Limited population structure, genetic drift and bottlenecks characterise an endangered bird species in a dynamic, fire-prone ecosystem

Fire is a major disturbance process in many ecosystems world-wide, resulting in spatially and temporally dynamic landscapes. For populations occupying such environments, fire-induced landscape change is likely to influence population processes, and genetic patterns and structure among populations. The Mallee Emu-wren Stipiturus mallee is an endangered passerine whose global distribution is confined to fire-prone, semi-arid mallee shrublands in south-eastern Australia. This species, with poor capacity for dispersal, has undergone a precipitous reduction in distribution and numbers in recent decades. We used genetic analyses of 11 length-variable, nuclear loci to examine population structure and processes within this species, across its global range. Populations of the Mallee Emu-wren exhibited a low to moderate level of genetic diversity, and evidence of bottlenecks and genetic drift. Bayesian clustering methods revealed weak genetic population structure across the species' range. The direct effects of large fires, together with associated changes in the spatial and temporal patterns of suitable habitat, have the potential to cause population bottlenecks, serial local extinctions and subsequent recolonisation, all of which may interact to erode and homogenise genetic diversity in this species. Movement among temporally and spatially shifting habitat, appears to maintain long-term genetic connectivity. A plausible explanation for the observed genetic patterns is that, following extensive fires, recolonisation exceeds in-situ survival as the primary driver of population recovery in this species. These findings suggest that dynamic, fire-dominated landscapes can drive genetic homogenisation of populations of species with low-mobility and specialised habitat that otherwise would be expected to show strongly structured populations. Such effects must be considered when formulating management actions to conserve species in fire-prone systems.

Use of nest-boxes by the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata): implications for reproductive success and research

Nest-boxes have been used widely and for many decades in Europe and North America to increase avian reproductive success in species management and conservation programs and to increase the amenability and efficiency with which a species can be studied. Here we describe the establishment of a breeding population of Zebra Finches using nest-boxes in semi-arid, far-western New South Wales, over three breeding seasons (2005–07). The nest-boxes were used readily by Zebra Finches, with a total of 572 breeding attempts recorded in this study. After the introduction of nest-boxes, nearly all breeding attempts were made in these artificial cavities. Zebra Finches breeding in natural nests are prone to high levels of nest predation (>60% in previous studies), but such predation was almost completely eliminated with nest-boxes, with <2% of nests being depredated. Not surprisingly, the reproductive success of pairs breeding in nest-boxes (58% of nests successfully fledged at least one young) was significantly higher than in the natural nests monitored at the same sites in a previous year, and by comparison with previous studies of the same species in other localities across Australia. Our study of the Zebra Finch, a laboratory model used throughout the world, shows the effectiveness of artificial nest-boxes at decreasing levels of predation in the wild and increasing the capacity for research.

Does fire influence the landscape-scale distribution of an invasive mesopredator?

Predation and fire shape the structure and function of ecosystems globally. However, studies exploring interactions between these two processes are rare, especially at large spatial scales. This knowledge gap is significant not only for ecological theory, but also in an applied context, because it limits the ability of landscape managers to predict the outcomes of manipulating fire and predators. We examined the influence of fire on the occurrence of an introduced and widespread mesopredator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), in semi-arid Australia. We used two extensive and complimentary datasets collected at two spatial scales. At the landscape-scale, we surveyed red foxes using sand-plots within 28 study landscapes - which incorporated variation in the diversity and proportional extent of fire-age classes - located across a 104 000 km2 study area. At the site-scale, we surveyed red foxes using camera traps at 108 sites stratified along a century-long post-fire chronosequence (0-105 years) within a 6630 km2 study area. Red foxes were widespread both at the landscape and site-scale. Fire did not influence fox distribution at either spatial scale, nor did other environmental variables that we measured. Our results show that red foxes exploit a broad range of environmental conditions within semi-arid Australia. The presence of red foxes throughout much of the landscape is likely to have significant implications for native fauna, particularly in recently burnt habitats where reduced cover may increase prey species' predation risk.

Optimal fire histories for biodiversity conservation

Fire is used as a management tool for biodiversity conservation worldwide. A common objective is to avoid population extinctions due to inappropriate fire regimes. However, in many ecosystems, it is unclear what mix of fire histories will achieve this goal. We determined the optimal fire history of a given area for biological conservation with a method that links tools from 3 fields of research: species distribution modeling, composite indices of biodiversity, and decision science. We based our case study on extensive field surveys of birds, reptiles, and mammals in fire-prone semi-arid Australia. First, we developed statistical models of species' responses to fire history. Second, we determined the optimal allocation of successional states in a given area, based on the geometric mean of species relative abundance. Finally, we showed how conservation targets based on this index can be incorporated into a decision-making framework for fire management. Pyrodiversity per se did not necessarily promote vertebrate biodiversity. Maximizing pyrodiversity by having an even allocation of successional states did not maximize the geometric mean abundance of bird species. Older vegetation was disproportionately important for the conservation of birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Because our method defines fire management objectives based on the habitat requirements of multiple species in the community, it could be used widely to maximize biodiversity in fire-prone ecosystems. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

Influência do desenvolvimento tecnológico sobre o desenvolvimento social a partir das atividades da incubadora tecnológica de Campina Grande, Campina Grande Paraíba

Este estudo avalia a influência do desenvolvimento tecnológico sobre o social, a partir das atividades produtivas desenvolvidas na unidade agroindustrial Recanto lI, no município de Catolé do Rocha, com o apoio da Incubadora Tecnológica de Campina Grande - ITCG, e o Programa de Estudos e Ações no Semi-Árido Paraibano da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - PEASAlUFCG. Os problemas sociais no semi-árido surgiram por condições ambientais adversas e se intensificaram pela falta de políticas públicas adequadas à educação e ao desenvolvimento da região. O problema é expresso pela seguinte indagação: Qual a influência entre o desenvolvimento tecnológico e o desenvolvimento social gerados a partir da atividade produtiva da Incubadora de Campina Grande, em Campina Grande, Paraíba? A relevância deste trabalho vem da pretensão em colaborar para o estudo da relação entre desenvolvimento tecnológico e social, numa tentativa de tornar inteligível a necessidade de educação e inovação tecnológica para o desenvolvimento social, principalmente em países não desenvolvidos. Vem também da utilidade para a formulação de políticas públicas e estratégias de desenvolvimento tecnológico, identificando ações e medidas de desempenho, voltadas ao diagnóstico da contribuição das incubadoras tecnológicas para o bem-estar da sociedade. O referencial teórico foi composto pela análise da função das racionalidades dos diversos agentes sociais e de sua contribuição para as interações sociais, além da análise das realidades culturais da sociedade empresariada, do Estado e das incubadoras tecnológicas. A metodologia se utilizou da pesquisa descritiva e explicativa, de campo, documental, bibliográfica e estudo de caso. O universo foram as pessoas que compõem a ITCG e a amostra foram o diretor da Incubadora, o cientista da UFCG e o líder comunitário de Recanto lI. Os sujeitos da pesquisa confundem-se com a amostra. A coleta de dados se deu por meio da literatura sobre a temática e de inserções no campo de estudo. O tratamento de dados se utilizou da análise qualitativa do fenômeno. As principais limitações do método consistiram na coleta, no tratamento dos dados, e na utilização do estudo de caso, com possibilidade de compreensão tendenciosa do fenômeno estudado. O referencial prático apresenta o resultados da pesquisa, avaliando-os por meio da comparação com o referencial teórico estudado. Tem-se como resultados que a ITCG agiu articulando os grupos e traduzindo as realidades culturais de cada agente em prol do desenvolvimento de comunidades agroindustriais em situação de risco social, devido à problemática da seca. A ITCG atuou como alfabetizadora social ensinando aos agentes sociais os códigos culturais dos demais grupos. As desigualdades que existiam entre o cientista e o sertanejo, aprofundadas pelo vexatório histórico de escravidão do homem do campo no nordeste brasileiro, foram minimizadas pela educação dada pelo próprio cientista. A Universidade contribuiu para a redução do analfabetismo ambiental, onde o meio ambiente era tido como o principal rival do homem do sertão. O Estado, quando atua em parceria com os demais agentes sociais consegue, manter-se como o principal instrumento dos cidadãos para controlar a globalização em função de seus valores e interesses. Na ITCG o ambiente de incubação é educacional, onde os novos empreendedores são postos em contato com a realidade cultural do empresariado, do Estado e de outras comunidades da sociedade, seguindo modelos meramente educacionais. Como conclusão tem-se que a trajetória dos cidadãos de Recanto II - de escravos a exportadores - foi baseada em dois grandes tesouros, a família e areligião. O mérito da ITCG foi compreender, respeitar e preservar a realidade cultural de Recanto 11 e incentivar a interação social com outras realidades culturais capazes de gerar desenvolvimento naquela região. A saúde, o desenvolvimento infantil, a segurança, a habitação foram conquistas de Recanto 11. Como sugestão tem-se que as políticas públicas deveriam reproduzir este ambiente de desenvolvimento para todos os cidadãos brasileiros em situação de risco social, utilizando-se da família como base para interações sociais fluidas e harmônicas entre os diversos agentes sociais.

A reinvenção do Sertão: organização social e poder na comunidade do Belo Monte (Canudos, 1893-1897)

De junho de 1893 a outubro de 1897 a comunidade do Belo Monte (Canudos, BA, Brasil), sob a liderança de Antônio Conselheiro, experimentou um crescimento demográfico na ordem de 10 335 %, na mais árida região da caatinga baiana e resistiu, durante 10 meses, a u desproporcional esforço de guerra, imposto por quase metade (49,8%) do efetivo do Exército brasileiro de então, apoiada por diversos batalhões das forças públicas dos Estados do Amazonas, Bahia, Pará e São Paulo, sob o comando de cinco oficiais generais, a elite da oficialidade da força terrestre nacional e, ao final do conflito, do próprio ministro da guerra, marechal Carlos Machado Bittencourt. A partir do reconhecimento desse episódio como fenômeno administrativo muito expressivo, ainda que de trágico destino, esta tese estudo os modelos de organização e de poder/autoridade que tornaram possível esse crescimento, o abastecimento e a defesa de Canudos em situação tão crítica. Na perspectiva de uma leitura institucional do imaginário social sobre o acontecimento, este estudo propõe o modelo de análise denominado Tetraedro Semioncológico da Organizações, e confronta os depoimentos colhidos entre descendentes dos sobreviventes da guerra com os relatos dos cronistas-testemunhas, estudiosos e os registros iconográficos, musicográficos e literário sobre o episódio.

Térmitas como bioindicadores de qualidade de habitat na caatinga, Brasil: há uma sintonia entre as variáveis estruturais dos habitats e as taxocenoses amostradas?

The composition of termite assemblages was analyzed at three Caatinga sites of the Seridó Ecological Station, located in the municipality of Serra Negra do Norte, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. These sites have been subjected to selective logging, and cleared for pasture and farming. A standardized sampling protocol for termite assemblages (30h/person/site) was conducted between September 2007 and February 2009. At each site we measured environmental variables, such as soil granulometry, pH and organic matter, necromass stock, vegetation height, tree density, stem diameter at ankle height (DAH) and the largest and the smallest crown width. Ten species of termites, belonging to eight genera and three families, were found at the three experimental sites. Four feeding-groups were sampled: wood-feeders, soil-feeders, wood-soil interface feeders and leaf-feeders. The wood-feeders were dominant in number of species and number of encounters at all sites. In general, the sites were not significantly different in relation to the environmental variables measured. The same pattern was observed for termite assemblages, where no significant differences in species richness, relative abundance and taxonomic and functional composition were observed between the three sites. The agreement between the composition of assemblages and environmental variables reinforces the potential of termites as biological indicators of habitat quality

A microestrutura e o desenvolvimento dos órgãos genitais masculinos de preás (Galea spixii) criados em cativeiro

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

Estratégia reprodutiva do peixe hermafrodita mussum, Synbranchus marmoratus Osteichthyes, Synbranchidae em um açude do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Reproductive strategy of the hermaphrodite fish the marbled swamp eel, Synbranchus marmoratus (Bloch, 1795) (Osteichthyes: Synbranchidae) was investigated in the Marechal Dutra reservoir, Acari, Rio Grande do Norte, using fish samples captured monthly during the period of July 2010 to July 2011. The limnological parameters and rainfall were verified. The captured fish specimens were numbered, weighed, measured, dissected and their gonads and liver were removed, weighed and identified as to sex and developmental stages of gonads. The length-weight relationship was determined for grouped sex. The size of first gonadal maturation, gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (K) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were calculated. The development stages of the gonads were investigated using macroscopic and histological techniques, besides the fecundity and reproductive period. The macroscopic characteristics and the histological development of gonads confirmed the four different sexual types in the sampled population: primary males, females, intersex and secondary males. The secondary males were bigger and heavier than all the other types. This species showed a negative allometric growth with a higher increase in length than weight. The size at which 50% of the females began the process of gonadal maturation was 43.5 cm of total length, and for secondary males it was 58.5 cm. Condition factor showed two peaks in February and in April 2011. IGS indicated a reproductive period from July to September 2010 and was negatively correlated with the condition factor and rainfall. IGS showed a negative correlation when compared with the condition factor and the rainy season. HSI was highest in February ad lowest in December. The reproductive period of this species occurs between the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. S. marmoratus presents a seasonal reproductive strategy which optimizes its reproductive success under the semiarid climatic conditions

Gestão participativa em educação: compasso e descompasso de uma experiência de democracia no espaço escolar

This work aims at investigating the strategies of management used by State School Joaquim Jose de Medeiros, located in the city of Cruzeta - RN, as award practice of "School of Reference in Management", with a state title in 1999 at the beginning of the decade from 2000, being "Outstanding Brazil" from best management strategies nationally. In 2005, it is ranked among the best experiences of the state. It has been become complex by experiencing in that institution, but at the same time an enjoyable practice, mainly by using a social research, in a qualitative and quantitative approach, and a analysis of the institutional performance of two management practices: from 1995 to 2002 and from 2003 to 2007 . To understand the object, a investigative questionnaire was used with representatives of the school community and carried out an analysis of assessment of institutional and documents of institutional organization of the periods above in order to identify management strategies and examine the influences of the share capital, public policies , the institutional evaluation, in the process of democratic construction that has allowed achievements, highlighting Cruzeta, in the Seridó in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, semi-arid northeast, in the national and international juncture of well-successful experiences in management in institutional categories and leadership. This study becomes relevant to allow understand that the cultural practices of seridoenses that symbolize a capital generated by principles of trust, reciprocity, civic culture, as a driving force in overcoming the problems community and the conquest of democratic principles, worked for the school become a national reference in educational administration. Another aspect that made it natural that school was the collective creation of educational project with the participation and civic culture of self-evaluation as a way to understand the institutional practice and establish guidelines to improve the teaching and practice management in its many dimensions educational, social, administrative - financial and legal

Efeitos de florações de cianobactérias sobre os cladóceros ceriodaphnia dubia e daphnia gessneri

Cyanobacterial blooms are common in eutrophic reservoirs in Brazilian northeastern semi-arid. Given this reality, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of potentially toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Gargalheiras reservoir (semi-arid) on the cladocerans Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia gessneri. In vitro chronic bioassays were performed with reservoir water dilutions from August/2011 to May/2012 and the following effects were evaluated on: intrinsic rate of population growth (r), reproductive parameters (age of first reproduction and fecundity per capita) and cladocerans movements. Phytoplankton was dominated by Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Planktothrix agardhii and saxitoxin and microcystin were detected in reservoir water. In most months C. dubia showed differences in r between control (absence of cyanobacteria) and treatments, and has shown negative effects on reproductive parameters. In all months paralysis of swimming movements was observed in C. dubia when both C. raciborskii and saxitoxin (cyanotoxin neurotoxic) were present in water. While C. dubia was sensitive to the reservoir water containing cyanobacteria, D. gessneri showed less intense negative effects in r and reproductive parameters. Furthermore, D. gessneri showed no paralysis of swimming movements. These results support the hypothesis in the literature that D. gessneri is resistant to the Cylindrospermopsis effects. The clone‟s life history may be a key to understand the results. The C. dubia clone, isolated from eutrophicated environment, is in the lab for ten years and it is an exotic species in Brazil. D. gessneri is a common species in the country and this clone was isolated from the Gargalheiras reservoir (where there are constant blooms of potentially toxic cyanobacteria) a year ago. Perhaps the recent contact with cyanobacteria explain the higher resistance presented by this D. gessneri clone. In conclusion, the cladocerans studied have different levels of sensitivity to cyanobacteria, characterizing species-specific responses

Arranjos produtivos globalizados: o caso do APL da fruticultura de melão de Mossoró - Baraúna-RN

This study discuss the issue on Clusters Global, the productive arrangement of fruits melon Mossoró/Baraúna in Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Potiguar semi-arid RN, is entered in the arket international level, the job serch, from the benchmark neo-schumpeterian, strongly condensed and absorbed in Brazil by focusing on Local Productive Arrangements set out by the Reseatch Netwoark on Sistemas Produtivos e Inovativos Locais (REDESIST), understanding the extent to which innovation efforts, and as interactions between the main actors that make up this APL in particular, account for its global insertion. The methodology includes the application of questions to the producers of melon arrangement as well as interviews with the main responsible for the support, promotion and financing. In conclusion, there is a significant interaction between producres and actors of the arrangement, a fact that contributes to the integration into the international market together with the implementation of relevant innovations. Finally, it is pointed out the need for public policies directed to the production of melon because of its relevance to the exports of Rio Grande do Norte

Composição bromatológica, consumo e digestibilidade in vivo de dietas com diferentes níveis de feno de catingueira (Caesalpinea bracteosa), fornecidas para ovinos Morada Nova

Com objetivo de determinar o consumo e a digestibilidade in vivo, bem como a composição química de dietas com níveis crescentes (0, 50 e 100%) de feno de catingueira (FC), utilizaram-se 15 ovinos Morada Nova, durante um período de 22 dias. Foi usado delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e cinco repetições. O FC apresentou 91,5% de matéria seca (MS), 93,89% de matéria orgânica (MO), 11,25% de proteína (PB), 4,31% de extrato etéreo (EE), 45,47% de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), 37,08% de fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), 8,39% de hemicelulose (HE), 24,37% de celulose (CE), 12,52% de lignina e 6,30% de tanino condensado. Os consumos de MO e MS, em g/dia, g/kg0,75 e %PV; energia bruta (EB), em kcal/kg/dia e kcal/kg0,75; e dos componentes da parede celular foram reduzidos linearmente pelo aumento de FC na dieta. Os consumos de PB, proteína digestível (PD) e EE aumentaram linearmente com o aumento do FC na dieta. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade da MS, MO, PB e EB das dietas não foram afetados pela inclusão do FC. No entanto, observou-se redução linear para os coeficientes de digestibilidade da FDN, FDA, CE e EE e efeito quadrático para o coeficiente de digestibilidade da HE. Os consumos médios de MS e PB verificados nos níveis intermediários de FC atenderam as exigências de mantença dos animais.

Comportamento de ovinos em capim-tanzânia sob lotação rotativa com quatro níveis de suplementação concentrada

Avaliou-se o comportamento de ovinos em pastagem de capim-tanzânia irrigado sob suplementação (0,0; 0,6; 1,2 e 1,8% PV) com concentrado. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições (ovinos). A porcentagem do tempo total sob o sombrite, pastejando, ruminando, em outras atividades, em ócio, o número de ingestões de suplemento/sal, de defecações, de micções e de ingestão de água e a taxa de bocado foram estimados dividindo-se o dia em oito períodos de 3 horas (das 5 às 8 h; 8 às 11 h; 11 às 14 h; 14 às 17 h; 17 às 20 h; 20 às 23 h; 23 às 2 h; 2 às 5 h). O tempo de pastejo foi maior entre os animais que não receberam suplementação e decresceu progressivamente, voltando a elevar somente com 1,8% de suplementação. O tempo de ruminação foi maior nos animais com suplementação de 0,6% PV, principalmente das 14 às 17 h e das 17 às 20 h, enquanto o tempo de ócio foi maior no nível de 1,2% PV. A ingestão de água elevou-se com o aumento da suplementação até 1,2% PV e concentrou-se entre 11 e 14 h. O número de micções e de defecações foi maior com suplementação no nível de 1,8% PV. A elevação progressiva na taxa de bocado até o nível de suplementação de 1,2% PV no período das 11 às 20 h com posterior redução sugere efeito aditivo do suplemento sobre o pasto até esse nível, no qual se inicia efeito substitutivo. O tempo sob o sombrite concentrou-se no período das 8 às 14 h e reduziu com a suplementação até 1,2% PV. A suplementação afeta o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos em pastejo, uma vez que, no nível de 1,2% PV, houve otimização da capacidade ingestiva dos animais. Níveis superiores de suplementação comprometem o comportamento ingestivo, por isso, são necessárias alterações na formulação do suplemento quando utilizados níveis mais elevados.