Differences in benthic fauna and sediment among mangrove (Avicennia marina var. australasica) stands of different ages in New Zealand

Management of coastal environments requires understanding of ecological relationships among different habitats and their biotas. Changes in abundance and distribution of mangroves, like those of other coastal habitats, have generally been interpreted in terms of changes in biodiversity or fisheries resources within individual stands. In several parts of their range, anthropogenically increased inputs of sediment to estuaries have led to the spread of mangroves. There is, however, little information on the relative ecological properties, or conservational values, of stands of different ages. The faunal, floral and sedimentological properties of mangrove (Avicennia marina var. australasica) stands of two different ages in New Zealand has been compared. Older (>60 years) and younger (3-12 years) stands showed clear separation on the basis of environmental characteristics and benthic macrofauna. Numbers of faunal taxa were generally larger at younger sites, and numbers of individuals of several taxa were also larger at these sites. The total number of individuals was not different between the two age-classes, largely due to the presence of large numbers of the surface-living gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum at the older sites. It is hypothesized that as mangrove stands mature, the focus of faunal diversity may shift from the benthos to animals living on the mangrove plants themselves, such as insects and spiders, though these were not included in the present study. Differences in the faunas were coincident with differences in the nature of the sediment. Sediments in older stands were more compacted and contained more organic matter and leaf litter. Measurement of leaf chemistry suggested that mangrove plants in the younger stands were able to take up more N and P than those in the older stands. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Exotic vs endemic biocontrol agents: Would the real stratiolaelaps miles (Berlese) (Acari : Mesostigmata : Laelapidae), please stand up?

The ability of introduced organisms to invade undisturbed native habitats is a major concern in conservation biology and has resulted in a re-evaluation of the introduction of exotic biocontrol agents, especially of generalist predators. One such agent is Stratiolaelaps miles (Berlese), a predatory mite described from Italy, known from throughout the Holarctic, and apparently accidentally introduced to other areas of the world, including Australia. Initial investigations revealed that putative S. miles could be found in both disturbed and relatively pristine habitats in Queensland, Australia. However, analysis of the mitochondrial DNA of five populations showed most to be highly divergent genetically. Subsequent morphological analysis established two species groups: the lamington-group from cool-temperate to subtropical rainforests in Eastern Australia and the more eurytopic miles-group with a cosmopolitan distribution. We describe two new species from each of these complexes (Stratiolaelaps womersleyi, Stratiolaelaps lamington; Stratiolaelaps marilyn, Stratiolaelaps lorna, respectively), and resurrect Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley), a species which often appears to have been confused with S. miles. Additionally, the large genetic distances among morphologically homogenous species in the miles-group suggest that the apparently cosmopolitan S. miles may be composed of a suite of cryptic species of potentially varying utility in biological control. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Ecological criteria for evaluating candidate sites for marine reserves

Several schemes have been developed to help select the locations of marine reserves. All of them combine social, economic, and biological criteria, and few offer any guidance as to how to prioritize among the criteria identified. This can imply that the relative weights given to different criteria are unimportant. Where two sites are of equal value ecologically; then socioeconomic criteria should dominate the choice of which should be protected. However, in many cases, socioeconomic criteria are given equal or greater weight than ecological considerations in the choice of sites. This can lead to selection of reserves with little biological value that fail to meet many of the desired objectives. To avoid such a possibility, we develop a series of criteria that allow preliminary evaluation of candidate sites according to their relative biological values in advance of the application of socioeconomic criteria. We include criteria that,. while not strictly biological, have a strong influence on the species present or ecological processes. Out scheme enables sites to be assessed according to their biodiversity, the processes which underpin that diversity, and the processes that support fisheries and provide a spectrum of other services important to people. Criteria that capture biodiversity values include biogeographic representation, habitat representation and heterogeneity, and presence of species or populations of special interest (e.g., threatened species). Criteria that capture sustainability of biodiversity and fishery values include the size of reserves necessary to protect viable habitats, presence of exploitable species, vulnerable life stages, connectivity among reserves, links among ecosystems, and provision of ecosystem services to people. Criteria measuring human and natural threats enable candidate sites to be eliminated from consideration if risks are too great, but also help prioritize among sites where threats can be mitigated by protection. While our criteria can be applied to the design of reserve networks, they also enable choice of single reserves to be made in the context of the attributes of existing protected areas. The overall goal of our scheme is to promote the development of reserve networks that will maintain biodiversity and ecosystem functioning at large scales. The values of eco-system goods and services for people ultimately depend on meeting this objective.

Low-density koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in the mulgalands of south-west Queensland. III. Broad-scale patterns of habitat use

To date there have been few quantitative studies of the distribution of, and relative habitat utilisation by, koalas in the mulgalands of Queensland. To examine these parameters we applied habitat-accessibility and relative habitat-utilisation indices to estimates of faecal pellet density sampled at 149 sites across the region. Modelling the presence of pellets using logistic regression showed that the potential range of accessible habitats and relative habitat use varied greatly across the region, with rainfall being probably the most important determinant of distribution. Within that distribution, landform and rainfall were both important factors affecting habitat preference. Modelling revealed vastly different probabilities of finding a pellet under trees depending on the tree species, canopy size, and location within the region.

Investigation of candidate division TM7, a recently recognized major lineage of the domain bacteria with no known pure-culture representatives

A molecular approach was used to investigate a recently described candidate division of the domain Bacteria, TM7, currently known only from environmental 16S ribosomal DNA sequence data, A number of TM7-specific primers and probes were designed and evaluated. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of a laboratory scale bioreactor using two independent TM7-specific probes revealed a conspicuous sheathed-filament morphotype, fortuitously enriched in the reactor. Morphologically, the filament matched the description of the Eikelboom morphotype 0041-0675 widely associated with bulking problems in activated-sludge wastewater treatment systems. Transmission electron microscopy of the bioreactor sludge demonstrated that the sheathed-filament morphotype had a typical gram-positive cell envelope ultrastructure. Therefore, TM7 is only the third bacterial lineage recognized to have gram-positive representatives. TM7-specific FISH analysis of two full-scale wastewater treatment plant sludges, including the one used to seed the laboratory scale reactor, indicated the presence of a number of morphotypes, including sheathed filaments. TM7-specific PCR clone libraries prepared from the two full-scale sludges yielded 23 novel TM7 sequences. Three subdivisions could be defined based on these data and publicly available sequences. Environmental sequence data and TM7-specific FISH analysis indicate that members of the TM7 division are present in a variety of terrestrial, aquatic, and clinical habitats. A highly atypical base substitution (Escherichia coli position 912; C to U) for bacterial 16S rRNAs was present in almost all TM7 sequences, suggesting that TM7 bacteria, like Archaea, may be streptomycin resistant at the ribosome level.

A molecular phylogeny of the Australian skink genera Eulamprus, Gnypetoscincus and Nangura

Skinks from the genera Eulamprus, Gnypetoscincus and Nangura are a prominent component of the reptile fauna of the mesic forests of the east coast of Australia and have been the subject of numerous ecological studies. Highly conserved morphology and the retention of ancestral traits have limited our understanding of the relationships within and among these genera beyond an initial identification of species groups within Eulamprus. To address this deficit and to explore the relationships between Eulamprus and the monotypic genera Nangura and Gnypetoscincus, sections of two mitochondrial genes (ND4 and 16S rRNA) were sequenced and subjected to Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. This phylogenetic analysis supports recognition of the three species groups proposed for Eulamprus (murrayi, quoyii and tenuis) and indicates that this genus is paraphyletic, with Gnypetoscincus and Nangura being proximal to basal lineages of the tenuis group. To resolve these and broader problems of paraphyly, we suggest that each of the species groups from 'Eulamprus' should be recognised as a distinct genus. The phylogenetically and ecologically distinct water skinks of the quoyii group would be retained within Eulamprus and the diverse species of the tenuis group allocated to Concinnia. We suggest placing the monophyletic murrayi group, endemic to the rainforests of central eastern Australia, in a new genus ( yet to be formally described). The sequencing data also revealed the existence of a genetically divergent but morphologically cryptic lineage within E. murrayi and substantial diversity within E. quoyii. There is evidence for two major habitat shifts from rainforest towards drier habitats, one leading to the quoyii group and the second defining a clade of three species within the tenuis complex. These ecological transitions may represent adaptations to general drying across eastern Australia during the late Miocene - Pliocene. Each of the major areas of east coast tropical or subtropical rainforest contains multiple phylogenetically diverse endemic species, reflecting the long-term persistence and high conservation value of wet forest habitats in each area.

A review of the genus Ledermuelleriopsis Willmann (Acari : Prostigmata : Stigmaeidae)

The mite family Stigmaeidae (Acari:Prostigmata) is of considerable importance in biological control, but its genera are often poorly defined and have never been subjected to cladistic analysis. Herein, we report the stigmaeid genus Ledermuelleriopsis Willmann from Australia for the first time, present a preliminary phylogenetic analysis that demonstrates that Eustigmaeus Berlese and Ledermuelleriopsis Willman are distinct, review the genus at the world level, and provide diagnostic characters of the adult females for each of the 21 known species. We also catalogue habitats, distributions and localities of holotypes. Four new species from Australia are described and illustrated: L. parvilla, sp. nov. from old dune sand, L. barbellata, sp. nov. from wet-sandy heath litter, and L. pustulosa, sp. nov. and L. claviseta, sp. nov. from dry eucalypt forest litter. A key to adult females of all known Ledermuelleriopsis species is provided. The Australian species and L. incisa Wood from New Zealand can be separated from all other members of the genus by a synapomorphy: the reduction of the number of setae on the aggenital shield to one pair. Results of a preliminary morphological cladistic analysis for those stigmaeid genera in which the larvae and adults of both sexes are known, indicate that Ledermuelleriopsis is basal to a clade containing Cheylostigmaeus Willman and Eustigmaeus.

Filogenia e evolução de roedores Echimyidae na Mata Atlântica

Os roedores Echimyidae tem distribuição Neotropical e são a família mais diversa de roedores Caviomorpha. Apesar da grande diversidade, pouco se sabe sobre a distribuição geográfica, história natural e evolução de vários grupos de equimídeos. O histórico taxonômico dessa família é confuso, sendo alguns grupos raramente coletados e, consequentemente, inferências sobre aspectos evolutivos e biológicos são pouco conclusivas e limitadas à análise de poucos exemplares. Filogenias moleculares não corroboram a classificação taxonômica para a família baseada em dados morfológicos, evidenciando a complexidade da história evolutiva desse grupo. Na Mata Atlântica são registrados cinco gêneros de Echimyidae: o rato-do-bambu, Kannabateomys; os arborícolas Phyllomys e Callistomys; o terrestre Trinomys, e o semi-fossorial Euryzygomatomys. O presente trabalho se baseou na utilização de sequências de DNA para abordar aspectos da evolução e filogenia de roedores equimídeos da Mata Atlântica em três níveis taxonômicos: família, gênero e espécie. O primeiro capítulo aborda a posição filogenética do gênero Callistomys dentro da família, utilizando sequências de 1 marcador mitocondrial (CitB) e 3 nucleares (GHR, RAG1 e vWF). Os resultados mostram que Callistomys forma um clado com o ratão-do-banhado (Myocastor), roedor semi-aquático das regiões abertas no cone sul da América do Sul e com o rato-de-espinho terrestre Proechimys com ocorrência na Amazônia. Esse clado é irmão de Thrichomys, um equimídeo terrestre que ocupa as áreas secas do centro da América do Sul. O agrupamento encontrado é inesperado, uma vez que seus membros apresentam aspectos morfológico, ecológicos e distribuição geográfica distintos e contrastantes. A filogenia resultante indica que Callistomys não é proximamente relacionado aos outros equimídeos arborícolas e sugere que o hábito arborícolas evoluiu mais de uma vez na família. O segundo capítulo investiga aspectos da filogenia, evolução e limites entre espécies de Phyllomys utilizando dois marcadores mitocondriais (CitB e COI) e três nucleares (GHR, RAG1 e vWF). Foram identificados três grupos principais de espécies: um com distribuição longitudinal pela porção central da Mata Atlântica (P. pattoni (P. mantiqueirensis, Phyllomys sp. 4)); e a partir daí dois outros grupos, um com distribuição na porção norte da Mata Atlântica (Phyllomys sp. 2 (P. blainvilii (P. brasiliensis, P. lamarum))); e outro na porção sul (Phyllomys sp. 3 ((Phyllomys sp. 1, P. lundi), (Phyllomys sp. 5 (P. dasythrix (P. nigrispinus (P. sulinus, Phyllomys sp. 6)))))). Foram identificadas duas linhagens independentes representando possíveis espécies novas, elevando o potencial número de espécies do gênero de 17 para 19. As filogenias associadas aos dados de distribuição geográfica sugerem que a diversificação e distribuição das espécies de Phyllomys foi influenciada pela ação conjunta de vários fatores como atividade neotectônica, gradientes altitudinais e latitudinais e mudanças climáticas que atuaram desde o Mioceno, marcando os primeiros eventos de diversificação do gênero até as especiações mais recentes, no Pleistoceno. O terceiro capítulo avalia a variação genética, distribuição geográfica e status taxonômico da espécie Euryzygomaotmys spinosus utilizando dois marcadores mitocondriais (CitB e D-loop). Os resultados mostraram que E.spinosus apresenta distribuição em áreas de Mata Atlântica e adjacências ao sul do Rio Doce, no Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina, incluindo um registro confirmado no Cerrado. A espécie ocupa habitats muito diversos e pode ser considerada generalista. As populações são geneticamente estruturadas ao longo da sua distribuição e os dados genéticos corroboram a taxonomia atual que considera apenas uma espécie, E. spinosus, para o gênero.

Padrões de uso de habitat do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) na região da foz do rio Doce, costa norte do Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil

Entre março de 2011 e dezembro de 2012 foram realizadas 30 saídas de campo para avaliar os padrões de uso de habitat e estrutura de grupo de Sotalia guianensis na região da foz do rio Doce, costa norte do Espírito Santo. A coleta de dados foi realizada com auxílio de uma embarcação a partir de rotas pré-determinadas distribuídas homogeneamente na área de estudo. Informações sobre as variáveis ambientais foram coletadas a cada hora de amostragem e a cada grupo de golfinhos avistado. Através da análise de Cluster foram identificados três diferentes habitats baseados na similaridade entre variáveis ambientais. Durante 242hs48min de amostragem foram percorridos 1.523km e 119 grupos de botos-cinza foram avistados. Grupos de Sotalia guianensis, assim como indivíduos imaturos, foram observados ao longo de todo o ano na área de estudo, não apresentando diferença sazonal entre as estações seca (abril a setembro) e chuvosa (outubro a março). Os grupos apresentaram uma média de 9,9 indivíduos. Animais imaturos estavam presentes na maioria dos grupos (71%), apresentando uma relação direta com o número de adultos. Os botos-cinza apresentaram o uso quase exclusivo da região marinha aberta adjacente à desembocadura do rio apontando um padrão de uso de habitats heterogêneo, onde as áreas de maior concentração de golfinhos não corresponderam às áreas preferenciais de alimentação. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho refletem como S. guianensis responde a complexidade dos fatores bióticos e abióticos da área de estudo, apontando um padrão de uso de habitat diferenciado para a espécie.

Studies on mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and anthropic environment: 3- Survey of adult stages at the rice irrigation system and the emergence of Anopheles albitarsis in South-Eastern, Brazil

A study of adult Culicidae ecology was carried out from January 1992 through January 1993 at the rice irrigation system of the Ribeira Valley Experimental Station. The adaptation of Anopheles albitarsis to the anthropic environment became evident through the adult collections made at its various habitats represented by the irrigation system and the edge of the residual pond, as well as at those made within the local patchy residual woods. Other potential disease vectors were prevalent in the irrigated system too. There were Aedes scapularis, Culex nigripalpus and Cx. ribeirensis that were collected at various habitats. Remarkable differences among their prevalences were obtained such as between the natural forest and anthropic environments. In the former An. albitarsis was practically non-existent, thus suggesting that it might be considered as eusynathropic. As the populations of other species seemed to increase in the anthropic environment, they may be regarded as hemisynanthropes. Observations suggest the hypothesis that the development of irrigated land may be a factor in the emergence of An. albitarsis, and some other species, as well as the possibility of an increase in the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria.

Studies on mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and anthropic environment: 4 - Survey of resting adults and synanthropic behaviour in South-Eastern, Brazil

Resting adults Culicidae were collected from January 1992 through January 1993 in several habitats of the Ribeira Valley region. The diversity of species found among them suggested that the vegetation remaining within human settlements favored the survival and the population increase of some mosquitoes. Among there are: Ae. scapularis, Ae. serratus, Cx. (Culex), Cx. nigripalpus and Cx. (Melanoconion) such as Cx. ribeirensis. That preservation role may be attributed to the rearing of livestock and the consequent increase in the number of blood sources. These species may be classified as hemisynanthropes and Cx. oedipus apparently evolving to the eusynanthropic status. On the other hand, An. cruzii showed an asynanthropic behaviour, with a low degree of survival in the modified human environment. Epidemiological implications of the data are mentioned.

O conteúdo orgânico do sedimento influencia na distribuição intraespecífica de caranguejos-chama-maré

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Aedes albopictus em bromélias de solo em Ilhabela, litoral do Estado de São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Analisar a presença de Aedes albopictus em bromélias de solo localizadas em ambientes ecologicamente distintos, em termos de positividade, densidade e volume de água. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado no município de Ilhabela, litoral norte do Estado de São Paulo. Realizaram-se coletas quinzenais, de março de 1998 a julho de 1999, em tanques de bromélias localizadas nos ambientes urbano, periurbano e mata; o conteúdo aquático das plantas foi medido e registrado. O tratamento dos dados baseou-se na análise da freqüência de bromélias com presença de Ae. albopictus (ANOVA), abundância (Kruskal-Wallis) e volume de água das bromélias positivas (Teste t de Student). RESULTADOS: A presença e a densidade de Ae. albopictus em bromélias de solo variou com o tipo de ambiente. Os maiores percentuais de positividade (85%) e abundância (81%) foram observados nas plantas localizadas em ambiente urbano. Constatou-se ainda preferência dos mosquitos pelas bromélias com maiores volumes de água (média de 300 ml). CONCLUSÕES: As diferentes freqüências com que Ae. albopictus foi registrado nos ambientes e suas respectivas densidades mostraram sua capacidade de invasão a novos habitats. Recomenda-se intensificar a vigilância entomológica nessas plantas, dada a sua capacidade em traduzir-se em criadouros permanentes. A presença desse mosquito de importância médica em bromélias em área preservada da Mata Atlântica poderá resultar em agravo à saúde.

Primary screening of the bioactivity of brackishwater cyanobacteria: toxicity of crude extracts to artemia salina larvae and paracentrotus lividus embryos

Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of Gram-negative bacteria that produce an array of secondary compounds with selective bioactivity against vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, microalgae, fungi, bacteria, viruses and cell lines. The aim of this study was to assess the toxic effects of aqueous, methanolic and hexane crude extracts of benthic and picoplanktonic cyanobacteria isolated from estuarine environments, towards the nauplii of the brine shrimp Artemia salina and embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The A. salina lethality test was used as a frontline screen and then complemented by the more specific sea urchin embryo-larval assay. Eighteen cyanobacterial isolates, belonging to the genera Cyanobium, Leptolyngbya, Microcoleus, Phormidium, Nodularia, Nostoc and Synechocystis, were tested. Aqueous extracts of cyanobacteria strains showed potent toxicity against A. salina, whereas in P. lividus, methanolic and aqueous extracts showed embryo toxicity, with clear effects on development during early stages. The results suggest that the brackishwater cyanobacteria are producers of bioactive compounds with toxicological effects that may interfere with the dynamics of invertebrate populations.

Planeamento espacial marinho das áreas marinhas protegidas: o caso de estudo da ára protegida de gestão de recursos: Caloura - ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Tese de Doutoramento, Ciências do Mar (Ecologia Marinha), 26 de Novembro de 2013, Universidade dos Açores.