Estimativa da captura total: desenhos amostrais para pesca artesanal

Estimating total landings of artisanal fisheries in managed areas is essential for the development of programs aimed at the establishment of sustainable production systems. However, few experiences addressed the constraints of assessments targeted at multispecific and small scale fisheries with pulverized landings. Total annual production (fish, lobsters and octopus) at the Marine Extractive Reserve of Corumbau, Bahia, Brazil, in 2006, was estimated through yields recorded by fisherfolks, in the scope of a participatory fisheries monitoring program. Three designs were employed: 1) simple random sampling, 2) stratified random sampling by month and fishing frequency, 3) stratified random sampling by community, fishing frequency and months, resulting in estimates of 349t (95% confidence interval = 305-393), 330t (289-372) and 315t (279-351), respectively. This kind of information can help design strategies for aggregation of value to small scale fisheries production, and also for the dimensioning of the corresponding infrastructure. However, these estimates shall not be used to support fishing effort increase, as there is high uncertainty regarding the state of the stocks, as well as limitations related to the asymmetry in monthly landings per fisherfolk and to the sampling coverage in the different strata.

Puncture wounds by driftwood catfish during bucket baths: Local habits of riverside people and fish natural history in the Amazon

Objective. - To assess the prevalence of stings by small spiny driftwood catfish (carataí) of the genus Centromochlus (Auchenipteridae) accidentally caught in buckets during bucket bathing by riverside people along the Brazilian Amazon and to determine the probability of catching specimens of these fish during random throws of a bucket into the river. Methods. - We interviewed 27 adult residents living at the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers in Brazil regarding whether or not they had ever been stung by driftwood catfish while bucket bathing. To assess the likelihood of catching catfish in bathing buckets, we randomly threw a typical plastic bucket used for bathing in 4 series of 10 throws into the river at dusk or night around a floating house. Results. - Seventeen of the 27 subjects (63%) reported being injured by driftwood catfish during bucket bathing. Three individuals (17.6%) had been injured 2 to 3 times, totaling 23 puncture accidents. All stings occurred at dusk or early night. In the 4 series of 10 bucket throws, we caught 3 driftwood catfish (in 1 series we did not catch any fish). Thus, the chance of catching a driftwood catfish in a single bucket throw at dusk was slightly less than 10%. Conclusions. - The prevalence of stings by driftwood catfish to people bucket bathing in this section of the Brazilian Amazon is high, partly because of the relatively high chances of catching these small catfish during random throws of a bathing bucket into the river.

Efeito da predação por Acanthoscelides schrankiae(Coleoptera: Bruchidae) e de altas temperaturas na germinação de sementes de Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) Kuntze (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae)

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

Caracterização do uso comercial e de subsistência da fauna silvestre no município de Abaetetuba, PA

Este trabalho analisou o uso da fauna silvestre pelas populações rurais e urbanas do município de Abaetetuba, PA (S 1°42.008’ W 048°54.009’), tendo como meta a geração de conhecimentos que viabilizem as ações futuras de implementação de programas de produção comercial de animais silvestres nesta região. Para tanto foram: 1) aplicados questionários aos vendedores e aos freqüentadores da feira livre do município, assim como realizado o monitoramento do comércio de carne silvestre ao longo do ano de 2005; 2) realizadas visitas as comunidades ribeirinhas e aplicados questionários aos moradores das ilhas Capim, Xingu e Quianduba; 3) verificado o nível de conhecimento dos produtores rurais a cerca da viabilidade ou não de implementação de programas de criação de animais silvestres na região. As atividades na feira livre mostraram que em 2005 aproximadamente 5.970 kg de carne de animais silvestres pertencentes a oito etno-espécies (mucura, veado, capivara, paca, tatu, jacaré-açu, jacaré-tinga e matamatá) foram comercializadas, sendo que as carnes de capivara e jacaré foram as mais representativas, 64% e 34%, respectivamente. Os comerciantes apresentaram alta dependência financeira desta atividade, obtendo mensalmente uma renda de até R$ 600,00. Os consumidores moravam no município ou em regiões próximas e compraram os produtos mais por hábitos culturais do que necessidades financeiras. As principais atividades de subsistência (pesca e agro-extrativismo de açaí) praticadas pelas populações ribeirinhas encontram-se em declínio ou não atendem as necessidades alimentares da comunidade ao longo de todo o ano. A caça ainda se constitui uma atividade comum para os ribeirinhos entrevistados, cerca de 38% (n= 55) destes caçaram durante o último ano um total de 68 animais de pequeno porte, incluindo a mucura, a cutia, o tatu, a paca, o soia e o camaleão. Os animais maiores podem estar localmente extintos em função da sobre-caça. Os produtores rurais indicaram como fatores favoráveis para a criação de animais silvestres a proteção das populações naturais e a geração de renda; e como desfavoráveis a falta de assistência técnica e de apoio financeiro, a burocracia e os altos custos de produção. A formação de um sistema participativo de manejo, envolvendo a comunidade, o governo e o setor privado, que garanta o estabelecimento uma cadeia produtiva funcional, é apontada como uma ferramenta necessária para a implantação de sistema de criação comercial de animais silvestre neste município.

Taxonomia e distribuição das lagostas (Crustacea: Decapoda: Achelata e Polychelida) no Oceano Atlântico

Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia) - IBRC

A new genus and two new species of Opilioacaridae (Acari: Parasitiformes) from Amazonia, Brazil with a key to world genera

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

Redescription and taxonomical considerations about Aonchotheca (Aonchotheca) pulchra n. comb. (Enoplida: Trichuridae), a nematode of Nyctinomops spp.

Pterothominx pulchra (Freitas, 1934) are little known gastric nematodes of Nyctinomops laticaudatus (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Information about the occurrence and host range of these parasites in Neotropical region is still scanty, and the only two morphological descriptions available in the literature are divergent about the presence or absence of a spiny spicular sheath in males, which may lead to incorrect taxonomical positioning, since this feature represents the main difference between the genera Pterothominx and Aonchotheca. Based on the absence of this morphological feature in specimens of this nematode obtained from N. laticaudatus and Nyctinomops macrotis bats captured in two municipalities in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, the present study reclassifies the aforementioned species in the genus Aonchotheca and allocates it to the subgenus Aonchotheca. Additional morphometric data and new host and locality records are also provided.

Slipper lobster (Crustacea, Decapoda, Scyllaridae) fisheries off the southeastern coast of Brazil: I. Exploitation patterns between 23 degrees 00 ` and 29 degrees 65 ` S

In southeastern Brazil, slipper lobsters (Scyllarides deceptor and S. brasiliensis) are caught by fleets trawling for pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and F. paulensis) and pots-and-traps fishing for octopuses (Octopus vulgaris). Eight hundred fifty-six landings of shrimp trawlers and 28 of the octopus fleet were monitored in the Santos region from May 2006 to April 2007. Additional analysis was performed using a database covering the period from 1999 onwards. This study seeks to identify the recent patterns of exploitation of these lobsters with the goal of improving the way towards fishery sustainability. Scyllarides deceptor was the dominant lobster species with 1032 specimens collected, while only three specimens of S. brasiliensis were identified. The area known as the `Farol do Boi` (23 degrees 01`S, 45 degrees 00`W to 25 degrees 00`S, 45 degrees 40`W at 60-135 m deep) showed the highest Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE). A General Linearized Model (GLM) was used to investigate the factors influencing variations in CPUE in trawl fleets and led to the conclusion that year, month and depth were the most important factors. We detected a significant decrease in the relative abundance of lobsters in the fishing zone despite relatively low fishing effort. Recommendations to protect the lobster resources include taking special precautions in the natural refuge area of the `Farol do Boi`, as an exclusion zone for trawl fleets, and controlling the use of traps longlines to catch octopuses. Concerns about depensatory processes due to the over-exploitation of lobster populations around the world are raised. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biometric relationships of the spotted lobster, Panulirus echinatus, from Tamandare coastal reefs, Pernambuco State, Brazil

Biometric relationships were recorded for 2431 male and female Panulirus echinatus sampled at Tamandare coastal reefs, Pernambuco, Brazil. The following body measurements were taken: carapace length and width, abdomen length and width, total length, third and fifth pereiopod length, cephalothorax-abdomen and total weight. Twelve relationships were studied to compare the biometric characteristics Of males and females. Eleven of them showed difference between the sexes. Comparing sexes with the same carapace length, males have a heavier cephalothorax and longer third and fifth pereiopods than females, whereas females are longer, wider, and have a heavier abdomen than males. For genders with the same total length, males are heavier and have a longer carapace than females, while females have a larger abdomen. For genders with the same abdomen length, males have a heavier abdomen than females. The relationships TWg/TL and A Wg/AL showed positive allometric growth for the males. All other relationships involving weight, presented negative allometric growth for both sexes.

Development of the ovaries of the lobster Panulirus echinatus (Crustacea: Palinuridae) based on macroscopic and microscopic examination and gonadosomatic relation (GSR)

The developmental stages of the ovaries of the lobster Panulirus echinatus Smith, 1869 were characterized using macroscopic and microscopic features and the gonadosomatic relation (GSR). Based on monthly samples (November, 1999 to October, 2000), a total of 711 females were captured using gillnets. The dorsal region of the carapace was removed to evaluate the ovaries, which were dissected, weighted, preserved in Bouin`s solution, and submitted to histological procedures. The microscopic analysis of the ovaries was assessed by the presence of germinative cells in different developmental phases. When this analysis was combined with macroscopical observations (changes in color and volume of the gonads in the cephalothorax) and GSR, five developmental stages could be identified: immature (I), intermediate (II); pre-maturation (III); mature (IV) and post-spawning stage (V). Statistical analyses confirmed that GSR can be used as an indicator of developmental stage.

Cocaine effects on mouse incentive-learning and human addiction are linked to alpha 2 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors

Because GABA(A) receptors containing alpha 2 subunits are highly represented in areas of the brain, such as nucleus accumbens (NAcc), frontal cortex, and amygdala, regions intimately involved in signaling motivation and reward, we hypothesized that manipulations of this receptor subtype would influence processing of rewards. Voltage-clamp recordings from NAcc medium spiny neurons of mice with alpha 2 gene deletion showed reduced synaptic GABA(A) receptor-mediated responses. Behaviorally, the deletion abolished cocaine`s ability to potentiate behaviors conditioned to rewards (conditioned reinforcement), and to support behavioral sensitization. In mice with a point mutation in the benzodiazepine binding pocket of alpha 2-GABA(A) receptors (alpha 2H101R), GABAergic neurotransmission in medium spiny neurons was identical to that of WT (i.e., the mutation was silent), but importantly, receptor function was now facilitated by the atypical benzodiazepine Ro 15-4513 (ethyl 8-amido-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo [1,5-a] [1,4] benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate). In alpha 2H101R, but not WT mice, Ro 15-4513 administered directly into the NAcc-stimulated locomotor activity, and when given systemically and repeatedly, induced behavioral sensitization. These data indicate that activation of alpha 2-GABA(A) receptors (most likely in NAcc) is both necessary and sufficient for behavioral sensitization. Consistent with a role of these receptors in addiction, we found specific markers and haplotypes of the GABRA2 gene to be associated with human cocaine addiction.

Chorioallantoic and yolk sac placentation in Thrichomys laurentinus (Echimyidae) and the evolution of hystricognath rodents

The evolutionary history of Hystricognathi is associated with major transformations in their placental system. Data so far indicate that key characters are independent from size dimensions in medium to very large species. To better understand the situation in smaller species, we analyzed placental development in a spiny rat, Thrichomys laurentinus. Fourteen individuals ranging from early implantation to near term were investigated by histology, immunohistochemistry, proliferation activity and electron microscopy. Placentation in Thrichomys revealed major parallels to the guinea pig and other hystricognath rodents with respect to the early and invasive implantation, the process of trophoblast invasion, the internal organization of the labyrinth and the trophospongium as well as the establishment of the complete inverted yolk sac placenta. In contrast to systematically related small-sized species, the placental regionalization in Thrichomys was characterized by a remarkable lobulated structure and associated growing processes. Reverse to former perspectives, these conditions represented ancient character states of hystricognaths. The subplacenta was temporarily supplied by both the maternal and fetal blood systems, a rare condition among hystricognaths. The extraplacental trophoblast originating from the subplacenta was partly proliferative in mid gestation. In conclusion, the presented results indicated that only minor variations occurred in small-sized hystricognath species, independent of their systematic interrelationships. Previous views were supported that placentation in hystricognaths followed an extraordinary stable pattern, although the group had distinct habitats in South America and Africa that were separated 30-40 million years ago. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:13-25, 2012. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Home range, movements and diurnal roosts of the endangered thin-spined porcupine, Chaetomys subspinosus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae), in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Chaetomys subspinosus is the sole species within the Chaetomyinae subfamily of Caviomorph rodents. This poorly studied porcupine is restricted to the Atlantic Forest in eastern Brazil, where deforestation and habitat fragmentation threaten its survival. Data on the ranging and roosting behavior of C. subspinosus is fairly scarce as it is difficult to observe these behaviors in nature and, consequently, it is very rarely detected during field surveys. We monitored the home ranges of three radio-tagged females over the course of 1 year (2005-2006) and collected data on several aspects of their natural history including movement patterns and the use of diurnal roosts and latrines. The animals were monitored at Parque Estadual Paulo Cesar Vinha, a nature reserve dominated by restinga forests, a subtype of Atlantic Forest occurring on sandy soil. The estimated home range varied little between individuals and was relatively small (mean = 2.14 ha/individual and 1.09 ha/individual using minimum convex polygon and kernel methods, respectively). The animals travelled an average of 147 m/night (range: 21-324 m/night) between two consecutive day roosts. The day roosts were mostly located on vine and liana tangles in the canopy which also aid in connecting the canopy to adjacent trees or the forest floor. Latrines were mostly located near the ground in places heavily protected by spiny bromeliads or by other tangled vegetation. Our data suggests that C. subspinosus has the smallest range among all Neotropical Erethizontids which is likely due to its small size and strictly folivorous diet. Our data also helps explain why C. subspinosus is so difficult to observe in nature: researchers should focus on arboreal masses of tangled vegetation where individuals will normally rest during the day. (C) 2011 Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Saugetierkunde. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Leaf cuticular alkanes of Solanum subg. Leptostemonum Dunal (Bitter) of some northeast Brazilian species: Composition and taxonomic significance

Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum (Dunal) Bitter comprises approximately 450 species, of which 110, including 58 endemics, occur in Brazil, which is recognized as one of the centers of diversity of the group. Due the great morphological plasticity and its large number of species, several taxonomic treatments have been proposed for the genus Solanum, but its infrageneric classification is problematic. The aim of this study was to analyze the alkane composition of the leaf epicuticular waxes of nine species of the subgenus Leptostemonum to evaluate the chemotaxonomic potential of the alkanes. As results, were identified in nine species thirty-one alkanes, including iso- and anteiso-alkanes. The major constituent of wax in most species was tritriacontane. Hentriacontane was the main constituent of Solanum paraibanum and Solanum torvum, and penta-triacontane was predominant in different populations of Solanum stramonifolium. The phenetic analysis of nine species based on the distribution profile of alkanes (Euclidean distance and UPGMA method) show three clusters with distinct main homolog. The profiles of alkanes showed some qualitative taxonomic value for species analyzed, although, a larger number of representative samples of this subgenus must be investigated. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Die molekulare Evolution der Hämocyaninsuperfamilie der Arthropoden

In vielen Arthropoden wird Sauerstoff mittels des Kupferproteins Hämocyanin transportiert. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde das Hämocyanin einiger Vertreter der Arthropoden molekularbiologisch untersucht. Bei den Crustaceen (Homarus americanus und Palinurus elephas) konnten vier Untereinheiten isoliert werden, bei denen es sich um Hämocyanine des a-Typs handelt. Bei den Myriapoden (Chilopoda, Scutigera coleoptrata und Diplopoda, Spirostreptus spec.) konnten drei unterschiedliche Hämocyaninuntereinheiten gefunden werden. Erst seit einiger Zeit ist das Hämocyanin bei Myriapoden biochemisch charakterisiert und bei diesen Hämocyaninsequenzen handelt es sich um die ersten von Myriapoden. Bei den Onychophoren (Epiperipatus spec.) konnte ebenfalls erstmals ein Hämocyanin isoliert und sequenziert werden. Hierbei handelt es sich um den ersten Hinweis, dass Onychophoren über ein respiratorisches Protein verfügen. In einer phylogenetischen Analyse der Hämocyaninsequenzen konnte ein Stammbaum der Hämocyaninsuperfamilie erstellt werden. Innerhalb der Crustacea ordnen sich die verschiedenen Hämocyaninuntereinheiten in distinkten Ästen an. Die Hämocyanine der Myriapoda sind monophyletisch, wobei die Auftrennung in distinkte Untereinheiten bereits vor der Trennung der Chilopoden und Diplopoden erfolgte; die phylogenetische Stellung der Myriapoda kann anhand der Hämocyaninsequenzen nicht zuverlässig aufgelöst werden. Eine gemeinsame Anordnung mit den Hexapoda ('Tracheata'-Hypothese) kann jedoch mit hoher Sicherheit ausgeschlossen werden. Die Onychophora stehen im Arthropodenstammbaum an basaler Position und können somit als Proarthropoda angesprochen werden. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Hämocyaninevolution der Arthropodenevolution entspricht.