Amazonian freshwater habitats experiencing environmental and socieconomic threats affecting subsistence fisheries

ALHO, C.J.R.; REIS, R.E.; AQUINO, P.P.U. 2015. Amazonian freshwater habitats experiencing environmental and socieconomic threats affecting subsistence fisheries. AMBIO 44(5):412-425. doi: 10.1007/s13280-014-0610-z

Abstract. Matching the trend seen among the major large rivers of the globe, the Amazon River and its tributaries are facing aquatic ecosystem disruption that is affecting freshwater habitats and their associated biodiversity, including trends for decline in fishery resources. The Amazon’s aquatic ecosystems, linked natural resources, and human communities that depend on them are increasingly at risk from a number of identified threats, including expansion of agriculture; cattle pastures; infrastructure such as hydroelectric dams, logging, mining; and overfishing. The forest, which regulates the hydrological pulse, guaranteeing the distribution of rainfall and stabilizing seasonal flooding, has been affected by deforestation. Flooding dynamics of the Amazon Rivers are a major factor in regulating the intensity and timing of aquatic organisms. This study’s objective was to identify threats to the integrity of freshwater ecosystems, and to seek instruments for conservation and sustainable use, taking principally fish diversity and fisheries as factors for analysis.

Bat inventory in a Caatinga area in Northeastern Brazil, with a new occurrence in the state of Paraíba

BELTRÃO, M.G.; ZEPPELINI, C.G.; FRACASSO, M.P.A.; LOPES, L.C.S. 2015. Bat inventory in a Caatinga area in Northeastern Brazil, with a new occurrence in the state of Paraíba. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 10(1):15-20. doi: 10.4013/nbc.2015.101.06

Abstract. The Caatinga is a semi-arid ecosystem with a long history of anthropic impacts and scientific negligence. Since bats are the second most diverse group of mammals and have wide ecological roles, a well-based comprehension of their diversity for an area is important for management and conservationist actions. The goal of this study is to provide a list of the bat species found in Private Reserve of Natural Heritage Fazenda Almas, Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. By sampling with mist nets and exploring roosts, we captured 126 specimens and recorded 19 species from 5 families. The most abundant species were Artibeus planirostris, Peropteryx macrotis, Myotis nigricans, and Carollia perspicillata. We registered high diversity of Phyllostominae, as well as the occurrence of the genus Histiotus in the state for the first time. Our results indicate that Caatinga areas can maintain bat assemblages with levels of diversity similar to moist tropical areas, which highlights the need to expand the network of protected areas in this threatened ecosystem.

Abundance and community composition of small mammals in different habitats in Hugumburda forest, northern Ethiopia

ADAM, M.; WELEGERIMA, K.; MEHERETU, Y. 2015. Abundance and community composition of small mammals in different habitats in Hugumburda forest, northern Ethiopia. International Journal fo Biodiversity and Conservation 7(2):119-125. doi: 10.5897/IJBC2014.0787

Abstract. Tropical forest ecosystems harbor several species of small mammals. Diversity and abundance of small mammals in these forests reflect the quality and diversity of the ecosystems. The corrent study was carried out to assess abundance and species composition of small mammals (rodents and shrews) in three habitat types (Pterolobium, Juniperus and Cadia habitats) in Hugumburda forest, a dry afromontane forest in the Tigray region of North Ethiopia. The habitat types were selected based on the floristic compositions (plant species diversity) and level of human disturbance. All together, 179 individual small mammals belonging to seven rodent and one insectivore species were captured in 4,320 trap nights. The rodent species, with their relative abundance, were Stenocephalemys albipes, 55 (30.7%); Mastomys awashensis, 53 (29.6%); Arvicanthis dembeensis, 26 (14.5%); Lophuromys flavopunctatus, 22 (12.3%); Mus (Nannomys) setulosus, 14 (7.8%); Arvicanthis abysinicus 4 (2.2%); Dendromus mystacalis, 3 (1.7%) and the insectivore Crocidura olivieri, 2 (1.1%). There was significant variation in the small mammal abundance among the habitat types (X²= 29.45, P= 0.009), with more individuals caught in Pterolobium habitat, which has relatively highest plant species composition and lowest human disturbance than the other two habitats. The highest small mammal species diversity was also recorded in this habitat (H'= 1.76). Vegetation diversity and level of human interference are likely the major factors affecting small mammal abundance and composition in Hugumburda forest.

Journals: Diversity

Diversity

- Abreviatura: Diversity.

- Home Page: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/diversity

- Qualis CAPES: B5 (Biodiversidade), C (Ciências Biológicas I).

- Taxa de Publicação: Sim.

- Idiomas: Inglês.

- Disponibilidade: Acesso livre a todos os artigos.

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

Diversity é um periódico internacional multidisciplinar de ciências sobre conceito e aplicação da diversidade, avaliação da diversidade e preservação da diversidade. É focado em diversidade de organismos e molecular. Publica revisões, artigos de pesquisas regulares e notas curtas em fascículos regulares. Notícias relacionadas e pronunciamentos também são publicadas. O objetivo do periódico é encorajar cientistas a publicar seus resultados experimentais e teóricos com o máximo de detalhes possível. Portanto, não há restrição quanto ao tamanho do artigo. Todos os detalhes experimentais devem ser fornecidos para que os resultados possam ser reproduzidos. O periódico também possui duas características únicas: comentários sobre quaisquer artigos publicados neste periódico e outros periódicos podem ser publicados como cartas curtas; arquivos eletrônicos sobre os detalhes completos dos cálculos e procedimentos experimentais, se não for possível ser publicado de maneira normal, será depositado como material suplementar.

As principais áreas e escopo do periódico são: aspectos gerais da avaliação da diversidade (modelos matemáticos e métodos computacionais); diversidade de organismos; biodiversidade, ecossistemas e índices de diversidade; diversidade e evolução molecular; estratégias de preservação da diversidade.

Use of arboreal and terrestrial space by a small mammal community in a tropical rain forest in Borneo, Malaysia

WELLS, K. PFEIFFER, M.; LAKIM, M.B.; LINSENMAIR, K.E. 2004. Use of arboreal and terrestrial space by a small mammal community in a tropical rain forest in Borneo, Malaysia. Journal of Biogeography 31:641-652.

Abstract:
Aim: Small mammals were live-trapped in a primary rain forest to evaluate the relative distribution of species to each other and to microhabitat properties on the ground and in the canopy.
Location: Kinabalu National Park in Borneo, Sabah, Malaysia.
Methods: Seven trapping sessions were conducted along two grids with 31 trap points at distances of 20 m on the ground and in the lower canopy at an average height of 13.5 m.
Results: Species diversity and abundance of small mammals proved to be high: 20 species of the families Muridae, Sciuridae, Tupaiidae, Hystricidae, Viverridae and Lorisidae were trapped, with murids being dominant in both habitat layers. The terrestrial community was significantly more diverse with 16 captured species (Shannon–Wiener’s diversity index H'terr = 2.47), while 11 species were trapped in the canopy (H'arb = 1.59). The Whitehead’s rat, Maxomys whiteheadi, and the red spiny rat, Maxomys surifer, dominated the terrestrial community whereas the large pencil-tailed tree mouse, Chiropodomys major, was by far the most abundant species in the canopy. Other abundant species of the canopy community, the dark-tailed tree rat, Niviventer cremoriventer, and the lesser treeshrew, Tupaia minor, were also abundant on the ground, and there was no clear boundary between arboreal and terrestrial species occurrences.
Main Conclusions: As most species were not confined to specific microhabitats or habitat layers, species seemed to rely on resources not necessarily restricted to certain microhabitats or habitat layers, and separation of species probably resulted mainly from a species’ concentrated activity in a preferred microhabitat rather than from principal adaptations to certain habitats. Ecological segregation was stronger in the more diverse terrestrial community, though microhabitat selection was generally not sufficient to explain the co-occurrences of species and the variability between local species assemblages. Constraints on small mammal foraging efficiency in the three-dimensional more complex canopy may be responsible for the similarity of microhabitat use of all common arboreal species. Community composition was characterized by mobile species with low persistence rates, resulting in a high degree of variability in local species assemblages with similar turnover rates in both habitats.

Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in native and reforested areas in Rancho Alegre, Paraná, Brazil

GALLO, P.H.; REIS, N.R.; ANDRADE, F.R. 2010. Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in native and reforested areas in Rancho Alegre, Paraná, Brazil. Revista de Biología Tropical 58(4):1311-1322.

Abstract. Generally, natural environments have been transformed into small forest remnants, with the consequent habitat loss and species extinction. The North Paraná State is not an exception, since only 2 to 4% of the original ecosystem occurs in small fragments of Stational Semidecidual Forest. We studied the species richness and abundance of bats in two forest fragments from the Fazenda Congonhas, in Rancho Alegre city, Paraná State, Brazil. Four samplings were undertaken in a legally protected native area (107.8 ha) and in a reforested area (11.8 ha) between April 2007 and March 2008. Samplings began at nightfall and lasted six hours, during two consecutive nights in each location. The individuals were captured using eight mist nets, with the same capture effort in both environments. A total of 397 individuals, 14 species and 10 genera were captured in the native area; while in the reforested area, 105 individuals, six species and four genera. Artibeus lituratus was the most common species in both fragments (n= 328, 65.3%), followed by Artibeus fimbriatus (n= 44, 8.8%) and Artibeus jamaicensis (n= 30, 6.0%). Other species including Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata, Sturnira lilium, Chrotopterus auritus, Desmodus rotundus, Michronycteris megalotis, Phyllostomus hastatus, Phyllostomus discolor, Myoti levis, Myotis nigricans and Lasiurus blossevillii, accounted for 19.9% of the captures. The native area presented higher values of species richness (S=14) and diversity (H’=1.4802) in comparison to the reforested area (S=6, H’=0.57015). The t-test evidenced a significant difference between diversity among the sites (t=7.1075). Chao 1 index indicated that the sampling effort recorded approximately 78% from the total species richness for the native area and 75% for the reforested area. Therefore, the preservation of the forest fragment is essential since it provides habitat for a diverse community of bats. Forest management and reforestation actions may prevent drastic changes in the microclimate of neighboring areas within the forest fragment, and could allow the occupation of available niches in the area, by opportunistic and generalist species.

The role of forest structure, fragment size and corridors in maintaining small mammal abundance and diversity in an Atlantic forest landscape

PARDINI, R.; SOUZA, S.M.; BRAGA-NETO, R.; METZGER, J.P. 2005. The role of forest structure, fragment size and corridors in maintaining small mammal abundance and diversity in an Atlantic forest landscape. Biological Conservation 124:253-266. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2005.01.033.

Abstract. Using the abundance and distribution of small mammals at 26 sites in an Atlantic forest landscape, we investigated how species abundance and alpha and beta diversity are affected by fragment size and the presence of corridors. To account for the variability in forest structure among fragments, we described and minimized the influence of foliage density and stratification on small mammal data. Sites were distributed among three categories of fragment size and in continuous forest. For small and medium-sized categories, we considered isolated fragments and fragments connected by corridors to larger remnants. Small mammal abundance and alpha and beta diversity were regressed against site scores from the first axis of a Principal Component Analysis on forest structure variables. Residuals were used in analyses of variance to compare fragment size and connectivity categories. Forest structure influenced total abundance and abundance of some species individually, but not the diversity of small mammal communities. Total abundance and alpha diversity were lower in small and medium-sized fragments than in large fragments and continuous forest, and in isolated compared to connected fragments. Three species were less common, but none was more abundant in smaller fragments. At least one species was more abundant in connected compared to isolated fragments. Beta diversity showed an opposite relationship to fragment size and corridors, increasing in small and isolated fragments. Results highlight the importance of secondary forest for the conservation of tropical fauna, the hyper-dynamism of small isolated fragments and the potential of corridors to buffer habitat fragmentation effects in tropical landscapes.

Key to the genera of the Tribe Oryzomyini (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae)

WEKSLER, M.; PERCEQUILLO, A.R. 2011. Key to the genera of the Tribe Oryzomyini (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae). Mastozoología Neotropical 18(2):281-292.

Abstract. Due to recent phylogenetic and revisionary taxonomic work, the systematics of the Tribe Oryzomyini, the largest group of sigmodontine rodents, underwent profound changes. We present here an artificial key for the genera of this group of rodents, enabling researchers to identify oryzomyines using external, cranial and dental characteristics. We also present the most up-to-date diversity assessment of the tribe, in which we recognize 33 extant and extinct genera (plus three undescribed genus-group taxa) and 130 valid species.

Genome-wide loss of diversity in the critically endangered hawaiian monk seal

SCHULTZ, J.K.; MARSHALL, A.J.; PFUNDER, M. 2010. Genome-wide loss of diversity in the critically endangered hawaiian monk seal. Diversity 2(6):863-880. doi: 10.3390/d2060863.

Abstract. Threatened species often exhibit low genetic diversity as a result of selective sweeps, historical bottlenecks, or persistent small population size. Whereas selective sweeps create localized reduction of variation at a chromosome, population bottlenecks result in the loss of rare alleles throughout the genome. Heterozygosity is lost more slowly and is severely impacted only when populations are small for an extended period of time. We test the hypotheses of selective sweep, historical bottleneck and persistently small population size to explain extremely low genetic diversity in the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Of 163 microsatellite loci isolated from the species’ genome, only 17 are polymorphic. Mapping 98 monomorphic and 12 polymorphic loci to 35 chromosomes throughout the dog genome, we reject the selective sweep hypothesis. Genotyping 2,423 Hawaiian monk seals at the 17 polymorphic loci plus a locus previously isolated from another pinniped species, we find evidence for a recent bottleneck (P = 0.04). This is consistent with historical records describing intense hunting in the 19th century; however, the bottleneck was not of sufficient severity and duration to explain the genome-wide depletion of genetic diversity (HO = 0.05; A = 1.1). Long-term population size restriction is a more likely explanation. Though at least two of the polymorphic loci appear to be candidates for selection, the low genetic diversity of the species may further threaten chances for survival of this critically endangered species in a changing world.

Contemporary neotropical defaunation and forest structure, function, and diversity - a sequel to John Terborgh

DIRZO, R.; MIRANDA, A. 1990. Contemporary neotropical defaunation and forest structure, function, and diversity - a sequel to John Terborgh. Conservation Biology 4(4):444-447.

Abstract. From a series of long-term studies at the Los Tuxtlas Tropical Research Station, Mexico, it is argued that a number of features of this forest's understorey support Terborgh's contention [see Conservation Biology (1988) 2 402-403] that big animals of the tropical forest play an important though largely unappreciated role in the diversity and structure of these natural ecosystems.

rich: an R package to analyse species richness

ROSSI, J-P. 2011. rich: an R package to analyse species richness. Diversity 3(1):112-120. doi: 10.3390/d3010112.

Abstract. The paper describes rich, a new R package to perform species richness estimation and comparison. Species richness is the simplest surrogate for the more complex concept of species biodiversity. It is relatively easy to assess although estimations strongly depend on sampling intensity with the consequence that richness estimations should be standardized to perform valid comparisons. The R package rich allows such corrections as well as the computation of various statistics and implements different randomization tests to compare cumulative and average species richness of two communities. These tests are useful for ranking sites or communities which is a classical goal in restoration ecology and conservation biology.

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.

The question of scale in threat analysis: a case study with Brazilian mammals

GRELLE, C.E.V.; FONSECA, G.A.B.; FONSECA, M.T.; COSTA, L.P. 1999. The question of scale in threat analysis: a case study with Brazilian mammals. Animal Conservation 2:149-152.

Abstract. Rates of biodiversity loss are clearly associated with a reduction in the extent of original habitat. The most frequently used method to derive such estimates comes from the well-known species–area relationship. We explored the relationship between habitat loss and area for the Brazilian mammal fauna on a biome level (Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and the Brazilian portion of the Amazon basin), as well as on a smaller regional scale (the Rio Doce Valley of the Atlantic Forest). Habitat loss overestimates the number of threatened species when the entire species pool is considered (endemics and wideranging species). Restricting the analyses to the endemic species, the predicted extinction as a function of habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest and in the Cerrado is found to be greater than the number of taxa actually listed as threatened. This relation is reversed in the Amazon. When considering only the localized species pool for the Rio Doce Valley region of the Atlantic Forest, the function accurately predicts the number of extinctions resulting from habitat loss. We suggest that there is both theoretical and empirical evidence to suggest that threat analysis will generate more accurate estimates of species loss when conducted on a more local scale, particularly for the fauna of non-insular, continental regions. Furthermore, other phenomena affecting the likelihood of extinction of certain groups of species, such as hunting, need to be taken into account in order to better understand the dynamics of biodiversity loss.

Spatial scale, species diversity, and habitat structure: small mammals in Australian Tropical Rain Forest

WILLIAMS, S.E.; MARSH, H.; WINTER, J. 2002. Spatial scale, species diversity, and habitat structure: small mammals in Australian Tropical Rain Forest. Ecology 83(5):1317-1329.

Abstract. We investigated patterns of mammal assemblage structure on the Atherton Tableland in the Wet Tropics biogeographic region of northeastern Australia. We used live trapping and quantitative estimates of stratified vegetation density to examine the relationships between the structure of the mammal assemblage and habitat structure over three nested spatial scales across a natural vegetation gradient from rain forest to dry, open forest. The narrow transition zone enabled us to examine the relationships between mammal assemblage structure and habitat structure while minimizing the confounding effects of distance, climate, and biogeographic history. The structure of the mammal assemblages was closely related to vegetation structure across and within habitats, and over all spatial scales examined. Vegetation complexity and heterogeneity both influenced assemblage structure, but the relationships varied with spatial scale. Species richness was highest in the open forest and decreased across the gradient into the rain forest. Point diversity was only weakly explained by vegetation structure, whereas .80% of the variation in species richness at the local scale could be explained by vegetation structure. Local-scale species richness of ground-dwelling mammals was mostly a product of the spatial variability in assemblage structure (b diversity), which was associated with the spatial variability in vegetation structure. Local-scale habitat heterogeneity thus promoted local-scale species richness via the close ecological interaction between mammals and habitat structure. The multiscale approach used here, and the nesting of spatial variability in within-habitat vegetation structure, enabled us to demonstrate the scale-dependent effects of spatial habitat heterogeneity and complexity on the structure and diversity of the small-mammal assemblage.

Fotos: Armadilha de arame de dupla passagem

Existem armadilhas de arame (similar ao modelo Tomahawk) que funcionam de maneira diferente - elas possuem duas portas, uma de cada lado, e se fecham quando o animal tenta atravessar a armadilha. Estas armadilhas tem a vantagem de que não precisam de isca. Devem ser instaladas de maneira que os animais sejam capazes de passar por elas. Criar túneis e canais que obriguem o animal a entrar é uma boa estratégia.
Há um estudo sobre uso dessas armadilhas para captura de cuíca d'água (Chironectes minimus), instalando em córregos (Bressiani et al. 2008; acompanhem a próxima postagem).
Fotógrafo: Maury S.L. Abreu.
Contato: maury.abreu@gmail.com.

Fotos: Armadilha Tomahawk

Outro modelo de armadilha de captura viva tipicamente utilizado em levantamentos de pequenos mamíferos, o modelo Tomahawk consiste em uma gaiola. O animal fica menos protegido, mas há quem afirme que as tomahawks capturam animais que não são capturados nas Sherman. Também precisa de isca.
Nesta foto, a armadilha esta instalada em um suporte de madeira, preso por cordas para içar a armadilha até o dossel da floresta, permitindo assim captura de animais essencialmente arborícolas. É uma boa técnica em estudos de estratificação vertical. As armadilhas modelo Sherman também podem ser instaladas nesses suportes, assim como as de modelo Tomahawk também podem ser instaladas no solo e no sub-bosque (galhos e vegetação suspensa).
Fotógrafo: Maury S.L. Abreu.
Contato: maury.abreu@gmail.com.

Fotos: Armadilha Sherman

A técnica mais frequentemente utilizada para levantamentos de pequenos mamíferos é captura viva com armadilhas. Essa foto mostra uma armadilha modelo Sherman. Na foto ela esta instalada em um galho para captura de pequenos mamíferos arborícolas e escansoriais (como para estudos de uso do espaço vertical), mas o mais comum é instalar a armadilha no solo. Essas armadilhas possuem um gatilho no fundo, e quando o animal pisa, a porta se fecha, e só pode ser aberta pelo lado de fora. É necessário uso de isca.
Fotógrafo: Maury S.L. Abreu.
Contato: maury.abreu@gmail.com.

The role of forest structure, fragment size and corridors in maintaining small mammal abundance and diversity in an Atlantic forest landscape

PARDINI, R.; SOUZA, S.M.; BRAGA-NETO, R.; METZGER, J.P. 2005. The role of forest structure, fragment size and corridors in maintaining small mammal abundance and diversity in an Atlantic forest landscape. Biological Conservation 124:253-266.

Abstract. Using the abundance and distribution of small mammals at 26 sites in an Atlantic forest landscape, we investigated how species abundance and alpha and beta diversity are affected by fragment size and the presence of corridors. To account for the variability in forest structure among fragments, we described and minimized the influence of foliage density and stratification on small mammal data. Sites were distributed among three categories of fragment size and in continuous forest. For small and medium-sized categories, we considered isolated fragments and fragments connected by corridors to larger remnants. Small mammal abundance and alpha and beta diversity were regressed against site scores from the first axis of a Principal Component Analysis on forest structure variables. Residuals were used in analyses of variance to compare fragment size and connectivity categories. Forest structure influenced total abundance and abundance of some species individually, but not the diversity of small mammal communities. Total abundance and alpha diversity were lower in small and medium-sized fragments than in large fragments and continuous forest, and in isolated compared to connected fragments. Three species were less common, but none was more abundant in smaller fragments. At least one species was more abundant in connected compared to isolated fragments. Beta diversity showed an opposite relationship to fragment size and corridors, increasing in small and isolated fragments. Results highlight the importance of secondary forest for the conservation of tropical fauna, the hyper-dynamism of small isolated fragments and the potential of corridors to buffer habitat fragmentation effects in tropical landscapes.

Livros: Métodos de estudo em biologia da conservação e manejo da vida silvestre

CULLEN JR., L.; RUDRAN, R.; VALLADARES-PADUA,C. (org.) 2006. Métodos de estudos em biologia da conservação e manejo da vida silvestre. 2ª ed. Curitiba: Ed. Universidade Federal do Paraná. 652 p.

Um livro clássico sobre técnicas para estudos em ecologia, este livro apresenta algumas das principais metodologias utilizadas em estudos científicos. Também é extremamente útil para aqueles que trabalham com consultoria ambiental, justamente por conter descrição detalhadas das principais metodologias utilizadas em trabalhos deste tipo - não apenas com mamíferos, mas também estudos com aves, invertebrados e outros grupos. É bem verdade que existem títulos mais recentes com descrição de técnicas úteis, mas isso não tira a importância deste livro.
Se bem sei, uma nova edição já vem sendo prometida há algum tempo, mas nunca siu. Uma reimpressão saiu acho que em 2008, mas a única novidade significativa são as imagens coloridas.

Sumário do livro
1. Estimativas de riqueza em espécies (Adalberto José dos Santos).
2. Macroinvertebrados aquáticos como indicadores ambientais da qualidade de água (Donald P. Eaton).
3. Diversidade de macroinvertebrados em riachos (Adriano Sanches Melo).
4. Captura e marcação de animais silvestres (Paulo Rogério Mangini, Patrícia Avello Nicola).
5. Insetos como indicadores ambientais (André Victor Lucci Freitas, Ronaldo Bastos Francini, Keith S. Brown Jr.).
6. Métodos para estudos com aves (Pedro Ferreira Develey).
7. Transectos lineares na estimativa de densidade de mamíferos e aves de médio e grande porte (Laury Cullen Jr., Rudy Rudran).
8. Levantamento rápido de mamíferos terrestres de médio e grande porte (Renata Pardini, Eduardo Humberto Ditt, Laury Cullen Jr., Clarice Bassi, Rudy Rudran).
9. Manejo e controle de danos causados por espécies da fauna (Sandra M.C. Cavalcanti).
10. Uso de armadilhas fotográficas em levantamentos populacionais (Walfrido Moraes Tomas, Guilherme H.B. de Miranda).
11. Armadilhamento fotográfico de grandes felinos: algumas considerações importantes (Ullas Karanth, Jamas D. Nichols, Laury Cullen Jr.).
12. Radiotelemetria em estudos populacionais (Anael Aymoré Jacob).
13. Metodologias moleculares utilizadas em genética da conservação (Beatriz M. Perez-Sweeney, Fernando P. Rodrigues, Dan J. Melnick).
14. Restauração e conservação de ecossistemas tropicais (Paulo Kageyama, Flávio Bertin Gandara).
15. Fenologia, frugivoria e dispersão de sementes (Mauro Galetti, Marco Aurélio Pizo, Patrícia C. Morellato).
16. Estrutura da paisagem: o uso adequado de métricas (Jean Paul Metzger).
17. Métodos para análise de vegetação arbórea (Giselda Durigan).
18. Uso de sistema de informações geográficas em Biologia da Conservação (Alexandre Uezu).
19. Estatística e interpretação de dados (Paulo de Marco Junior, Adriano Pereira Paglia).
20. Delineamento de experimentos numa perspectiva de ecologia de paisagem (Jean Paul Metzger).
21. A abordagem participativa na educação para a conservação da natureza (Suzana M. Padua, Marlene F. Tabanez, Maria das Graças de Souza).
22. Análise da sustentabilidade de caça em florestas tropicais no Peru - Estudo de caso (Richard E. Bodmer, John G. Robinson).
23. Estrevistas e aplicação de questionários em trabalhos de conservação (Eduardo Humberto Ditt, Waldir Mantovani, Cláudio Valladares-Padua, Clarice Bassi).
24. Manejo integrado de espécies ameaçadas (Cláudio B. Valladares-Padua, Cristina Saddy Martins, Rudy Rudran).

The role of habitat complexity and heterogeneity in structuring tropical mammal communities

August, P.V. 1983. The role of habitat complexity and heterogeneity in structuring tropical mammal communities. Ecology 64(6):1495-1507.

Abstract. The relationship between mammal community structure and vertical variation in habitat physiognomy (complexity) and horizontal variation in habitat form (heterogeneity) was examined on five study areas in the llanos of Venezuela. Data on the small mammals (<1 kg) of the study sites were obtained through a mark-recapture trapping program of > 38.000 trap nights from 1976-1978. Data on the distribution of large, nonvolant mammals were obtained during 24 mo of field observation. Measures of habitat complexity and habitat heterogeneity were derived using principal components analysis. There was little association between habitat structure and the richness, diversity, abundance, and biomass of small mammals. Abiotic factors, such as the degree of wet-season flooding, probably play an important role in patterns of small mammal distribution and abundance. The total number of mammal species was positively correlated with habitat complexity but not correlated with habitat heterogeneity. Increasing species richness across the complexity gradient was probably accommodated by increasing potential food resorces. New species were added to complex communities primarily through guild expansion rather than guild addition.