Vinculando a etnoictiologia às evidências biológicas para explicar o declínio da riqueza da ictiofauna neotropical

The diversity of fish species from South America has been affected by various anthropogenic practices. Some studies have reported the influence that illegal transferring or introduction of exotic species have on the trophic webs of continental lakes. The loss of diversity on fish populations and consequent impacts on fishery are commonly evidenced in these cases. The Brazilian Northeast has ponds for which exotic Amazonian species were transferred as Extremoz Lake. These environments serve as study models for comparison and investigation about the possible impacts of these introductions. We tested the hypothesis that loss of species that this trend can be related with the insertion of the genus Cichla, commonly documented as top predator in its endemic environment. Possible structural causes that interfere in other processes such as migration were also investigated. Thus, the local ecological knowledge of fishermen and a current ecotrophic model were used. We took samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton and fishes during two annual cycles. Concurrently, we made interviews with the fishing community. In fact, there are relations between the loss of fish and the insertion of peacock bass in Extremoz Lake. However, Cichla kelberi was not indicated as primary factor to explain fish species decline. The construction of bridges located in the Rio Doce was main factor for respondents and what explains loss of species. The migration of saltwater fish and / or from the river to Extremoz Lake is hindered by the unsuitability of the crossing-streams that are under these structures. According to the ecotrophic model Hoplias malabaricus was considered key-species and Cichla kelberi top predator. This last trend was similarly noticed in the stomach and local ecological knowledge of fishermen analysis. Overfishing simulations to Cichla kelberi resulted that only raising its captures in 200%, other native species would increase their biomass values only 15 to 30% (in 6 years).The negative effects of the alien species introduction without prior studies and lack of investments in appropriating these constructions to the needs of the fish fauna structures seem to act simultaneously. Both are causing the decline of fish species richness and consequent local artisanal fishery collapse

Espécies arbóreas nativas ornamentais do Rio Grande do Norte

The Caatinga and Atlantic Forest exhibit great species richness, which can attend requirements for various uses. Considering the current level of degradation of vegetation in Rio Grande do Norte, and the increasing use of exotic species, it is urgent to perform actions for the conservation of these biomes. From this perspective, using native plant species in the urban forestry becomes an instrument for the conservation and enhancement of local biodiversity. In this context, the general objective of this study is to gather and provide information about the ornamental native tree species in the state in order to promote and disseminate their use in urban areas. Specific aims of this work are: (1) evaluate and verify the demand and maintenance costs of native and exotic urban forestry, comparatively, with data obtained in the state (Cap. 1); (2) Provide a ornamental native tree species list in the state, including species already widespread use and suggesting new elements with ornamental potential (Cap. 2); and (3) produce a guide of native tree species as a means of disseminating the results obtained in a way accessible to the society. Analysis of maintenance of urban trees was performed at the UFRN's Central Campus, and the ornamental native tree species survey was carried out through literature survey combined with expeditions to forest fragments in the state. As a result, it was obvious that the maintenance of native vegetation resulted in lower costs and least demand for services highlighting the visible advantage in using a afforestation with regionalized floristic composition. The survey of ornamental native tree species led to the selection of 95 species belonging to 30 families, 17 species (17.35%) occurring exclusively in the Caatinga, 27 species (25.55%) in the Atlantic Forest and more than half (55.10%) occurring in both biomes, which provides a good selection available for the composition of urban forestry, both for cities located in the area of Atlantic Forest (81 spp.) or for those located in the Caatinga (71 spp.). From these results, a guide for the recognition and cultivation of native ornamental trees was prepared, consisting in the initial step in the enhancement of existing floristic potential value with the aim to assist in the development of a regionalized perspective of urban environmental management in the state