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

The spatial patterns in benthic flora and fauna have three patterns random, uniform and aggregated. Usually models to fit this are the Poisson, binomial or negative binomial distributions, respectively. However, for specific cases such models cannot be appropriated. The aim of the present study is analyse data of gastropod Echinolittorina peruviana (Lamarck, 1822) obtained in rocky shore of Antofagasta north of Chile, with the aim of determine a reasonable model for explain its spatial distribution. The results revealed that individuals have an aggregated pattern, but not all populations have negative binomial distribution, and it was proceeded to determine an alternative model to the negative binomial distributions family to explain the spatial distribution. The results revealed that population distribution can be adjusted to a Waring model. These results would agree with literature descriptions that negative binomial distribution is not the exclusive pattern that can explain the aggregated pattern in gregarious species.

The present study was carried out to analyze the trophic consumption in the Liolaemus darwinii in El Encón locality, San Juan province, Argentina. Three random samplings were carried out using pitfall traps in a sandy site, made up of dunes, during the year 2019. The site is characterized by being highly degraded by human activities. A total of 40 adult specimens were captured and analyzed. In total, 371 prey items were counted, ranging from adult and immature stages of insects, arachnids and plant matter. The richness of items was 11 categories. The Shannon index was IH= 0.38, the diversity index IS= 1.2 and Simpson's dominance index IDS= 0.8. Liolaemus darwinii is mainly insectivorous, with an active foraging mode and specialized in the consumption of ants. This is the first trophic study of this lizard species in El Encón, San Juan province, Argentina.

First record of the assassin bug Zelus renardii in Bolivia is provided. The record is based on specimens from Cochabamba. Additionally its first occurrence in the Argentinean province of Chubut from the locality of Chubut. The first teratological case in the species is described belonging to an unilateral atrophy in the right mesothoracic leg. It is concluded that the malformation can be caused by a femoral injury during a nymphal stage. Importance of the new record and teratoses are commented and discussed. 

The digestive tract is responsible for the digestion and absorption ofnutrients required for energy supply. The functional state of the organsthat compose it reflects a clear association between the animal’s habi-tat and its physiology. The aim of this study is to perform a histologicalanalysis of the cellular and tissue structures of the esophagus, stomach,small intestine, and large intestine, in order to contribute to a compre-hensive understanding of the system and its influence on the repro-ductive biology of the species. Fifteen female specimens of Leptodac-tylus latinasus were dissected; the organs were removed, cleaned, andprocessed using standard histological techniques. Tissue sections werestained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Mallory’s Trichrome, Alcian Blueat pH 0.5 and 2.5, and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). The histomorpholog-ical analysis revealed features shared with other species; however, thepresence of gastric glands composed of (1) mucous neck cells, (2) chiefcells, and (3) parietal cells appear to be a trait not commonly observedin most species. Furthermore, the histochemical analysis identified sixtypes of glands differentiated by the chemical nature of their contents.This study demonstrates that female Leptodactylus latinasus specimensexhibit histological characteristics along the digestive tract that enableefficient digestion and nutrient assimilation. The high glandular activityrevealed by the histochemical analysis reflects an active feeding phaseduring the reproductive period, ensuring energy reserves that supportsuccessful egg-laying.

This study investigates the exotic pet trade in Tamil Nadu by analyzing YouTube videos, which revealed the presence of 148 pet species being sold in pet shops. Among these, 12 species were classified as Endangered, 15 as Vulnerable, 3 as Near Threatened, 101 as Least Concern, and 18 as Not Assessed, according to the IUCN Red List. The CITES status of each species was also examined to assess their trade regulations. Additionally, the presence of invasive alien species recorded in the videos and already existing in the wild in India was mapped. Species distribution modelling using MaxEnt was conducted for Iguana iguana globally, evaluating both current and future habitat suitability. Results indicated a high potential for the species to establish itself and reproduce in India, posing a serious ecological threat. A questionnaire survey among pet shop owners disclosed limited awareness of pet trade regulations and breeding practices. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of pet trade laws, increased public awareness, and proactive measures to prevent potential invasions by exotic species.

New discovery sites of Agathemera maculafulgens Camousseight are reported in north-central Jujuy province, in the Puno departments of Santa Catalina, Rinconada, Cochinoca, and Yavi, and in Chucalezna, in the Prepuna region. Illustrations of the diagnostic morphological characteristics of the adult stage of the species are also included, as well as the coloration of live specimens, which show variations from the original description. Records of the species in residential environments in the Puna are also presented.

As part of the conservation activities carried out on the high Andean amphibians Telmatobius macrostomus and Telmatobius brachydactylus in the central Andes of Peru, both categorized as Endangered by the IUCN and Peruvian regulations, a guide was developed for monitoring the quality of their habitats using aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates. This guide was developed based on historical monitoring reports of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Junín and Pasco regions of Peru and was designed to be used by residents and park rangers allied to the conservation of both species without the need to rely on expensive equipment or specialists. The guide was published in August 2023 and disseminated among allies dedicated to the conservation of these species during a field trip. The results showed a high degree of similarity between the results obtained by the residents and park rangers and those of the aquatic macroinvertebrate specialist, with the youngest participants showing better responses. Finally, the results allowed for the validation of a macroinvertebrate monitoring guide that would allow rural communities to monitor their water quality and, consequently, the frog habitat.

The global decline of waterfowl populations is a major concern, particularly for endemic species such as the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus), which faces threats like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. This study examines seasonal and interannual variation in theabundance of this species at the Caulín marine wetland, Chiloé, Chile, from 2010 to 2023, using data from the eBird platform. Abundance trends and their correlation with the “El Niño” phenomenon were explored. Results show a decreasing trend in the species’ abundance overthe study period, with the highest concentrations recorded in spring and notable interannual fluctuations. No significant correlation was found with the El Niño Oceanic Niño Index (ONI). This study highlights the need for further research on the local changes that are affectingthe abundance of waterbirds in marine wetlands in the region.

A checklist of the spiders of Ascension Island is given, with new faunistic records for one family, five genera, and three species-level taxa. For the latter, Oecobius marathaus Tikader, 1962 (Oecobiidae), and Scytodes velutina Heineken & Lowe, 1832 and S. univittata Simon, 1882 (both Scytodidae) are recorded. Seven genera recorded from the island by prior workers based on indeterminable immature material are expunged from the list due to lack of evidence. In total, 38 genera and 41 species, accommodated in 22 families, are recognised as valid taxa on Ascension. Of these, only 1 genus and 5 species are considered possibly or probably endemic, meaning 99.97% of genera and 87.81% of species are non-endemic.

The first photographs of preserved material of Andethele huanca Coyle, 1995 are presented based on a specimen collected in 2013 and deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia. Differences in the genitalia of paratypes from disjunct localities are discussed, which may represent separate species and require further investigation. A biogeographic map, including the new locality record herein, is presented of the species under its present composition.