cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286236.v1
title: Breeding biology in a population of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) at different elevations in the Tropical Andes

description: Abstract: Breeding biology in a population of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) at different elevations in the Tropical Andes. Elevation strongly influences the evolution of life history traits associated with bird physiology and reproduction. Since life history traits in birds are modulated by environmental factors that vary with elevation, we expected to find changes in breeding biology traits of Z. capensis at different elevations. In this study, we compared the breeding biology (clutch size, egg volume, and reproductive activity) of a non-migratory population of Z. capensis in two localities at different elevations (low and high elevations, 1 800 m a.s.l., and 3 800 m a.s.l., respectively) and same latitude in the Colombian Tropical Andes for a one-year period. We found no differences in clutch size between the localities; however, egg volume was higher at high elevation. Furthermore, the reproductive activity differed significantly between localities. We propose that clutch size is likely conserved throughout the altitudinal distribution of Z. capensis since the species evolved in Tropical lowlands. On the other hand, the larger egg volume at high elevation could obey local environmental factors that may favor the reproductive success of the population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286234.v1
title: Effects of urbanization on the fauna of Odonata on the coast of southern Brazil

description: Abstract: Urbanization significantly increases the rates of environmental disturbance, being one of the main causes of habitat loss and biodiversity. The growing trend of converting the natural landscape into areas for real estate speculation in the coastal region of the southernmost part of Brazil is a current concern, as the region is home to unique ecosystems, such as dunes, wetlands and large brackish lagoons. As they are organisms sensitive to environmental changes, variations in the structure of Odonata communities are used as indicators of habitat quality reflecting the human impact on the environment. Here we assessed how the Odonata community is affected by the growing urbanization around natural ponds on the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, testing the hypothesis that the increase in the percentage of urbanization negatively influences the Odonata community, following the same pattern found for other groups of invertebrates. The collections took place in 28 coastal ponds, which were classified as urbanized and non-urbanized based on the surrounding ground cover. Anisoptera’s richness, abundance and composition were influenced by urbanization, but the same was not found for Zygoptera. The analysis of indicator species specifies three species associated with non-urbanized areas: Erythrodiplax sp.1, Erythemis credula and Telebasis corallina. Our study highlights the importance of Odonata as organisms that indicate environmental integrity and reinforces the need for urban planning strategies that favor the conservation and maintenance of the environments affected by urbanization.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286232.v1
title: Diversity of Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) in the Cerrado of Central Brazil using a new type of bait

description: Abstract: The Cerambycidae family (Insecta: Coleoptera) has approximately 38 thousand species. In Brazil, more than 4,300 species and 1,050 genera are registered, and despite the ecological and agricultural importance of this family, no study has yet been done in the Cerrado of the Distrito Federal (Brazil). The objective of this study was to evaluate the richness and abundance of Cerambycidae in the Cerrado area using two types of fruits (banana and pineapple), fermented with sugarcane juice, as bait and to verify whether the richness is influenced by climate variables. The work was carried out in an area of the cerrado sensu stricto at Água Limpa Farm in the Distrito Federal. Beetles were collected weekly using 40 bait traps with two types of fruits that remained in the field for 12 uninterrupted months (November 2013 to October 2014). The traps were installed 1.50 m above the ground level, distributed in four 80 m transects, and spaced 20 m apart. A total of 1,599 individuals, belonging to 13 genera and different 19 species, were collected. The main species were as follows: Oxymerus basalis (Dalman, 1823) representing 78.3%, Retrachydes thoracicus thoracicus (Olivier, 1790) representing 9.9%, and Chydarteres bicolor (Fabricius, 1787) representing 4.5% of the total specimens collected. There was a significant difference in richness and abundance of Cerambycidae among the baits evaluated, with the pineapple bait presenting the highest values. The greatest number of individuals and species occurred soon after the first rains, especially in November. Temporal variation was confirmed through Rayleigh’s uniformity test, following the seasonality of the Cerrado, with the greatest number of individuals and species found in the rainy season. Temperature and humidity influenced the richness of cerambycid beetles. This is the first work carried out with pineapple fermented with sugarcane juice as bait to capture Cerambycidae, and this type of bait proved to be efficient for the collection of insects, comparable in efficiency to the synthetic baits that are normally used. All species collected were new distribution records for the Distrito Federal (Brazil).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286231.v1
title: Scenario-modelling for the sustainable management of non-timber forest products in tropical ecosystems

description: Abstract Ecosystems degradation, and consequently biodiversity loss, has severe impacts on people around the world. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is one of the international initiatives that have emerged to inform policy makers and aid decisions to prevent further global biodiversity loss, focusing on the interdependence between natural systems and human culture. IPBES promotes the use of scenarios and modelling approaches as a fundamental tool to advance the understanding of the relationships between drivers of change, Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP), and social systems. Local-scale case studies with a system approach demonstrating how current knowledge can be used to inform decision-making are still scarce. Here, we present a comprehensive conceptual model and a series of four scenarios under different policies for shea tree species management, as a case-study of applying systems thinking and the NCP concept to a local-scale socio-ecological system. We first characterized the central processes, NCP, drivers and pressures affecting the shea tree system, to investigate the impacts of the multiple uses of the shea tree species on the system as a whole. We then described potential policy options, developed four scenarios, and evaluated them by a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN). We predicted qualitative outcomes of the proposed scenarios: Business-as-usual (BAU), “Conservation and fair trade”, “Agroforestry and fair trade” and “Industrial development”. We found that the scenarios focussing on conservation, fair trade and agroforestry, can improve the conservation status of shea trees, and enhance wellbeing in the local communities. In this case study, we demonstrate that the development of a comprehensive conceptual model at a local scale can be a useful exercise to identify opportunities for effective policy strategies and social innovation. The shea tree case study can provide an example for modelling non-timber forest products in other regions around the world that face similar drivers and pressures. Species for which this model could be adapted include Central and South American species such as the Brazilian nut (Bertholletia excelsa), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), andiroba (Carapa guianensis), açai (Euterpe oleracea) and the wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense). The model and workflow applied here may thus be used to understand similar socio-ecological systems with local and international economic value across the Neotropical region.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286228.v1
title: Anuran fauna of the Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho - Núcleo Sete Barras, southeastern Brazil: species composition, use of breeding sites, and seasonal patterns of breeding activity

description: Abstract: The goal of this work was to study the species composition, the use of breeding sites, and the seasonal patterns of breeding activity of the anuran fauna from Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho - Núcleo Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Fieldwork was carried out from September 2005 to October 2007 through two main methods: active visual search inside a 10 ha- permanent plot and aural and visual search in seven previously selected aquatic breeding habitats. Species richness was related to the sampling effort by means of species accumulation curve and through non-parametric estimators. Thirty-three species distributed in 12 families were recorded, from which 69% are endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Trachycephalus mesophaeus represents a new record for the park. Cycloramphus lutzorum is included as Data Deficient in the IUCN list. The species accumulation curve did not stabilize, showing some tendency to rise. The use of breeding sites by 20 species was compared using cluster analysis, which revealed two major groups: the first with five species (two habitat generalists and three stream specialists) and the second composed by the other species (with different reproductive modes associated with flooded environments). The breeding period of most species was associated to the rainy season (October to February), and only Scinax hayii showed continuous breeding activity during the entire period of study.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286227.v1
title: Increasing capacity to produce scenarios and models for biodiversity and ecosystem services

description: Abstract: Extensive anthropogenic activities driven by the demand for agriculture and forestry products have led to dramatic reductions in biodiversity worldwide and significant changes in the provisioning of ecosystem services. These trends are expected to continue in the future as the world continues to develop without much consideration of the role that nature plays in sustaining human livelihoods. Scenarios and models can be important tools to help policy- and decision-makers foresee the impact of their decisions; thus, increasing capacity in creating such models and scenarios is of utmost importance. However, postgraduate training schools that focus on this topic are still rare. Here we present and reflect on the experience of the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Scenarios and Modelling on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services to Support Human Well-Being (SPSAS Scenarios). In addition, we introduce the Special Issue of Biota Neotropica that resulted from the activities taking place during the SPSAS Scenarios. In total, nine case studies emerged from the activities carried out during SPSAS Scenarios. These focused on a variety of ecosystems, their current drivers of change and expected trends, as well as on the development of alternative positive scenarios applying the recently developed Nature Futures Framework. We emphasize the need to increase capacity in scenario and modelling skills in order to address some of the existing gaps in producing policy-relevant scenarios and models for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286226.v1
title: Development of a conceptual framework for the management of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Mexican Caribbean

description: Abstract: Coral reefs and mangroves support rich biodiversity and provide ecosystem services that range from food, recreational benefits and coastal protection services, among others. They are one of the most threatened ecosystems by urbanization processes. In this context, we developed a conceptual framework for the management of biodiversity and ecosystem services for these coastal environments. We based our workflow on two sections: “Information base” and “Governance” and use the Puerto Morelos Coastal region as a case study for coastal protection. Puerto Morelos is between two of the most touristic destinations of Mexico (Playa del Carmen and Cancun) that has experienced an increase of population in the past four decades resulting in an intensification of multiple threats to its ecosystems. We characterized the two ecosystems with a “Management Units” strategy. An expert-based ecosystem services matrix was also described in order to connect mangroves and coral reef ecosystems with the multiple beneficiaries. Then an ecosystem model (conceptual model and Global Biodiversity model) was developed. The conceptual model was useful in understanding the interplay processes between systems regarding the ecosystem service of “Coastal Protection”. The Global Biodiversity model evidenced the human-induced shifts in the biodiversity for mangrove and coral reefs ecosystems. Also, a projection for 2035 of “best” and “worst” scenarios was applied using GLOBIO3. A DPSIR conceptual framework was used to analyze environmental problems regarding ecosystem services maintenance. Finally, we evaluated a set of policies associated with these ecosystems that favor coastal protection integrity. This framework facilitates the identification of the most relevant processes and controls about the provision of coastal protection service. It can also be useful to better target management actions and as a tool to identify future management needs to tackle the challenges preventing more effective conservation of coastal environments.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286224.v1
title: Attraction to conspecifcs in Rhinella icterica and R. ornata tadpoles (Anura: Bufonidae)

description: Abstract: Tadpoles are able to perceive and discriminate signals from environment and they may use this ability in behaviors and ecological processes. Recognition mechanisms may be involved in schooling by means of attraction among individuals, characterizing a social process. By means of laboratory experiments the present study investigated the presence or absence of attraction to conspecifics in tadpoles of Rhinella icterica and R. ornata, two sympatric species from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. We collected eggs of these two species in the field and reared them in laboratory according to two different methods (isolated or in groups of siblings). Tadpoles were submitted to experiments of choice between conspecifics, heterospecifics, and an empty compartment. Rhinella icterica tadpoles preferred to associate with conspecifics rather than R. ornata tadpoles, and we verified this is an innate behavior. Rhinella ornata tadpoles failed to discriminate between conspecifics and R. icterica tadpoles. When submitted to choice between a group of tadpoles of the other species and an empty compartment, R. icterica tadpoles presented random distribution, while R. ornata tadpoles preferred to associate with heterospecifics. Our results indicate R. icterica tadpoles have preference to associate with conspecifics, while R. ornata tadpoles may school indiscriminately. This study contributes for a better understanding of larval anuran social behavior.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286222.v1
title: Use of highway culverts by the water opossum (Chironectes minimus) in southeastern Brazil

description: Abstract The water opossum (Chironectes minimus) is a semi-aquatic mammal that is infrequently sampled in Atlantic rainforest areas in Brazil. Here we report on new records of C. minimus in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and comment on its behavior and ecology. We placed nine camera traps in culverts and cattle boxes under a highway, between 2017 and 2019. From a total of 6,750 camera-trap-days, we obtained 16 records of C. minimus (0.24 records/100 camera-trap-days) in two cameras placed in culverts over streams. Most of the records were made between May and August, in the dry season and in the first six hours after sunset. The new records are from a highly degraded area with some riparian forests. The records lie approximately 30 km away from the nearest protected area where the species is known to occur. We suggest that C. minimus has some tolerance to degraded habitats, as long as the water bodies and riparian forests are minimally preserved. The new records presented here also fill a distribution gap in western São Paulo state.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286219.v1
title: Seed removal of Araucaria angustifolia by native and invasive mammals in protected areas of Atlantic Forest

description: Abstract Araucaria Forest is one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world. Wild pig (Sus scrofa) are invasive pig that is expanding through these forests and seed removing that would be available to native fauna. Our aim was to evaluate the rates of seed Araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia) removal by both small, medium, and large mammals in areas with and without wild pig. We conducted a seed-removal experiment with three treatments differing in mammals’ access to seeds, in areas with and without the occurrence of wild pig. Similar numbers of seeds Araucaria were removed by small, medium and large mammals, even in areas with wild pig. However, we verified that seed removal by small mammals is graduate over time, while large mammals, especially wild pig, remove in one event. So, we recommend long-term studies to investigate competition between wild pig and native biota and the effects of wild pig on seed dispersal and seed survival.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286218.v1
title: Hair as a tool for identification of predators and prey: a study based on scats of jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor)

description: Abstract: Microscopic hair identification is a non-invasive, simple, and economical method applied in scientific studies to identify mammal species. In ecology, this method is used mainly in mastofaunistic inventories and dietary studies. In the last decade, the number of dietary studies using the microscopic identification of hairs has grown substantially, but the application of this technique as a tool for the identification of both predators and prey species is still scant. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify predator and prey hairs in scat samples from the two largest species of carnivores in the Neotropical region, the jaguar (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) and the puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771). We examined a total of 100 scat samples being 50 from the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul and 50 from the Atlantic Forest of Paraná. We used different identification categories that included the hair microscopic and macroscopic identification, as well as the use of hooves and nails present in the scats associated with tracks and kills found in the field. We identified 57 prey items in the Pantanal samples and 61 in the Atlantic Forest samples. Predator´s hairs were identified in 34% of Pantanal samples and in 46% of Atlantic Forest samples. The combination of hair microscopic and macroscopic characteristics was efficient in the identification of different taxonomic levels, with most identifications reaching the level of the species. However, the methodological protocol for microscopic hair identification was not fully effective in obtaining all the microstructural patterns of the studied mammals. Adjustments in the technique are necessary to differentiate microstructural characteristics of species belonging to the same family. We recommend macroscopic identification of scat content items (hairs, hooves or nails) of both prey and predators to be used to complete the microscopic hair identification technique in dietary ecological studies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286217.v1
title: Future scenarios of land-use-cover effects on pollination supply and demand in São Paulo State, Brazil

description: Abstract: Rapid land-use/land cover changes (LULCC) have led to habitat loss and fragmentation in the natural forest areas, which are mainly due to the intense and rapid expansion of urban areas and intense agricultural management. These processes are strongly threatening biodiversity maintenance and the ecosystem services provided by them. Among the ecosystem services under threat, pollination has been widely studied since this service is essential to promote food production and, therefore, human well-being. In a scenario of increasing LULCC it is crucial to understand the interplay between these changes, pollination demand by insect-dependent crops and pollinator availability to ensure these ecosystem services meet the increased demand for food production. In this study, we developed a conceptual model to disentangle the relationships between human-nature, especially LULCC, and its consequences, to the delivery of pollination service. We also presented a case study in the Brazilian São Paulo state, where we modeled the effects of predicted LULCC associated to agriculture expansion between the years 2012 and 2030 on pollinator demand by crops and pollinator supply, for fourteen economically important crops. Additionally, we systematized an expert-based Ecosystem Service matrix to estimate the influences of LULCC on the provision of pollination. Our results showed that by 2030, the demand for pollination will increase by 40% on average, while pollinator supply, estimated using suitability values for the different land-use/cover classes, will show, on average, a 3% decrease. Our results highlight the importance of considering the dialogue among stakeholders, governments, institutions, and scientists to find alternatives and strategies to promote pollinator-friendly practices and safeguard the provision of pollination services in a future under LULCC.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14286216.v1
title: Insights for policy-based conservation strategies for the Rio de la Plata Grasslands through the IPBES framework

description: Abstract The Río de la Plata Grasslands (RPG) are one of the most modified biomes in the world. Changes in land use and cover affect the RPG’s rich biodiversity. In particular, the expansion of crops, overgrazing, afforestation, and the introduction of exotic species pose a major threat to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES). In this study, we applied the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) conceptual framework as a new lens to approach biodiversity conservation enactments in the RPG. First, we systematically reviewed published scientific literature to identify direct and indirect drivers that affect the RPG’s BES. Further, we conducted an extensive analysis of management policies affecting the BES directly in the region, at a national and international level. We conclude by offering recommendations for policy and praxis under the umbrella of the IPBES framework.