Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Introduction: The presence and structure of vegetation in urban areas have an impact on the composition of bird communities. Green areas with a higher ratio of introduced vegetation tend to have a greater homogenization of avifauna, whereas green areas with a high ratio of native vegetation have a greater diversity of birds. In several studies carried out in urban areas of Mexico, the factors of vegetation are not considered. Therefore, the responses of the species to vegetation types in terms of richness and diversity are unknown. Objective: To analyze the composition of bird species in the green areas of Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, and evaluate the response of bird communities in areas with differences in vegetation composition. As well as to analyze the relationship between the trophic guilds in birds and vegetation in urban areas. Methods: Three sampling sites were established in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, based on two criteria: similar sampling area (ha) and differences in vegetation characteristics. Monitoring took place between January and December 2020, with three monthly visits in each site for a total of 108 visits, using the direct visual method. Results: We identified 98 species (11 orders, 28 families). The most abundant species were Quiscalus mexicanus and Molothrus aeneus. Differences in species richness were found for each site. The insectivorous and granivorous were the dominant guilds. An association between the guilds and the study sites was determined, where most were linked to mixed native vegetation, compared to homogeneous or introduced vegetation. Conclusions: The urban areas studied maintained a notable number of birds, and several of them presented some category of risk or endemism. This demonstrates the importance of these green areas composed of native vegetation as a refuge for birds and highlights the need to conserve and protect these areas within Ciudad Victoria and similar cities.

Introduction: King grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) and pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) silages are food alternatives for livestock in conditions of feed shortage. Objective: To describe the dynamics of the microbiota present in king grass and pineapple silage during the fermentation process using next generation sequencing (NGS) and to evaluate the protective effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 as a silage inoculum against Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: We used an unrestricted randomized design to characterize the microbiota present in silages made from king grass harvested 70 days after regrowth and pineapple peel. We inoculated mixtures of grass and peel with L. paracasei_6714 or L. monocytogenes, or both, with a non-inoculated treatment as control. The nutritional and fermentative profile was evaluated after 30 days. After 15 and 30 days of fermentation, we used 16S rRNA analysis to determine the dynamics and diversity of the microbiota in the inoculated and control silages. Result: Dry matter content and digestibility did not differ significantly; however, there were differences in crude protein, pH and organic acids. We obtained 4432 amplicon sequence variants of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Patescibacteria. The relative abundance of each phylum varied depending on the material and fermentation period. Phylum similarity was over 70 % (but not greater than 50 % with Bray-Curtis at the species level). Conclusion: These bacterial communities seem to have an important role during silage fermentation. Proper management of silage processing can reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacteria.

Introduction: Worldwide, expanding human activities continue to be a threat to many large-bodied species, including jaguars. As these activities continue, it is critical to understand how home range sizes will be impacted by human-modified landscapes. Objective: To evaluate the importance of protected and unprotected land on home-range size across their range. Methods: We used home range data from 117 jaguars in several habitat protection categories and human biome types. We used a Generalized Linear Mixed Model to test home range and spatial overlap with conservation categories and human biomes. Results: Most home-ranges were in Jaguar Conservation Units (62 %), followed by Protected Areas (21 %), Indigenous People's Lands (10 %) and Jaguar Movement Corridors (3 %), where 76 % of the jaguars lived inside one the first three conservation types. However, outside of conserved land, Rangeland, Cropland, Seminatural land and other human biomes were also important (24 % of the individuals). Jaguars in Rangeland, Cropland and Seminatural land had the largest home ranges. Conclusions: Although conservation land was dominant, human-impacted lands appear to play a considerable role in satisfying the spatial requirements of jaguars.

Introduction: Cloud forests are noted for their narrow distribution in tropical mountain systems. Floristically, they are complex and heterogeneous, and there are still information gaps that hinder understanding how their diversity and structure varies. Objective: To analyze patterns of diversity, structure, and composition of the cloud forest in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico. Methods: In 40 0.1 ha plots distributed in five sites in approximately 200 km, woody plants were measured and censused. The plots were located within an elevational belt between 1 700 and 2 100 m.a.s.l. With an analysis of variance, we determined the differences in true diversity and structure among the sites. The effect of environmental variables (climate and elevation gradient) was analyzed with simple regression models. To determine the effect of the environmental variables on floristic composition, multivariate methods were used. Results: In total, we recorded 4 021 individuals belonging to 220 species and 60 families. In true diversity, significant differences were found only in 0D (species richness), with a slight increase toward the central part of the study area. In the parameters 1D and 2D, diversity was constant. No significant differences were observed in tree density or basal area between sites. However, there was a significant decrease in density as elevation increased, while basal area increased toward higher parts. Beta diversity and differentiation in floristic composition are high and important between the plots of the same site, and they increase with increased distance between sites. Conclusions: Beta diversity and floristic differentiation contribute to variation to a greater degree in the cloud forest. Climatic variables and altitude have different effects on diversity and structure. Objective: In this study, we analyzed the patterns of diversity, structure and composition of the cloud forest in the physiographic region Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico. Methods: In forty 0.1 ha plot distributed in five sites along almost 200 km in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, we measured and censused the woody plants with a diameter at breast height of ≥ 5 cm. The plots were determined in an altitudinal belt between 1700 to 2100 m. With an analysis of variance, we determined the differences in richness, alpha diversity and structure among the sites, as well as simple regression models to evaluate the effect of environmental variables and altitude. We used multivariate methods to determine the variation in composition and the effect of environmental variables. Results: In the census, we found 4 021 individuals belonging to 220 species and 60 families. Richness increased slightly toward the middle part, but significant differences were detected only between Pico de Loro and El Triunfo. Alpha diversity was constant in all the sites. No pattern was observed in density and basal area among the sites, but there was a statistically significant relationship with altitude (or temperature): a reduction in density with altitude and an increase in basal area. Beta diversity and differentiation in floristic composition is high and important among the plots of the same site and increases with distance between sites. Conclusions: Beta diversity and floristic differentiation contribute to a greater extent to variation in the cloud forest. Climatic parameters and altitude have different effects, depending on the community parameter evaluated. However, the importance of historic factors related to the geology and natural and human disturbance that operate differentially throughout the Sierra Madre de Chiapas is also suggested.

Introduction: Mining-impacted areas in tropical forests require the application of ecological restoration strategies, but this process often involves use of exotic plant species ignoring the effects on the ecological regeneration of the sites where they are introduced. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Acacia mangium plantations (exotic plant) on early ecological rehabilitation (soil and vegetation) of areas impacted by open-pit gold mining in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia. Methods: 16 mining areas were selected as sampling units (eight reforested with A. mangium and eight in natural succession) in two locations. In each sampling unit, a 2 × 50 m plot was established (four plots per sampling scenario and locality), where soil fertility (physical and chemical parameters) was analyzed and the number of individuals of each vascular plant species was quantified. Results: 73 species (69 genera, 45 families) were recorded. The density of individuals was higher in areas of natural succession than in those reforested with A. mangium; conversely, species richness and diversity were higher under the A. mangium plantations. Floristic similarity was low between successional scenarios (shared species 35.6 %). The soil showed better conditions (especially N-NHO3) in mining areas with A. mangium than in those in natural regeneration. Conclusions: A. mangium plantations appears to facilitate the early rehabilitation of soil fertility and vegetation in abandoned mines; therefore, this species can play an important role in the implementation of ecological restoration strategies in areas impacted by open-pit gold mining in the Chocó and other tropical forest systems with similar environmental and disturbance conditions.

Introduction: Clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the most popular fish species in the marine aquarium trade, however, there is a lack of information on their digestive physiology during larvae ontogeny, valuable information that helps in the design of specific diets, as well as management protocols for the species. Objective: Characterize the early development of digestive enzymes of A. ocellaris during larvae ontogeny. Methods: From hatching until the 38th day after hatching (DAH), the specific activity of acid and alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase and lipase were analyzed, while acid and alkaline proteases zymograms were performed. Results: At hatching, all measured enzymes activities were detected. Acid proteases increased in activity from hatching until the 38th DAH. Alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and leucine aminopeptidase showed the same pattern and maximum activity on the 8th DAH, decreasing at the 38th DAH. Lipase activity showed peaks on the 8th and 30th DAH. Acid zymogram showed a single band, appearing on the 8th DAH. A total of eight alkaline proteases were revealed (154.2, 128.1, 104.0, 59.8, 53.5, 41.9, 36.5 and 25.1 KDa), showing seven bands on the 1st DAH and all bands from the 3rd to 8th DAH, decreasing at two bands (41.9 and 25.1 KDa) in the 38th DAH. Conclusion: A. ocellaris shows a functional stomach on the 8th DAH, where the species on the 38th DAH shows digestive enzymatic pattern to omnivore with a tendency to carnivory. Objective: Characterize the early development of digesive enzymes of A. ocellaris during larval ontogeny. Methods: From hatching until the 38th days after hatching (DAH), the specific activity of acid and alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase and lipase were analysed, while acid and alkaline proteases zymograms were perfomed. Results: At hatching, all measured enzymes activities were detected. Acid proteases increased in activity from hatching until the 38th DAH. Alkaline proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin and leucine aminopeptidase showed same pattern and maximum activity on the 8th DAH, decreasing at the 38th DAH. Lipase showed activity peaks on the 8th and 30th DAH. Acid zymogram showed a single band, appearing on the 8th DAH. Total of eight alkaline proteases were reveled (154.2, 128.1, 104.0, 59.8, 53.5, 41.9, 36.5 and 25.1 KDa), showing seven bands on the 1st DAH and all band from the 3rd to 8th DAH, decreasing at two bands (41.9 and 25.1 KDa) in the 38th DAH. Conclusion: Therefore, A. ocellaris shows functional stomach on the 8th DAH, where the species on the 38th DAH shows digestive enzymatic pattern to omnivore with a tendency to carnivory.

Microsporogenesis and ultrastructure of pollen grains in Thebroma cacao (Malvacea). Introduction: Studies on the microsporogenesis of the chocolate plant are non-existent and little is known about the ultrastructure of the pollen grains. Objectives: the microsporogenesis process is described for the first time and in detail, highlighting ultrastructural aspects of the pollen grains in T. cocao. Methods: More than 30 flowers were processed for each floral development stages according to the protocols for embedding and sectioning in paraffin. The obtained sections were stained with Safranin-Alcian Blue, PAS-Amidoblack and Lacmoid. Additional samples were processed on resin and stained with toluidine blue and ultrathin sections were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, the material was fixed and dehydrated in 2,2-dimethoxypropane, then critically dried and plated with gold. Results: Anthers differentiated by a cellular mass at the ends distal to the staminal filaments. During development, the anthers wall presents several cellular layers and at maturates time; they are reduced to the epidermis and the endothecium. Microspore mother cells divide by mitosis and then undergo meiosis to form tetrads. The tapetum is secretory and remains intact until pollen grains is released, later it degenerates. During sporodermis formation, the exine is first deposited and then the intine. The pollen grains are isopolar, spheroidal, small, tricolpate. The sporodermis is semi-tected, with reticulate ornamentation, heterobrochated reticulum with the muri without ornamentation. The orbicles are individual, smooth and of different sizes. The ultrastructure shows that the pollen grains are semi-tected, the ectexin formed by the tectum, columellae and the basal layer that constitutes the reticulate ornamentation and a very thin and compact endexin. Abundant pollenkitt on the tectum and between the columellae is observed. The intina is very thin, but it develops widely in the colpos areas, forming a compact internal intina and an unusual external intina with a columellated appearance. Conclusion: Anthers structure and development follows the known patterns of angiosperms. Simultaneous microsporogenesis and centripetal deposition of the sporodermis have been previously described for Malvaceae. Intine characters are novel for the Family. 

Introduction: The middle basin of the Bogotá River has been suffering from heavy metal contamination due to industrial discharges. This water source has been used to irrigate short-cycle crops, which has resulted in heavy metal contamination of productive soils. Objective: To evaluate a phytoremediation process with the plant species Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica plenck) and Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) in soils contaminated with heavy metals in Mosquera, Colombia. Methods: Sampling was performed with a completely randomized factorial design: a) cilantro/broccoli proportions (30 cilantro/70 broccoli, 50/50, 70 cilantro/30 broccoli and two monoculture type controls of each species) and b) phytoremediation time (3, 6 and 9 months), each treatment with four experimental plots. Soil and plant tissue were analyzed in the laboratory by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of heavy metals. Results: The analysis of heavy metals through of a spectrophotometric technique such as atomic absorption allowed the acquisition of data on concentrations, variations in relation to pH, movement of metals from soils to plant tissues and bioavailability in terms of concentration in bioaccumulator species such as Broccoli and Cilantro. In addition, the correlation matrices, and p-values lower than 0.05 allowed us to show significant data. Conclusions: Phytoremediation by means of Brassica oleracea var. Italica plenck and Coriandrum sativum L in 70/30 or 30/70 proportions in soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.0 allows a good recovery of soils with heavy metal contents in terms of high concentrations in short terms, starting bioremediation after three months and ending loads of variable availability after nine months. Result: The analysis of heavy metals by means of a spectrophotometric technique such as atomic absorption allowed the acquisition of data on concentrations, variations in relation to pH, movements of metals from soils to plant tissues and bioavailability in terms of concentration in bioaccumulative species. such as Broccoli and Cilantro. Additionally, correlation matrices and p-values less than 0.05 allow evidence of significance data. Conclusions: Phytoremediation by means of the species Brassica oleracea var. Italica plenck and Coriandrum sativum L in proportions 70/30 or 30/70 to soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0 allow a good recovery of soils with heavy metal content in terms of high concentrations in the short term, initiating bioremediation at the three months and ending variable availability loads after nine months.

Introduction: The taxonomic identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates allows characterizing biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, but in many cases some groups (e.g. Diptera) are not classified to the same taxonomic level than other due to difficulties and poor knowledge on these groups. It becomes relevant in regions little studied and affected by anthropic pressures, such as the Garagoa River in the department of Boyacá, Colombia. Objective: To study the biodiversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates from Garagoa river at the lowest taxonomical level possible in an altitudinal gradient. Methods: From March to June 2021, samples were taken at 40 sites in an altitudinal gradient between 500 and 2 887 m.a.s.l., performing a stratified aleatory sampling (36 Surber nets per site). Results: A total of 70 taxa were reported, however, using a rarefaction technique, the estimated richness for the Garagoa River may be greater than 104 taxa. The orders with the largest number of taxa were: Diptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera with Chironomidae, Elmidae and Baetidae being the families with the richest genera. Several genera have a wide distribution along the Garagoa River as Simulium, Parachironomus, Cardiocladius, Leptonema, Heterelmis, Neoelmis and Baetodes. The phi-IndVal analysis allowed us to select representative taxa at different altitudes. Thus, Lepthyphes and Belostoma are common with relatively low altitudes, while Culoptila, Lumbriculus and Physa are representative of intermediate altitudes. Finally, Gundlachia, Dugesia and Pentaneura were exclusive and frequent at the higher altitude sites. Conclusions: The composition of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community presented notable differences with respect to the evaluated altitudinal gradient that contrasted with the expected biodiversity patterns. The importance of including taxa that are not generally reported in biodiversity studies is highlighted to better understand the distribution patterns of aquatic communities in Andean streams.

Introduction: Stingless bees are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. In Indonesia, the distribution of stingless bees are grouped in three regions, namely Indo-Malayan, Wallacea, and Indo-Australian. Ten species of stingless bees have been recorded in Papua, seven of which are endemic. The Cycloop Mountains Nature Reserve (CMNR) is one of the conservation area in Papua, Indonesia, for flora and fauna. Unfortunately, the study of the diversity of stingless bees in Papua has been limited. Objective: To measure the diversity, nesting sites, nest entrance characteristics and nest architecture of stingless bees. Methods: Observation of the stingless bee nests in the nature reserves and in the residential areas used a road sampling method and information from local people, respectively. A total of 22 colonies were studied. Results: Two species of stingless bee were found, namely Tetragonula sapiens (Cockerell, 1911) and Heterotrigona (Platytrigona) planifrons (Smith, 1865). The current study showed new distribution records for T. sapiens and H. planifrons in the CMNR. The nesting site of T. sapiens was commonly found in house foundation, while that of H. planifrons was in coconut palm cavities. The nest entrance of T. sapiens varied, i.e., elliptical, oval, rounded, irregular, horizontally or vertically elongated. Meanwhile, the nest entrance of H. planifrons was vertically elongated. The brood cells of T. sapiens varied, i.e., vertical, horizontal, or semi-clusters, while in H. planifrons was layered vertically. Conclusions: Two species of stingless bees found, T. sapiens and H. planifrons, showed a new distribution records and T. sapiens was a dominant species in Papua. The nest entrance of the species varied in shape, color, and texture.