Wildlife-based tourism & increased support for nature conservation financially and otherwise: evidence from sea-turtle ecotourism at Mon Repos

The arguments of most conservationists supporting ecotourism have been based on the view that it is environmentally friendly as a resource-use and that receipts from it can counter demands to use the natural resources involved for more extractive economic purposes. But wildlife-based ecotourism can also have positive impacts in itself on the willingness of tourists to pay for wildlife conservation, strengthen the pro-conservation attitudes of tourists, and foster personal actions by them that contribute to wildlife conservation. These aspects are explored in this article on the basis of a survey of tourists visiting Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg, Queensland, for the purpose of watching marine turtles. The results enable several of the conservation impacts of this experience on tourists to be quantified, and highlight important relationships between specific socio-economic variables and the willingness of tourists to pay for the protection of sea turtles. Furthermore, it is shown that the on-site experiences of ecotourists have positive impacts on the willingness of tourists to pay for the conservation of wildlife, and that willingness to pay is sensitive to whether or not wildlife is seen. It is suggested that in situ ecotourism is likely to be a more powerful force for fostering pro-conservation attitudes and actions among visitors than ex situ wildlife-based tourism in aquaria and zoos.

Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in the mangrove species Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. (Avicenniaceae) detected by AFLPs and SSRs

Avicennia marina is an important mangrove species with a wide geographical and climatic distribution which suggests that large amounts of genetic diversity are available for conservation and breeding programs. In this study we compare the informativeness of AFLPs and SSRs for assessing genetic diversity within and among individuals, populations and subspecies of A. marina in Australia. Our comparison utilized three SSR loci and three AFLP primer sets that were known to be polymorphic, and could be run in a single analysis on a capillary electrophoresis system, using different-colored fluorescent dyes. A total of 120 individuals representing six populations and three subspecies were samplcd. At the locus level, SSRs were considerably more variable than AFLPs, with a total of 52 alleles and an average heterozygosity of 0.78. Average heterozygosity for AFLPs was 0.193, but all of the 918 bands scored were polymorphic. Thus, AFLPs were considerably more efficient at revealing polymorphic loci than SSRs despite lower average heterozygosities. SSRs detected more genetic differentiation between populations (19 vs 9%) and subspecies (35 vs 11%) than AFLPs. Principal co-ordinate analysis revealed congruent patterns of genetic relationships at the individual, population and subspecific levels for both data sets. Mantel testing confirmed congruence between AFLP and SSR genetic distances among, but not within, population comparisons, indicating that the markers were segregating inde- pendently but that evolutionary groups (populations and subspecies) were similar. Three genetic criteria of importance for defining priorities for ex situ collections or in situ conservation programs (number of alleles, number of locally common alleles and number of private alleles) were correlated between the AFLP and SSR data sets. The congruence between AFLP and SSR data sets suggest that either method, or a combination, is applicable to expanded genetic studies of mangroves. The codominant nature of SSRs makes them ideal for further population-based investigations, such as mating-system analyses, for which the dominant AFLP markers are less well suited. AFLPs may be particularly useful for monitoring propagation programs and identifying duplicates within collections, since a single PCR assay can reveal many loci at once.

Germinação, crescimento e desenvolvimento in vitro de orquídeas (Cattleya spp., Orchidaceae)

As orquídeas no ambiente natural sofrem exploração devido a sua importância ornamental, levando algumas espécies à extinção. O cultivo in vitro é uma forma alternativa para a conservação ex-situ. Procurou-se determinar um meio de cultura eficiente para a germinação in vitro de sementes e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Cattleya forbesii, bem como para o crescimento de plântulas in vitro de Cattleya harrisoniana. No primeiro caso, sementes foram inoculadas em meio de cultura básico de Murashige & Skoog (MS) = T1 e MS básico acrescido de 2,5 g L-1 de carvão ativado (CA) = T2. No segundo, plântulas com 1 ± 0,2 cm de altura foram submetidas aos tratamentos T1, T2, MS com a metade da concentração original de macro-micronutrientes (T3) e MS com a metade da concentração original de macro-micronutrientes suplementado com 1,25 g L-1 de CA (T4). Verificou-se aos 30 dias em C. forbesii uma porcentagem de germinação de 45% em T1 e 90% em T2. A adição de CA ao meio de cultura trouxe aumento na altura de plântulas de C. forbesii de acordo com análises realizadas aos 180 dias de cultivo. Em relação ao crescimento de C. harrisoniana, aos 240 dias observou-se que todos os parâmetros médios avaliados (altura da parte aérea, massa de matéria fresca total, número de raízes e folhas, comprimento da maior raiz e diâmetro do pseudocaule) foram significativamente maiores em T2. Dessa forma, sugere-se o uso do meio MS acrescido de 2,5 g L-1 de CA (T2), uma vez que é significativamente favorável tanto para a germinação de sementes quanto para o crescimento de ambas as espécies.

Assessing the conservation status of the strict endemic Desertas wolf spider, Hogna ingens (Araneae, Lycosidae)

The Desertas Islands (Madeira, Portugal) are the sole home of one of the largest and rarest wolf spiderspecies, Hogna ingens (Blackwall 1857) (Araneae, Lycosidae). Despite its size, it inhabits a single valleyin the North of the Deserta Grande Island, Vale da Castanheira, currently invaded by the herb Phalarisaquatica. This invasive species competes with the native flora and was subject to several eradicationexperiments, namely through fire and chemicals. The objectives of this work were to: (1) estimate thecurrent distribution and abundance of H. ingens and respective trends; (2) evaluate the impact of theinvasive plant and eradication methods on the spider population; (3) suggest future measures for therecovery of the species; and (4) evaluate its conservation status according to the IUCN criteria. The current distribution of H. ingens covers 23 ha, a recent reduction from its original 83 ha, correspond-ing to the entire Vale da Castanheira. A total of 4447 and 4086 adults and 71,832 and 24,635 juvenileswere estimated to live in the valley during 2011 and 2012, respectively. We found a significant negativeimpact of P. aquatica cover on the presence and abundance of H. ingens and that chemical treatmentspecifically directed towards the invasive plant species may be the only way to effectively recover thespider's habitat. We suggest (1) regular monitoring; (2) extend chemical treatments; (3) ex-situ conserva-tion with future reintroduction of adults. Based on the current area of occupancy (AOO) of H. ingens and itsrecent decline in both AOO and number of individuals, it was recently classified as Critically Endangeredby IUCN and we suggest its urgent inclusion in the Habitats Directive species lists.

Plano de gestão e conservação de Azorina vidalii (Wats.) Feer

Dissertação de Mestrado, Gestão e Conservação da Natureza, 15 de Maio de 2015, Universidade dos Açores.

Use of solvent extraction to remediate soils contaminated with hydrocarbons

The main objective of this research is to exploit the possibility of using an ex situ solvent extraction technique for the remediation of soils contaminated with semi-volatile petroleum hydrocarbons. The composition of the organic phase was chosen in order to form a single phase mixture with an aqueous phase and simultaneously not being disturbed (forming stable emulsions) by the soil particles hauling the contaminants. It should also permit a regeneration of the organic solvent phase. As first, we studied the miscibility domain of the chosen ternary systems constituted by ethyl acetate–acetone–water. This system proved to satisfy the previous requirements allowing for the formation of a single liquid phase mixture within a large spectrum of compositions, and also allowing for an intimate contact with the soil. Contaminants in the diesel range within different functional groups were selected: xylene, naphthalene and hexadecane. The analytical control was done by gas chromatography with FID detector. The kinetics of the extractions proved to be fast, leading to equilibrium after 10 min. The effect of the solid–liquid ratio on the extraction efficiency was studied. Lower S/L ratios (1:8, w/v) proved to be more efficient, reaching recoveries in the order of 95%. The option of extraction in multiple contacts did not improve the recovery in relation to a single contact. The solvent can be regenerated by distillation with a loss around 10%. The contaminants are not evaporated and they remain in the non-volatile phase. The global results show that the ex situ solvent extraction is technically a feasible option for the remediation of semi-volatile aromatic, polyaromatic and linear hydrocarbons.

Tailoring of structures and permeation properties of asymmetric nanocomposite cellulose acetatesilver membranes

Cellulose acetate (CA)-silver (Ag) nanocomposite asymmetric membranes were prepared via the wet-phase inversion method by dispersing polyvinylpirrolydone-protected Ag nanoparticles in the membrane casting solutions of different compositions. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized ex situ and added to the casting solution as a concentrated aqueous colloidal dispersion. The effects of the dispersion addition on the structure and on the selective permeation properties of the membranes were studied by comparing the nanocomposites with the silver-free materials. The casting solution composition played an important role in the adequate dispersion of the silver nanoparticles in the membrane. Incorporation of nanoscale silver and the final silver content resulted in structural changes leading to an increase in the hydraulic permeability and molecular weight cut-off of the nanocomposite membranes. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41796.

Do Projecto de Inventário do Património Religioso ao objectivo de criação de um museu na Diocese da Guarda - diagnóstico e proposta base para a sua programação museológica, ao nível do acervo

Trabalho de Projecto apresentado para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Museologia

Toxicity of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and their mixtures to aquatic organisms under ecologically-relevant scenarios

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous priority pollutants that tend to be trapped in aquatic sediments due to their high hydrophobicity. Nonetheless, the differential toxicological effects and mechanisms between the various classes of PAHs and their mixtures, as they invariably occur in the environment, are scarcely known, especially under ecologically-relevant scenarios. This thesis aimed at establishing a bridge between the study of mechanistic pathways and environmental monitoring of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs, by introducing ecological-relevance in the research with model PAHs. A first bioassay conducted in situ with the mussel Mytilus edulis demonstrated that, dredging operations in harbours increase PAH bioavailability, eliciting genotoxicity, and showed that established environmental guidelines underestimate risk. Subsequent ex situ bioassays were performed with the carcinogenic benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F) and non-carcinogenic phenantrene (Phe), selected following preceding results, and revealed that low-moderate concentrations of these PAHs in spiked sediments induce genotoxic effects to the clam Ruditapes decussatus, therefore contradicting the general notion that bivalves are less sensitive to PAHs than vertebrates due to inefficient bioactivation. Also, it was demonstrated that passive samplers permit inferring on PAH bioavailability but not on bioaccumulation or toxic effects. On the other hand, sea basses (Dicentrarchus labrax), yielded a complex pattern of effects and responses, relatively to genotoxicity, oxidative stress and production of specific metabolites, especially when exposed to mixtures of the PAHs which led to additive, if not synergistic, effects. It was shown that Phe may elicit significant genotoxicity especially in presence of B[b]F, even though the low, albeit realistic, exposure concentrations diluted dose- and time-independent relationships. The present work demonstrated that environmental quality guidelines underestimate the effects of PAHs in realistic scenarios and showed that the significant genotoxic and histopathological effects caused by mixed PAHs may not be reflected by oxidative stress- or CYP-related biomarkers. Besides important findings on the metabolism of PAH mixtures, the work calls for the need to re-evaluate the criteria for assessing risk and for the disclosure of more efficient indicators of toxicological hazard.

Interação com os pais e o uso do espaço por um infante de Alouatta fusca (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812) em cativeiro

Os primatas são animais que possuem elo social entre a mãe e sua prole, diferente de outras ordens de mamíferos. A sobrevivência do infante primata é completamente dependente do cuidado provido por membros de seu grupo social, particularmente do cuidado materno. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a utilização do recinto por um infante de bugio e sua proximidade com os pais. O grupo de bugios era composto por um casal de adultos e seu filhote fêmea com quatro meses de idade. O período de observações foi de agosto a dezembro/2006, perfazendo uma média de 96 horas de esforço de amostragem. O método de observação foi o animal focal com registro instantâneo, com intervalos de 30 segundos durante uma hora por dia. O local do estudo foi o recinto de exposição da Fundação Zoo-Botânica de Belo Horizonte, com 7m de altura, 6 m de largura, 7 m de profundidade com presença de paisagismo interno. As observações revelaram um contato maior do infante com a mãe em relação ao pai e um distanciamento significativo (P < 0,05) do filhote em relação ao contato materno, com o aumento da idade e maior independência. O local mais utilizado durante os três primeiros meses de cativeiro foi a pérgola. No mês de dezembro, período de maior pluviosidade, o filhote aumentou interações ventrais com a mãe, e permaneceu mais tempo no cano. As informações obtidas neste trabalho contribuem para um melhor entendimento em relação aos infantes de Alouatta fusca, suas interações sociais e uso do espaço que podem ser utilizados para aprimorar o manejo ex-situ dos animais, criando melhores condições para a estadia dos mesmos em cativeiro, utilizando-se de estruturas adequadas que simulem o ambiente natural, a fim de garantir o bem-estar dos bugios e assim, a sobrevivência da espécie.

Experimental procedures for the identification of material properties of intervertebal disc - a contribution for the development of biomimetic substitutes for the nucleus pulposus

Tese de Doutoramento em Engenharia Mecânica.

Investigación, domesticación y educación para el uso sustentable y conservación de la flora nativa del centro de Argentina

Los bosques nativos del Centro Argentino disminuyen rápidamente debido a talas, incendios y expansión agrícola y urbana. Se pierden especies vegetales, entre ellas muchas con valor de uso tradicional o potencial. Se plantea como objetivo global, continuar y profundizar las actividades iniciadas en el Jardín Botánico Gaspar Xuárez sj (JBGXsj), con respecto a conservar, recuperar y domesticar recursos fitogenéticos autóctonos para el uso sustentable, a través de la investigación y la educación. Los sitios naturales en áreas urbanas son valiosos espacios educativos donde muchos ciudadanos toman contacto directo con la naturaleza; tienen un potencial interesante en la formación de líderes ambientales. Se dará continuidad al programa de conservación y enriquecimiento del remanente de Espinal del JBGXsj, valorado como aula verde y como parte integrante del Banco de Germoplasma del JBGXsj. Esta forma de conservación, in situ, permite mantener especies, interacciones y arreglos espaciales típicos. A su vez se conservará ex situ en el Banco, nuevas semillas y plantas vivas de especies del centro del país, priorizando las de valor etnobotánico tradicional o potencial. El material y la información servirán para investigación, propagación y educación. El material se evaluará y caracterizará por peso de 1000 semillas, poder germinativo y viabilidad de semillas almacenadas. Se estudiará la domesticación de especies ecológicamente vulnerables que presenten potencial de uso múltiple, y que además permitan promover sinergia con otros proyectos de investigación en la UCC. Se estudiarán características agronómicas y biológicas para el cultivo intensivo. Se formarán recursos humanos en investigación y técnica, a través de pasantías y talleres. Se desarrollará un programa educativo enfocado a conservación, interpretación ambiental y cambios actitudinales para el desarrollo sustentable. Se motivará y dará conocimiento a docentes y alumnos de instituciones educativas y público en general. Se realizarán visitas guiadas por senderos interpretativos de contenido ecológico, etnobotánico y evolutivo.

Conservación, restauración y educación para la valoración etnobotánica de la flora de bosques del centro de Argentina

Los bosques nativos del Centro Argentino disminuyen rápidamente debido a talas, incendios y expansión agrícola y urbana. Se pierde una rica biodiversidad de especies nativas, entre ellas muchas con valor tradicional o uso potencial. El Jardín Botánico “Gaspar Xuárez S.J” se dedica a investigar, conservar y restaurar este recurso. Se conserva ex situ, en un Banco de Germoplasma, semillas y plantas vivas coleccionadas in situ de un amplio conjunto de especies, priorizando las de valor etnobotánico tradicional o uso potencial. El material biológico y la información sirven a la propagación, educación e investigación. Se ejecuta un programa de restauración, manejo ecológico y conservación in situ en un Parque Autóctono de 12 hectáreas en el predio del campus universitario, remanente del Espinal de Llanura. Se desarrolla un programa educativo. Se sensibiliza, brinda conocimiento y prácticas de investigación a maestros y alumnos de escuelas primarias y secundarias de la región (Departamentos Capital, Colón, Santa María) en la conservación de los recursos naturales como requisito previo para una mejor calidad de vida apoyando el afianzamiento de actitudes responsables. El conocimiento y la valoración de usos tradicionales y potenciales de flora nativa, se logra mediante visitas guiadas por senderos Interpretativos de contenido ecológico etnobotánico y evolutivo.

Domesticación y conservación de plantas nativas del centro de Argentina con potencial de usos múltiples

Con el retroceso de los bosques nativos se pierden hábitats y recursos fitogenéticos. Existen investigaciones científicas, técnicas y rescate de saberes populares sobre el aprovechamiento de especies autóctonas, búsqueda de productos derivados y servicios ambientales. Entre ellos se destacan estudios locales sobre principios activos con actividad pesticida y medicinal y el uso en paisajismo, mejoramiento ambiental y remediación de paisajes degradados. La información para propagar muchas especies nativas cuyo uso se promueve, no existe o no está calibrada para escala de cultivos intensivos. Este proyecto se enfoca sobre cuatro especies endémicas o nativas de Espinal y Chaco, que tienen gran valor de conservación y son promisorias por su potencial simultáneo de aplicación paisajística y para elaboración de pesticidas. La meta es promover la conservación regional de flora nativa a través del uso, con estrategias in situ-ex situ en áreas urbanas, industriales y rurales. Los objetivos específicos son a- Conservar y caracterizar muestras de las especies Flourensia oolepis, Dolichandra cynanchoides, Lepechinia floribunda y Achyrocline satureioides en el Banco Activo de Germoplasma del Jardín Botánico Gaspar Xuárez SJ de la UCC; b- Estudiar la propagación y cultivo de dichas especies y c- Transferir información y capacitar recursos humanos en técnicas de cultivo intensivo ambientalmente sustentable. La metodología contempla: a- Recolección georreferenciada de germoplasma a campo, que se conservará acondicionado en el Banco; b- Caracterización y evaluación de calidad de semillas en laboratorio siguiendo normas internacionales ISTA (peso de mil semillas, poder germinativo y viabilidad) y c- Calibración de protocolos de propagación sexual y cultivo en vivero (variables de supervivencia, sustratos, inóculos). La capacitación de recursos humanos se hará mediante pasantías y talleres de capacitación en el marco del Jardín Botánico y transferencia de información a viveristas, emprendedores y paisajistas. Como productos se esperan 40 nuevas accesiones al Banco y su correspondiente evaluación de calidad de semillas, protocolos de métodos de propagación y cultivo, la realización de un taller de capacitación y una pasantía al año y la publicación de resultados. La pertinencia de estudiar la domesticación de estas especies surge frente a su potencial de uso para múltiples fines y frente al poco desarrollo que aún presenta el sector de producción intensiva de especies nativas. Se espera que la información generada sirva de base, tanto para aportar materias primas y avanzar regionalmente en el desarrollo agroindustrial de pesticidas naturales, como para la provisión de ejemplares cultivados con técnicas conservativas de variabilidad y viabilidad genética para intervenciones paisajistas en áreas urbanas y remediación de paisajes, evitando la extracción directa del recurso.

Desarrollo de metodologías de propagación y cultivo de plantas nativas de Córdoba con potencial ornamental

La flora nativa de Córdoba, actualmente amenazada, es rica en especies con potencial ornamental que todavía no se cultivan. El uso de estas plantas está limitado por la escasez de material biológico, la falta de conocimientos de su propagación y su insuficiente valoración pública. Hipótesis: La propagación y el cultivo de una amplia gama de plantas nativas cordobesas con potencial ornamental son técnicamente factibles y tienen potencial productivo y económico. El Objetivo es promover el uso de especies nativas ornamentales en la provincia de Córdoba. Objetivos específicos: 1. Desarrollar metodologías de propagación y cultivo de especies nativas con potencial ornamental; 2. Transferir estas metodologías a viveros privados y públicos; 3. Difundir los conocimientos obtenidos a instituciones educativas. Resultados y productos esperados: 1- Protocolos de propagación de al menos 6 especies nativas ornamentales y su transferencia a viveros, como base de una actividad productiva novedosa. 2- Un aporte a la conservación ex situ y el uso sostenible de la flora nativa. 3- Una mayor valoración de esta en la comunidad educativa. Importancia: 1- Desarrollo de la producción de plantas nativas con valor ornamental, como una alternativa económica. 2- Conservación ex situ y uso sostenible de la flora nativa. 3- Difusión del conocimiento del valor ornamental de las nativas. 4. Información científica de la biología y ecología de especies nativas. El impacto inmediato esperado es un aumento en la propagación, la producción, la demanda, la comercialización y el uso de plantas ornamentales nativas. Se espera también la generación de nuevos conocimientos y el estímulo de líneas de investigación biológicas y agronómicas.