Barn Owl pellets (Aves: Tyto furcata) reveal a higher mammalian richness in the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, Southeastern Brazil

LEMOS, H.M.; SILVA, C.A.O.; PATIU, F.M.; GONÇALVES, P.R. 2015. Barn Owl pellets (Aves: Tyto furcata) reveal a higher mammalian richness in the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, Southeastern Brazil. Biota Neotropica 15(2):1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1676-06032015012114

Abstract. The northern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro harbors the largest coastal sandy plains (restingas) of southeastern Brazil, severely threatened due to recent human occupation. In this context, mammal inventories becomes urgent to support biodiversity conservation and management policies. This paper aims to update the knowledge on the mammalian species richness of Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park by analyzing pellets of the Barn owl Tyto furcata. The analyses of 4745 mammalian bone fragments (1739 individuals) revealed the occurrence of 17 species belonging to the orders Rodentia (9 spp.), Didelphimorphia (2 spp.) and Chiroptera (6 spp.). The rodents Mus musculus and Cerradomys goytaca accounted for 77.2% of the total individuals preyed, suggesting that the Barn owl hunts in both disturbed and natural open shrub formations. A compilation of previous records, together with those provided in the present study, indicates the occurrence of 44 species of mammals in the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, of which six (13.6%) were exclusively detected in pellets. These new records include species adapted to open formations of the interior of Brazil that were not previously reported in restingas on the basis of voucher-specimens, such as the rodents Necromys lasiurus and Calomys tener, the latter being recorded for the first time in the littoral of Rio de Janeiro state. This study underscores the importance of owl pellet analysis as a complementary and indispensable method for inventorying mammals. The results highlight the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park as one of the restingas in Southeastern Brazil with the highest number of mammal species.

Primeiro registro documentado de Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) e Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

PETERS, F.B.; ROTH, P.R.O.; CHRISTOFF, A.U. 2013. Primeiro registro documentado de Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) e Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Biotemas 26(3):177-184.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2013v26n3p177

Abstract. First documented record of Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) and Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) in the state of Santa Catarina, south Brazil. Studies on the richness of small mammals in the Brazilian South Region are recent and point out the need for using varied methods. This way, this paper contributes to knowledge on the fauna of small sigmodontinae rodents in Santa Catarina, including Holochilus brasiliensis and Calomys laucha in the list of species with confirmed occurrence in this state. The records of H. brasiliensis refer to Laguna (n = 2) and Timbe do Sul (n = 1). In turn, C. laucha presents 23 records from Capinzal. The entire material is represented by skull fragments from owl pellets samples collected from nests and feeding perches of the Tyto alba.

First record of the bushy-tailed opossum, Glironia venusta, Thomas, 1912, (Didelphimorphia) from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

CALZADA, J.; DELIBES, M.; KELLER, C.; PALOMARES, F.; MAGNUSSON, W. 2008. First record of the bushy-tailed opossum, Glironia venusta, Thomas, 1912, (Didelphimorphia) from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Acta Amazonica 38(4):807-810.

Abstract. A new record of a very rarely observed mammal, the bushy-tailed opossum, Glironia venusta (Didelphimorphia), was obtained for the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. Only 17 other records existed of this species, most from the 1980s. There were only three previous records of the species from Brazil (in the states of Pará, Amazonas and Rondônia). This new record supports the notion that G. venusta is a locally rare species throughout its range, but widely distributed in Brazilian Amazonia.

Journals: Journal of Biogeography

Journal of Biogeography

- Abreviatura: J. Biogeogr.

- Home Page: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365-2699

- Qualis CAPES: A1 (Biodiversidade e Ciências Biológicas I), A2 (Ciências Biológicas III).

- Taxa de Publicação: Nenhuma.

- Idiomas: Inglês.

- Disponibilidade: Restrito. A maioria dos artigos é de acesso restrito e pago.

- Submissão: Online, pelo sistema ScholarOne Manuscripts, com acesso na home page.

Artigos que tratem de todos os aspectos da biogeografia espacial, ecológica e histórica são considerados para publicação no Journal of Biogeography. A missão do periódico é contribuir para o crescimento e relevância social da disciplina da biogeografia através da disseminação de pesquisas biogeográficas. Para este fim, a política editorial é de que o periódico busca ser representativo da disciplina de biogeografia, ter âmbito global, e incluir as principais opiniões e pontos de vista dentro da disciplina. Autores são particularmente encorajados a submeter artigos concisos, claramente escritos e focados em questões precisamente emolduradas ou hipóteses de amplo interesse para o vasto público internacional do periódico.

The application of Bergmann's Rule to Carollia perspicillata Linnaeus 1758 (Mammali, Chiroptera)

BARROS, L.A.V.; FORTES, R.R.; LORINI, M.L. 2014. The application of Bergmann's Rule to Carollia perspicillata Linnaeus 1758 (Mammali, Chiroptera). Chiroptera Neotropical 20(1):1243-1251.

Abstract. Bergmann’s Rule describes the association between body size of species and latitude. The proposed mechanism to explain the pattern would be the lowest surface/volume ratio found in large animals, which should result in an energy advantage in cold environments. The present study tested to what extent this pattern can be applied in bat populations of Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758). We used secondary data, taken from the collection of Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and raw data provided by researchers, covering a latitude gradient ranging from 23º03' S to 0º10' N, at altitudes ranging from 10 to 1093m above sea level. Climatological data were obtained from the website of Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET). Body size analyses were based on mean and maximum length of forearm and body mass, and carried out through latitude, altitude and temperature gradients. A total of 488 adult specimens were analyzed, summarizing data for 23 localities. Body size variables showed a decrease toward higher latitudes and higher altitudes, and an increase in relation to increasing temperature. The results partially follow an inverse trend of the original proposal, called Bergmann’s Rule "converse". Bats’s wings are highly vascularized naked membranes, making their surface/volume ratio higher than that of other animals of similar size; thus a large body size would in fact result in bigger ratios and greater heat loss. The low values of all explicability indexes (R²) and linear coefficients (β) suggest that geographical variation in a  species’ morphology cannot be only explained on the basis of latitudinal clines.

Calomys tener (Winge, 1887) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): filling gaps

QUINTELA, F.M.; SILVEIRA, E.C.; DELLAGNESE, D.G.; CADEMARTORI, C.V. 2014. Calomys tener (Winge, 1887) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): filling gaps. Check List 10(3):650-654. doi: 10.15560/10.3.650

Abstract. Calomys tener is a widely distributed species in Brazil. Herein we report the second record of C. tener in state of Rio Grande do Sul about 80 km northwestwards from the previous southernmost known limit in Brazil.

New distribution records of Serra do Mar Grass Mouse Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the southernmost Brazil

ABREU, M.S.L.; CHRISTOFF, A.U.; VALIATI, V.H.; OLIVEIRA, L.R. 2014. New distribution records of Serra do Mar Grass Mouse Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the southernmost Brazil. Check List 10(3):655-659. doi: 10.15560/10.3.655

Abstract. Geographic distribution is critical information for conservation of the species. In this note we report the southernmost record of Akodon serrensis, a Neotropical terrestrial rodent endemic of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, but yet with undefined distribution limits. Two specimens surveyed in Rio Grande do Sul state were identified as A. serrensis, one by DNA analysis and other by external and cranial morphology. These records represent an expansion of nearly 177 km from the previous known limit of its southern distribution. Moreover, these new records demonstrated the importance of sampling effort in order to establish the real distribution limits of a species.

Journals: Check List

Check List

- Abreviatura: Check List.

- Home Page: http://www.checklist.org.br/index

- Qualis CAPES: B3 (Biodiversidade), C (Ciências Biológicas II e III).

- Taxa de Publicação: Não há.

- Idiomas: Inglês.

- Disponibilidade: Acesso livre a todos os artigos no site.

- Submissão: Por e-mail direto ao Editor-Chefe.

Check List é um periódico on-line bimestral, dedicado a publicar listas de espécies e notas sobre distribuição geográfica de qualquer táxon. Estes relatos têm sido tradicionalmente negligenciados e considerados “muito básicos” ou “sem significância relevante” para publicação em outros fóruns. Entretanto, nós reconhecemos que estes dados são essenciais para estudos de biogeografia, e proporcionam uma base para a conservação da biodiversidade como um todo. O primeiro passo para se tomar medidas conservacionistas efetivas é manter registros da distribuição das espécies. Check List foi criado para atender a esta necessidade publicando artigos sobre estes importantes inventários.

Os artigos submetidos ao periódico Check List não tem limite de caracteres ou tamanho, são livres de custo, e os artigos são disponibilizados em formato pdf de alta resolução.

New records of the red-rumped mouse Juliomys pictipes (Osgood, 1933) (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in coastal Atlantic Forest of Paraná, southern Brazil

CERBONCINI, R.A.S.; JUNIOR, C.M.M.; TIEPOLO, L.M.; PASSOS, F.C. 2014. New records of the red-rumped mouse Juliomys pictipes (Osgood, 1933) (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in coastal Atlantic Forest of Paraná, southern Brazil. Biotemas 27(1):159-164.

Abstract. Juliomys pictipes is a Sigmodontinae rodent endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Herein, we report the first records of the species on the coast of the state of Paraná, filling a gap in the species’ distribution. Records at low altitudes in the eastern part of the Serra do Mar conirm that the coastal mountains are not a barrier to the species’ distribution.

First records of the southern naked-tailed armadillo Cabassous unicinctus (Cingulata: Dasypodidae) in Paraguay

SMITH, P.; OWEN, R.D.; ATKINSON, K.; CASTILLO, H.; NORTHCOTE-SMITH, E. 2011. First records of the southern naked-tailed armadillo Cabassous unicinctus (Cingulata: Dasypodidae) in Paraguay. Edentata 12:53-57.

Abstract. The first specimens of southern naked-tailed armadillo Cabassous unicinctus squamicaudis from Paraguay are documented, extending the know distribution of the species approximately 270 km south-southwestward in the cerrado eco-region. This is the 12th spcies of armadillo documented as present in Paraguay. Paraguay is the only country with three representatives of the genus Cabassous occurring within its borders.

Analysis of the distribution patterns of southern right whale off the southern Brazilian coast

SANTO, S.E.; FRANCO, D.; GROCH, K. 2013. Analysis of the distribution patterns of southern right whale off the southern Brazilian coast. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 8(3):143-149.

Abstract. The southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, is a migratory baleen whale that uses southern Brazilian waters as a nursery and breeding ground from June to November. This study aims to determine the distribution patterns and main aggregation sites of southern right whales off the southern Brazilian coast from around Santa Catarina Island to Osório, and to investigate the population distribution according to the coastline and bathymetric features. The methods consisted in obtaining geographical coordinates for each individual, sighted through helicopter expeditions over a transect along the coastline, conducted once a year in September, from 2001 to 2010. This data was used to generate a density estimate surface map of southern right whales using the Kernel Density Estimator. Additionally, a digital bathymetry was overlaid to the density estimate map. The results pointed out a region of high density estimate of southern right whales, located from 28°12’22”S, 48°39’25”W to 28°33’58”S 48°47’19”W, respectively, from Imbituba to Santa Marta Cape. The largest aggregations were observed where the shelf declivity is higher, as a result from the bathymetric lines of 10 m and 40 m being closer to each other, and where the coastline shows great amount of bays. We highlight the importance of monitoring the southern right whales distribution patterns observed in this study, aiming to identify possible habitat changes that can be indicative of disturbances on their populations.

Variatión geográfica del zorro Lycalopex culpaeus (Mammalia, Canidae) en Chile: implicaciones taxonómicas

GUZMÁN, J.A.; D'ELÍA, G.; ORTIZ, J.C. 2009. Variatión geográfica del zorro Lycalopex culpaeus (Mammalia, Canidae) en Chile: implicaciones taxonómicas. Revista de Biología Tropical 57(1-2):421-432.

Abstract. Geographic variation of the fox Lycalopex culpaeus (Mammalia, Canidae) in Chile: taxonomic implications. We studied the geographic variation of skulls of Lycalopex culpaeus using qualitative and quantative analyses. The sampling area covered Chile, from its northern portion, to Tierra del Fuego and the neighbouring Hoste Island, as well as part of Argentina. Five subespecies are currently recognized from this large area. We found two morphotypes that are segregated geographically. Both groups mostly differ by morphometric attributes, followed by qualitative features. Specimens from northern Chile (Tarapacá and Antofagasta) have small skulls, short rostrum, a liriform sagital zone, and lack the interparietal crest. The second group is formed by specimens from north-western and central Argentina, central-south Chile, Patagonia, and the austral islands of Tierra del Fuego and Hoste. This group presents a strong sagital crest, large rostrum, and a large skull. Our results agree with observed patterns of mitochondrial DNA variation. We propose to retain the name L. c. andinus for the populations of northern Chile and to synonymize L. c. magellanicus, L. c. lycoides, and L. c. smithersi under L. c. culpaeus.

The maned wolf in the ecotone between forest and grasslands at the limits of its distribution in a subtropical environment

MARQUES, R.V.; FABIÁN, M.E. 2013. The maned wolf in the ecotone between forest and grasslands at the limits of its distribution in a subtropical environment. Bioscience Journal 29(3):751-759.

Abstract. The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a neotropical canid that is considered near threatened by the IUCN, vulnerable in Brazil and critically endangered in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Araucaria High Plains have coverage of Atlantic forest mixed in with open areas and small wetland areas and are at one of the limits of the range of the maned wolf. The objectives of this article are to demonstrate that, although rare, the maned wolf does still occur in the Araucaria High Plains and to discuss the relevance of conservation efforts in areas in which the occurrence of threatened species is borderline. Data collection took place between March of 1999 and December of 2010 with a total sampling effort of 11,431 trap-days. After 10 years in which there were no corroborated records, the species was caught by camera traps in the São Francisco de Paula National Forest in November of 2009. This is a protected area with forest vegetation and is not considered the species’ typical habitat. The open areas in this region are being taken over by agriculture and silviculture of exotic species.

Occurrence (new record) of maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815) (Carnivora, Canidae) in southern Brazil

PINTO, L.C.; DUARTE, M.M. 2013. Occurrence (new record) of maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815) (Carnivora, Canidae) in southern Brazil. Ciência Florestal 23(1):253-259.

Abstract. The present study presents the record of occurrence of Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815) in an area of wet grasslands which is adjacent to the riparian forest along Ibicui river, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The species was found through the use of camera traps and search of vestiges in pre-established transections in the area, as part of a environmental monitoring program of a forestation project.

The pampas cat group (genus Lynchailurus Severtzov, 1858) (Carnivora: Felidae), a systematic and biogeographic review

GARCIA-PEREA, R. 1994. The pampas cat group (genus Lynchailurus Severtzov, 1858) (Carnivora: Felidae), a systematic and biogeographic review. American Museum Novitates 3096:1-36.

Abstract. A systematic study of 86 specimens of South American cats formerly known as Felis colocolo reveals three species, in addition to a new subspecies described herein. The three species are grouped in the genus Lynchailurus on the basis of shared character states. Lynchailurus pajeros occurs on high-elevation steppes from Ecuador to Bolivia and Argentina (eastern slope of the Andes), and farther south in Argentina into lowland steppe, shrubland, and dry forest habitats. Its southern limit is Patagonia (Argentinean and Chilean). Lynchailurus braccatus is found in Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, where it occupies humid and warmer grassland and forested areas, at moderate elevations. Lynchailurus colocolo occurs in subtropical forests at middle elevations in central Chile, and in high-elevation steppes in northern Chile on the western slope of the Andes. The latter species may be endangered, because its distribution is limited. Assigned subspecies are as follows: L. pajeros budini and L. p. crespoi, in northwestern Argentina; L. p. crucinus, in southern Argentina and Chile; L. p. garleppi, in Peru; L. p. pajeros, in central Argentina; L. p. steinbachi, in Bolivia; L. p. thomasi, from Ecuador; L. braccatus braccatus, in southwestern Brazil and Paraguay; L. b. munoai, in Uruguay and southern Brazil; L. colocolo colocolo, in central Chile; and L. c. wolffsohni (new subspecies), in northern Chile.

Revisão sobre o fenômeno da hibridização em cetáceos e pinípedes

SCHAURICH, M.N.; LOPES, F.R.V.; OLIVEIRA, L.R. 2012. Revisão sobre o fenômeno da hibridização em cetáceos e pinípedes. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 7(3):199-209.

Abstract. The hybridism is the result of mating between two individuals from different and reproductively isolated gene pools accepted as species that usually generate infertile offspring. The evolutionary consequences of this phenomenon vary depending on the mating system, hybrid’s frequency, the degree of reproductive isolation and the genetic differences between the parental species as well as their speciation process. Hybrids have been recorded frequently in aquatic and terrestrial mammals, both in nature and captivity. We review studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 1940 and 2010, in which hybrid cases were reported for cetaceans and pinnipeds. We found 37 scientific papers recording 1,201 hybrids: 57 in cetaceans (nature = 27; captivity = 30) and 1,144 in pinnipeds (nature = 1,137; captivity = 7). A possible explanation for this phenomenon in the wild could be the close phylogenetic relatedness between parental species and also the potential absence of conspecific breeding partners. This last factor could be a result of population decline due to commercial exploitation occurred in the past. This fact is valid for pinnipeds, but especially true for blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus. It is important to note that about 99% of pinniped hybrids were reported in sympatric breeding colonies along the subantarctic islands, which facilitate the hybridization. Outbreeding depression followed by loss of genetic variability and reduction of evolutionary potential and consequently increasing the risk of extinction are the most important results of the hybridism.

Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae): records in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil

TESTONI, A.F.; FUMIS, J.; ALTHOFF, S.L.; TORTATO, F.R.; CHEREM, J.J. 2012. Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae): records in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Check List 8(6):1344-1346.

Abstract. We report Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 from three localities in the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. The specimens were identified based on cytogenetic and craniometric analyses. These are the first records of A. serrensis collected in Santa Catarina, which extend the range of this species ca. 330 km S.

Rarity in Neotropical bats: correlations with phylogeny, diet, and body mass

ARITA, H.T. 1993. Rarity in Neotropical bats: correlations with phylogeny, diet, and body mass. Ecological Applications 3(3):506-517.

Abstract. Bats are an important component of tropical faunas, both in terms of number of species and total biomass. Very little information, however, is available on the status and conservation of this diverse group. To contribute to the solution of this problem, rarity among Neotropical bats was analyzed using a set of 150 species. Rarity was quantified by local abundance and area of distributional range and by a combined index of rarity created by compounding these two variables. Nested analyses of variance showed local abundance to be more variable among genera than at any other taxonomic level, and area of distribution to be more variable among species. No significant correlation with body mass was found for local abundance or for area of distribution. Similarly, no correlation was found between distribution and abundance. Local abundance, but not area of distribution, varied significantly among taxonomic and trophic categories. At the local level, bats of the family Molossidae tend to be less abundant than other species. Bats that feed on plant parts or products (fruit, nectar, and pollen) are more abundant than insectivores and carnivores. The distribution of species among Rabinowitz' categories of rarity varied among taxonomic and trophic groups. The classification of rarity and the combined index of rarity introduced here can be used as guidelines for the identification of vulnerable species.

Small mammal community structure and composition in the Cerrado Province of central Brazil

MARES, M.A.; ERNEST, K.A.; GETTINGER, D.D. 1986. Small mammal community structure and composition in the Cerrado Province of central Brazil. Journal of Tropical Ecology 2:289-300.

Abstract. Community structure, microhabitat selection, and patterns of species co-occurrence were examined during a 14-month study of small mammals in the Cerrado Province of central Brazil. Data were collected from mark-recapture grids in brejo and gallery forest, and from live-trapping and specimen collection in all habitat types withing cerrado (campo limpo, campo sujo, cerrado [s.s.], cerradão, brejo, valley-side wet campo, and gallery forest). Gallery forest supported the highest species richness, most complex vertical distribution of species, highest level of trophic diversity, and highest macroniche diversity. Degree of habitat selection varied widely. All habitat types supported both rodents and marsupials, althought marsupials tended to be much less common in the grasslands (campos) than in woodlands (cerrado) and forest (cerradão, gallery forest). Some species, such as Didelphis albiventris, occurred in all habitat types, while others were much more restricted. Oryzomys bicolor, for example, ocurred only in gallery forest. No habitat type has a completely distinct fauna: overlap in species composition always occurred with at least one other habitat type. Because of the great variability of habitats, and the fact that subsets of the mammal fauna were frequently habitat specific, the overall species richness of any portion of mixed cerrado vegetation is remarkably high.

Elevational gradients in diversity of small mammals

MCCAIN, C.M. 2005. Elevational gradients in diversity of small mammals. Ecology 86(2):366-372.

Abstract. A global analysis of elevational diversity trends for nonvolant small mammals revealed a clear pattern of mid-elevational peaks in species richness. Fifty-six data sets were used to test the predictions of a null model (the mid-domain effect) and climatic hypotheses. Very few data sets fit entirely within the predictions of the null model, and the average predictive power of the null model was low. Regional (gamma) diversity fit the null model better than did local (alpha) diversity. Diversity peaked at higher elevations on taller mountains, consistent with climatic factors producing elevationally correlated habitat bands (Massenerhebung effect). This positive, linear relationship was documented for all data sets but was particularly pronounced for alpha diversity. Gamma diversity, which is generally highly influenced by area, exhibited a trend of highest diversity shifting toward lower elevations, and higher elevational peaks in species diversity at higher latitudes. The elevation of temperate diversity peaks exhibited a negative association with latitude. These results are evidence for the importance of a suite of interacting climatic, area, and geometric factors on elevational diversity patterns, apparent in spite of noise associated with different sampling techniques, localities, and historical pressures.