is not different in southern Brazil, home of five primate species. Although some earlier studies exist, studies on the primates of this region began to be consistently carried out in the 1980s and have continued since then. In addition to important initiatives to study and protect the highly endangered Leontopithecus caissara Lorrini & Persson, 1990 and Brachyteles arachnoides E. Geoffroy, 1806, other species, including locally threatened ones, have been the focus of research, management, and protection initiatives. Since 1993, the urban monkeys program (PMU, Programa Macacos Urbanos) has surveyed the distribution and assessed threats to populations of Alouatta guariba clamitans (Cabrera, 1940) in Porto Alegre and vicinity. PMU has developed conservation strategies on four fronts: (1) scientific research on biology and ecology, providing basic knowledge to support all other activities of the group; (2) conservation education, which emphasizes educational presentations and long-term projects in schools near howler populations, based on the flagship species approach; (3) management, analyzing conflicts involving howlers and human communities, focusing on mitigating these problems and on appropriate relocation of injured or at-risk individuals; and finally, (4) Public Policies aimed at reducing and/or preventing the impact of urban expansion, contributing to create protected areas and to strengthen environmental laws. These different approaches have contributed to protect howler monkey populations over the short term, indicating that working collectively and acting on diversified and interrelated fronts are essential to achieve conservation goals. The synergistic results of these approaches and their relationship to the prospects for primatology in southern Brazil are presented in this review.

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