cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5861148
title: Fish habitat associations along a longitudinal gradient in a preserved coastal Atlantic stream, Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Habitat conditions at multiple scales are one of the major factors structuring ichthyofauna. Thus, we analyzed the fish habitat associations along the headwater-mouth gradient of a coastal Atlantic stream. We categorized the sampling sites into habitat units, so that in the middle reach these categories were statistically differentiated into riffles, runs and pools. Samplings were carried out quarterly from May 2009 to February 2010 using electrofishing. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated an environmental gradient from higher water velocity and rocky bottom to deeper and sandy areas in the headwater-mouth direction. A total of 1,495 individuals belonging to 27 species were captured, being 13, 18 and 22 from headwater, middle and mouth reaches, respectively. Shannon diversity was slightly higher in the middle reach, while beta diversity showed higher rates of addition than turnover in species along the longitudinal gradient. Fish structure, evaluated by DCA (detrended correspondence analysis) scores, showed significant differences between upper reaches and mouth reach, but the middle riffles did not differ from headwater habitats. In the middle reach, mesohabitat analysis distinguished riffles, with higher abundance of fast-water crenuchids, from pools, with a higher abundance of lentic-water characids. These results suggest that environmental differences along the stream determine the wider structural patterns. However, the middle reach amassed species from upper areas and lowlands in structured fish mesohabitat associations, possibly implying distinct local ecological interactions. These findings contribute to the assessment of stream conservation status and to recognize eventual direct impacts on fish structures along longitudinal gradients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5861148.v1
title: Fish habitat associations along a longitudinal gradient in a preserved coastal Atlantic stream, Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Habitat conditions at multiple scales are one of the major factors structuring ichthyofauna. Thus, we analyzed the fish habitat associations along the headwater-mouth gradient of a coastal Atlantic stream. We categorized the sampling sites into habitat units, so that in the middle reach these categories were statistically differentiated into riffles, runs and pools. Samplings were carried out quarterly from May 2009 to February 2010 using electrofishing. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated an environmental gradient from higher water velocity and rocky bottom to deeper and sandy areas in the headwater-mouth direction. A total of 1,495 individuals belonging to 27 species were captured, being 13, 18 and 22 from headwater, middle and mouth reaches, respectively. Shannon diversity was slightly higher in the middle reach, while beta diversity showed higher rates of addition than turnover in species along the longitudinal gradient. Fish structure, evaluated by DCA (detrended correspondence analysis) scores, showed significant differences between upper reaches and mouth reach, but the middle riffles did not differ from headwater habitats. In the middle reach, mesohabitat analysis distinguished riffles, with higher abundance of fast-water crenuchids, from pools, with a higher abundance of lentic-water characids. These results suggest that environmental differences along the stream determine the wider structural patterns. However, the middle reach amassed species from upper areas and lowlands in structured fish mesohabitat associations, possibly implying distinct local ecological interactions. These findings contribute to the assessment of stream conservation status and to recognize eventual direct impacts on fish structures along longitudinal gradients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037664
title: Phytobia (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from Brazil: new species, new record and a key to the Neotropical species

description: ABSTRACT Phytobia Lioy, 1864 flies occur in all continents. There are four recorded species of these flies in Brazil, but recent expeditions at unexplored areas in the country have revealed that the genus is far more diverse than previously known. Based on material collected in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Rondônia (as part of the SISBIOTA Diptera Project), we describe fourteen new species of Phytobia. Additionally, we redescribe P. kallima (Frost), previously recorded only from Panama, and provide a key to the 32 resulting Neotropical species. All descriptions include details and illustrations of the male and female terminalia. The speciemens are deposited in the collections of Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil) and Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037664.v1
title: Phytobia (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from Brazil: new species, new record and a key to the Neotropical species

description: ABSTRACT Phytobia Lioy, 1864 flies occur in all continents. There are four recorded species of these flies in Brazil, but recent expeditions at unexplored areas in the country have revealed that the genus is far more diverse than previously known. Based on material collected in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Rondônia (as part of the SISBIOTA Diptera Project), we describe fourteen new species of Phytobia. Additionally, we redescribe P. kallima (Frost), previously recorded only from Panama, and provide a key to the 32 resulting Neotropical species. All descriptions include details and illustrations of the male and female terminalia. The speciemens are deposited in the collections of Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil) and Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037665
title: Variation in the distribution of Corbicula species (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Corbiculidae) after 25 years of its introduction in the Río de la Plata, Argentina

description: ABSTRACT In 1981, Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) and C. largillierti (Philippi, 1844) were recorded at the Río de la Plata River. During the 1980’s, C. largillierti was found on a continuous fringe in the shore of that river, while C. fluminea was only found North of Buenos Aires’ harbor. Ten years later, C. fluminea spread to Punta Indio, while C. largillierti remained restricted to tributary streams. The density and size frequency distribution of both species were compared with previous data from samples performed in the same area in 1985-1989. The aim of this research was to determine whether the densities of both species decreased; whether C. fluminea is still more abundant than C. largillierti; and whether the size frequency distributions indicate different population structures from those observed in the end of the 1980’s. Nine localities from the river shore were sampled, and each individual was identified and measured. The size of C. fluminea varied between 2 and 39 mm, showing the highest frequency of individuals between 20 and 25 mm; furthermore the density decreased 90% in 2015/2016. No specimens of C. largillierti were found. In conclusion, the populations of Corbicula inhabiting the Río de la Plata River are retracting.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037665.v1
title: Variation in the distribution of Corbicula species (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Corbiculidae) after 25 years of its introduction in the Río de la Plata, Argentina

description: ABSTRACT In 1981, Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) and C. largillierti (Philippi, 1844) were recorded at the Río de la Plata River. During the 1980’s, C. largillierti was found on a continuous fringe in the shore of that river, while C. fluminea was only found North of Buenos Aires’ harbor. Ten years later, C. fluminea spread to Punta Indio, while C. largillierti remained restricted to tributary streams. The density and size frequency distribution of both species were compared with previous data from samples performed in the same area in 1985-1989. The aim of this research was to determine whether the densities of both species decreased; whether C. fluminea is still more abundant than C. largillierti; and whether the size frequency distributions indicate different population structures from those observed in the end of the 1980’s. Nine localities from the river shore were sampled, and each individual was identified and measured. The size of C. fluminea varied between 2 and 39 mm, showing the highest frequency of individuals between 20 and 25 mm; furthermore the density decreased 90% in 2015/2016. No specimens of C. largillierti were found. In conclusion, the populations of Corbicula inhabiting the Río de la Plata River are retracting.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037667
title: The trophic niche of Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Testudines: Chelidae): evidence from stable isotopes

description: ABSTRACT Ecological niche is the multidimensional space comprising the resources used by an organism. Intraspecific variation in resource exploitation is common in reptile populations to maximize coexistence of individuals. The use of stable isotope analysis is an effective tool when there are variations in resource exploitation, since it can provide quantitative information about food consumption and habitat use. Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Bour, 1973) is a medium-sized turtle with a limited distribution in south central Brazil and Paraguay. In spite of that, little is known about its ecology. In this study we used stable isotope analysis to understand the intraspecific trophic niche variation in M. vanderhaegei at Serra das Araras Ecological Station, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The isotopic ratios of δ15N and δ13C were determined in claw samples collected from 14 males and 14 females. Isotopic niche width values were not statistically different between the sexes, there was a high degree of overlap between sexual niches and there were no relationships between isotopic compositions and body size. These results suggest that individuals of both sexes and throughout their ontogenetic development exploit food resources with the same isotopic baseline.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037667.v1
title: The trophic niche of Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Testudines: Chelidae): evidence from stable isotopes

description: ABSTRACT Ecological niche is the multidimensional space comprising the resources used by an organism. Intraspecific variation in resource exploitation is common in reptile populations to maximize coexistence of individuals. The use of stable isotope analysis is an effective tool when there are variations in resource exploitation, since it can provide quantitative information about food consumption and habitat use. Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Bour, 1973) is a medium-sized turtle with a limited distribution in south central Brazil and Paraguay. In spite of that, little is known about its ecology. In this study we used stable isotope analysis to understand the intraspecific trophic niche variation in M. vanderhaegei at Serra das Araras Ecological Station, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The isotopic ratios of δ15N and δ13C were determined in claw samples collected from 14 males and 14 females. Isotopic niche width values were not statistically different between the sexes, there was a high degree of overlap between sexual niches and there were no relationships between isotopic compositions and body size. These results suggest that individuals of both sexes and throughout their ontogenetic development exploit food resources with the same isotopic baseline.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6207812
title: Relating flight initiation distance in birds to tropical dry forest restoration

description: ABSTRACT Flight initiation distance (FID), defined as the distance at which an individual flees from an approaching predator, might depend on how the individual perceives the risk of being predated. Using a standardized walking approach method on focal bird individuals, we investigated whether different levels of vegetation cover (habitat) influence the perception of predation risk. To do this, we worked in an area of tropical dry forest in central Mexico that is currently part of a restoration ecology experiment. We hypothesized that restoration decreases individual’s predation risk perception by increasing the complexity of the vegetation cover. The escape responses of three tropical birds with different diets and foraging strategies were also contrasted. There was no effect of habitat on FID, suggesting that birds in both habitats perceived predation risk in a similar manner. There was, however, a difference in FID among species: the Golden-cheeked Woodpecker tolerated closer human presence before flight than the Inca Dove and Streak-backed Oriole. This difference is likely due to the use of an alternative avoidance strategy of this species, which uses trunks for hiding. To decrease birds’ perceived predation risk, restoration intervention plans should include a mosaic of larger excluded plots located near relatively well-conserved sites to increase the area covered by vegetation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6207812.v1
title: Relating flight initiation distance in birds to tropical dry forest restoration

description: ABSTRACT Flight initiation distance (FID), defined as the distance at which an individual flees from an approaching predator, might depend on how the individual perceives the risk of being predated. Using a standardized walking approach method on focal bird individuals, we investigated whether different levels of vegetation cover (habitat) influence the perception of predation risk. To do this, we worked in an area of tropical dry forest in central Mexico that is currently part of a restoration ecology experiment. We hypothesized that restoration decreases individual’s predation risk perception by increasing the complexity of the vegetation cover. The escape responses of three tropical birds with different diets and foraging strategies were also contrasted. There was no effect of habitat on FID, suggesting that birds in both habitats perceived predation risk in a similar manner. There was, however, a difference in FID among species: the Golden-cheeked Woodpecker tolerated closer human presence before flight than the Inca Dove and Streak-backed Oriole. This difference is likely due to the use of an alternative avoidance strategy of this species, which uses trunks for hiding. To decrease birds’ perceived predation risk, restoration intervention plans should include a mosaic of larger excluded plots located near relatively well-conserved sites to increase the area covered by vegetation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037668
title: Six new species of Poeciloderrhis from Brazil (Blattaria: Blaberidae) with a new record and a new combination

description: ABSTRACT In this contribution six new species of Poeciloderrhis Stål, 1874 are described: P. aureolatus sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. mediansclerostylatus sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. diamantinensis sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Mato Grosso State), P. itatiaiensis sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. vanzolinii sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), and P. penduloides sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State). The genus is recorded for the first time from the state of Rondônia, Brazil based on P. diamantinensis sp. nov. A new combination is proposed for Poeciloderrhis bicolorata Rocha e Silva & Lopes, 1977 that is transferred to Epilampra Burmeister, 1838. For specific delimation, the tergal modification in the abdomen, the genital plates and their respective structures were analyzed. A key for males including all species of Poeciloderrhis is also given.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20037668.v1
title: Six new species of Poeciloderrhis from Brazil (Blattaria: Blaberidae) with a new record and a new combination

description: ABSTRACT In this contribution six new species of Poeciloderrhis Stål, 1874 are described: P. aureolatus sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. mediansclerostylatus sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. diamantinensis sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Mato Grosso State), P. itatiaiensis sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), P. vanzolinii sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State), and P. penduloides sp. nov. (Holotype male in MNRJ: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro State). The genus is recorded for the first time from the state of Rondônia, Brazil based on P. diamantinensis sp. nov. A new combination is proposed for Poeciloderrhis bicolorata Rocha e Silva & Lopes, 1977 that is transferred to Epilampra Burmeister, 1838. For specific delimation, the tergal modification in the abdomen, the genital plates and their respective structures were analyzed. A key for males including all species of Poeciloderrhis is also given.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6207809
title: Metrics derived from fish assemblages as indicators of environmental degradation in Cerrado streams

description: ABSTRACT The development of effective monitoring tools depends on finding sensitive metrics that are capable of detecting the most important environmental impacts at a given region. We assessed if metrics derived from stream fish assemblages reflect physical habitat degradation and changes in land cover. We sampled the ichthyofauna and environmental characteristics of 16 stream sites of first and second order in the Upper Tocantins River basin. The streams were classified according to their environmental characteristics into reference (n = 5), intermediate (n = 4), and impacted (n = 7). A total of 4,079 individuals in five orders, 12 families, and 30 species were collected. Of the 20 metrics tested, eight were non-collinear and were tested for their performance in discriminating among groups of streams. Three metrics were sensitive to the gradient of degradation: Berger-Parker dominance index, percentage of characiform fish, and percentage of rheophilic individuals. Some commonly used metrics did not reflect the disturbances and many others were redundant with those that did. These results indicate that the metrics derived from fish assemblages may be informative for identifying the conservation status of streams, with the potential to be used in biomonitoring.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6207809.v1
title: Metrics derived from fish assemblages as indicators of environmental degradation in Cerrado streams

description: ABSTRACT The development of effective monitoring tools depends on finding sensitive metrics that are capable of detecting the most important environmental impacts at a given region. We assessed if metrics derived from stream fish assemblages reflect physical habitat degradation and changes in land cover. We sampled the ichthyofauna and environmental characteristics of 16 stream sites of first and second order in the Upper Tocantins River basin. The streams were classified according to their environmental characteristics into reference (n = 5), intermediate (n = 4), and impacted (n = 7). A total of 4,079 individuals in five orders, 12 families, and 30 species were collected. Of the 20 metrics tested, eight were non-collinear and were tested for their performance in discriminating among groups of streams. Three metrics were sensitive to the gradient of degradation: Berger-Parker dominance index, percentage of characiform fish, and percentage of rheophilic individuals. Some commonly used metrics did not reflect the disturbances and many others were redundant with those that did. These results indicate that the metrics derived from fish assemblages may be informative for identifying the conservation status of streams, with the potential to be used in biomonitoring.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6207824
title: What are the main local drivers determining richness and fishery yields in tropical coastal fish assemblages?

description: ABSTRACT Seasonal ecological effects caused by temperature and photoperiod are typically considered minimal in the tropics. Nevertheless, annual climate cycles may still influence the distribution and abundance of tropical species. Here, we investigate whether seasonal patterns of precipitation and wind speed influence the structure of coastal fish assemblages and fishing yields in northeast Brazil. Research trips were conducted during the rainy and dry seasons using commercial boats and gear to sample the fish community. Diversity was analyzed using abundance Whittaker curves, diversity profiles and the Shannon index. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to analyze associations between the abundance of species and various environmental variables related to seasonality. A total of 2,373 fish were collected, representing 73 species from 34 families - 20 of which were classified as both frequent and abundant. Species richness was greater and more equitable during the rainy season than the dry season - driven by changes in the precipitation rather than to wind speed. Species diversity profiles were slightly greater during the rainy season than the dry season, but this difference was not statistically significant. Using PCA was identified three groups of species: the first associated with wind speed, the second with precipitation, and the third with a wide range of sampling environments. This latter group was the largest and most ecologically heterogeneous. We conclude that tropical coastal fish assemblages are largely influenced by local variables, and seasonally mediated by annual changes related to precipitation intensity and wind speed, which in turn influences fishery yields.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6207824.v1
title: What are the main local drivers determining richness and fishery yields in tropical coastal fish assemblages?

description: ABSTRACT Seasonal ecological effects caused by temperature and photoperiod are typically considered minimal in the tropics. Nevertheless, annual climate cycles may still influence the distribution and abundance of tropical species. Here, we investigate whether seasonal patterns of precipitation and wind speed influence the structure of coastal fish assemblages and fishing yields in northeast Brazil. Research trips were conducted during the rainy and dry seasons using commercial boats and gear to sample the fish community. Diversity was analyzed using abundance Whittaker curves, diversity profiles and the Shannon index. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to analyze associations between the abundance of species and various environmental variables related to seasonality. A total of 2,373 fish were collected, representing 73 species from 34 families - 20 of which were classified as both frequent and abundant. Species richness was greater and more equitable during the rainy season than the dry season - driven by changes in the precipitation rather than to wind speed. Species diversity profiles were slightly greater during the rainy season than the dry season, but this difference was not statistically significant. Using PCA was identified three groups of species: the first associated with wind speed, the second with precipitation, and the third with a wide range of sampling environments. This latter group was the largest and most ecologically heterogeneous. We conclude that tropical coastal fish assemblages are largely influenced by local variables, and seasonally mediated by annual changes related to precipitation intensity and wind speed, which in turn influences fishery yields.