Search Results (79)

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a significant threat to animal and public health due to its wide host range and potential for interspecies transmission. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of IAV in a wide range of wildlife in the Orinoco flooded savannas of Colombia, a region of high biodiversity and a strategic location for monitoring viral transmission. Sampling was conducted during both dry and rainy seasons in two localities. ELISA and qPCR targeted 2028 individuals from 173 bird, mammal, and reptile species, 124 of them without previously published reports. There were positive results for 54 species, with 34 representing first-time world reports. Of the qPCR, 13.4% were positive from birds, and 2.9% were from mammals. Seropositivity was identified in 5.7% of birds, 2.7% of mammals, and 1.3% of reptiles. These findings underscore the potential role of these diverse species as reservoirs or incidental hosts in the transmission cycle of IAV, emphasizing the need for expanded research on less-studied taxa and their ecological interactions. The results also contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of IAV in the Neotropics and can inform future surveillance and mitigation strategies. Full article

Two new miniature tetra species of the genus Priocharax Weitzman and Vari 1987 are described, raising the known species diversity to twelve. Priocharax is characterized by several paedomorphic features such as reductions in the laterosensory system, number of fin rays, ossification of parts of the skull and the presence of a larval rayless pectoral fin in adults. The species described are found in the Rio Purus and Solimões drainages, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil and are diagnosed among themselves and from other species of the genus by the combination of meristic and osteological characters. Furthermore, the two species differ in overall body shape, with one having a deeper body and the other a more streamlined form. Sexual dimorphism was observed in both species. Molecular species delimitation analyses support the distinctiveness of these species. Similarly to Priocharax britzi and to P. conwayi, the specimens analyzed here were collected within and around protected areas, highlighting the importance of these areas for conservation and biodiversity knowledge. Full article

DNA metabarcoding is a powerful biodiversity monitoring tool, enabling simultaneous assessments of diverse biological communities. However, its accuracy depends on the reliability of reference databases that assign taxonomic identities to obtained sequences. Here we provide a DNA barcode dataset for aquatic fauna of the Panama Canal, a region that connects the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans. This unique setting creates opportunities for trans-oceanic dispersal while acting as a modern physical dispersal barrier for some terrestrial organisms. We sequenced 852 specimens from a diverse array of taxa (e.g., fishes, zooplankton, mollusks, arthropods, reptiles, birds, and mammals) using COI, and in some cases, 12S and 16S barcodes. These data were collected for a variety of studies, many of which have sought to understand recent changes in aquatic communities in the Panama Canal. The DNA barcodes presented here are all from captured specimens, which confirms their presence in Panama and, in many cases, inside the Panama Canal. Both native and introduced taxa are included. This dataset represents a valuable resource for environmental DNA (eDNA) work in the Panama Canal region and across the Neotropics aimed at monitoring ecosystem health, tracking non-native and potentially invasive species, and understanding the ecology and distribution of these freshwater and euryhaline taxa. Full article

Mangrove-associated fungi represent a diverse but understudied group of eukaryotic organisms, especially in the Neotropics. The Colombian Pacific region, with approximately 1300 km of coastline covered with 194,880 ha of mangrove forests that remain largely unexplored for macrofungal diversity, is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. This study aimed to catalog the macrofungi associated with mangrove ecosystems in Colombia, integrating morphological characterization and molecular phylogenetics, focusing on three Valle del Cauca Pacific coast localities. A total of 81 specimens were collected from both living trees and decaying wood. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic analyses were conducted, and DNA sequences from two ribosomal DNA barcode regions (ITS and LSU) were generated for 43 specimens. Three new species—Neohypochnicium manglarense, Phlebiopsis colombiana, and Porogramme bononiae—were documented. In addition, eight species were reported as new records for both Colombia and mangrove ecosystems, including Microporus affinis, Paramarasmius palmivorus, Phlebiopsis flavidoalba, Porogramme brasiliensis, Resinicium grandisporum, Trametes ellipsospora, T. menziesii, and T. polyzona. Although previously recorded in Colombian terrestrial ecosystems, Lentinus scleropus and Oudemansiella platensis are globally reported here for the first time from mangrove habitats. Furthermore, Fomitopsis nivosella and Punctularia strigosozonata were documented for the first time in Colombia. This study addresses the first exploration of mangrove-associated macrofungi in the country and provides new insights into the hidden fungal diversity and potential of mangrove ecosystems as a latent niche for basidiomycete dispersal along Colombia’s Pacific coast. Full article

Kempnyia Klapálek, 1914 (Plecoptera: Perlidae) is the only genus within its family endemic to Brazil, being present in the Atlantic Forest and sections of the Cerrado. Taxonomic knowledge of the genus is incomplete, especially for nymphs. An integrative approach to the description of species and semaphoronts is essential for further studies. We describe a new species of Kempnyia based on morphological and molecular data, associate and describe the nymphs of both the new species and Kempnyia umbrina Froehlich, 1988, as well as expand its distribution and correct past mistakes in identification of K. umbrina. Specimens were identified morphologically and sequenced for the barcode region of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene, resulting in eight new sequences for three species of the genus. Both morphological and molecular analyses revealed a new species, Kempnyia krenaki sp. nov. Its nymph and that of K. umbrina are also described. With our additions, the number of known Kempnyia species rises to 41, of which 26 have COI sequences available in GenBank. Although only 11 nymphs have been associated and described for the genus so far, as the Kempnyia sequence database continues to grow, studies associating and describing nymphs will become more common, gradually reducing the Haeckelian deficit. Full article

As close relatives of the vertebrates, cephalochordates have been the focus of significant evo–devo and genomic research; however, their biodiversity and systematics remain poorly known. In particular, few species have been documented in the eastern Pacific and there are few published observations for this region. Using sequences from COI and 16S DNA barcode markers and morphological observations from 16 animals collected incidentally during other studies, we document the presence of three species of amphioxus on the Pacific coast and one from the Caribbean coast of Panama. The high genetic diversity recovered from so few samples suggests that the application of molecular taxonomy to neotropical amphioxus would likely uncover additional species and could help to more easily delineate morphological differences among taxa. Full article

Freshwater bivalves play essential ecological roles in ecosystems, but they are among the most threatened fauna worldwide. Despite receiving industrial and domestic wastes, the Guandu River is the main source of drinking water for more than nine million people in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region. This study aimed to assess how infaunal bivalves respond to water and sediment quality in the Guandu River basin. Samples were collected at 10 sites across reservoirs, lotic, and lentic systems during cold–dry and warm–rainy seasons. Four bivalves were identified: Anodontites trapesialis, Diplodon ellipticus, Corbicula fluminea (non-native), and C. largillierti (non-native). Native species were restricted to two lentic sites at Guandu Lagoon, with the poorest environmental quality, significantly affected by high chlorophyll a and ammonia in the water. In contrast, C. fluminea was widely distributed and more abundant in the basin but restricted to less degraded sites, suggesting a lower tolerance to environmental pollution. Multivariate analyses indicated significant differences in environmental conditions and species–environment correlation. The non-native species spread and poor environmental quality threaten native bivalves in the Guandu River basin, leading them to a local extinction risk. Results highlight the need for effective management and conservation actions to protect biodiversity in tropical river basins. Full article

Human-caused habitat conversion, degradation, and climate change threaten global biodiversity, particularly in tropical forests where vascular epiphytes—non-parasitic plants growing on other plants—may be especially vulnerable. Epiphytes play vital ecological roles, in nutrient cycling and by providing habitat, but are disproportionately affected by land-use changes due to their reliance on host trees and specific microclimatic conditions. While tree species in secondary forests recover relatively quickly, epiphyte recolonization is slower, especially in humid montane regions, where species richness may decline by up to 96% compared to primary or old-growth forests. A review of nearly 300 pertinent studies has revealed a geographic bias toward the Neotropics, with limited research from tropical Asia, Africa, and temperate regions. The studies can be grouped into four main areas: 1. trade, use and conservation, 2. ecological effects of climate and land-use change, 3. diversity in human-modified habitats, and 4. responses to disturbance. In agricultural and timber plantations, particularly those using exotic species like pine and eucalyptus, epiphyte diversity is significantly reduced. In contrast, most native tree species and shade-grown agroforestry systems support higher species richness. Traditional polycultures with dense canopy cover maintain up to 88% of epiphyte diversity, while intensive management practices, such as epiphyte removal in coffee and cacao plantations, cause substantial biodiversity losses. Conservation strategies should prioritize preserving old-growth forests, maintaining forest fragments, and minimizing intensive land management. Active restoration, including the translocation of fallen epiphytes and planting vegetation nuclei, is more effective than passive approaches. Future research should include long-term monitoring to understand epiphyte dynamics and assess the broader impacts of epiphyte loss on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Full article

The Rotifera fauna of the Peruvian Andes remains significantly understudied, as evidenced by our findings from a limited sampling effort of 18 locations (15 samples from the Cusco region and three samples from Lake Titicaca). We identified 12 Monogononta and three species of Bdelloidea as potential new records for Peru, underscoring the region’s remarkable but largely unexplored biodiversity. Particularly notable is the addition of seven potentially new records to Peru’s fauna in Lake Titicaca based on only three samples, despite the well-documented zooplankton research history in this lake. This emphasizes the need for more comprehensive studies targeting the Rotifera fauna of Lake Titicaca, especially in littoral zones rich in microhabitats. Besides Lake Titicaca, our investigation mainly focused on high-altitude and groundwater-dependent habitats in the high Peruvian Andes in the Cusco region, where the Rotifera fauna had not been studied. Among the species identified there, five Monogononta and three Bdelloidea likely represent new records for Peru. These findings highlight the extent of unexplored biodiversity and emphasize the urgent need for more comprehensive taxonomy studies of Rotifera in Peru. Additionally, our research has identified two records new to the Neotropics: Notommata voigti and Macrotrachela musculosa. Full article

Plastic and plasticizer pollution has been a concern worldwide over the past decade. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most produced plasticizer and has been detected in coastal and marine ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of acute exposure (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) to DEHP concentrations (0.045–6.00 mg·L⁻¹) on marine and estuarine tropical species from distinct trophic levels. The lethality and sublethal responses were assessed on two microorganisms and three invertebrates, independently. The microorganisms—the microalga Tetraselmis sp. and the microbial consortium MP001—showed high tolerance and a density-rising tendency during exposure to DEHP. Among the invertebrates, the mortality of the brine shrimp Artemia sp. and the amphipod Apohyale media rose with increasing DEHP concentrations. However, A. media was more sensitive across time since its lethality reached 100% in almost all DEHP concentrations from 72 h. The dark false mussel Mytilopsis leucophaeata was the most tolerant invertebrate: no significant lethality (≤20%) was observed exclusively from 72 h of exposure to DEHP at intermediate–high concentrations. Artemia sp. and M. leucophaeata presented sublethal responses that seem to be good endpoints for ecotoxicological assays. These results reinforce evidence of DEHP contamination risks for tropical coastal ecosystems, as well as suggest candidate species for its biodegradation. Full article

The ongoing changes in natural and urban ecosystems, driven by climate change, population growth, and other anthropogenic factors, necessitate the implementation of green infrastructure, such as green roofs and walls. The functional value of these systems is demonstrated through their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), which are directly related to the implementation and development of sustainable strategies in buildings and urban environments. By leveraging the ecosystem services they provide, green infrastructure contributes to life on land, enhancing biodiversity—especially for flora, fauna, and pollinators. Additionally, their potential for visual appeal and esthetic value, often emphasized during installation, can enrich the cultural and landscape value of urban spaces, ultimately promoting good health and well-being for urban residents. This study aims to incorporate native vegetation into the design of intensive (walls) and extensive (roofs) green infrastructure within a neotropical mountainous climate. To achieve this, an experimental module was developed, integrating native and non-native vegetation selected based on criteria such as relative growth rate (RGR), measured by species size in relation to geotextile mesh coverage and visual survival status. Additional criteria, including stress (SP), esthetic (AP), and coexistence (CP) metrics, inform design strategies aimed at enhancing biodiversity through the use of native vegetation, while maintaining the esthetic integrity of the design. While further evaluation of a broader range of vegetation is necessary to establish more comprehensive parameters, this study has yielded promising results. It demonstrates that the interaction between certain non-native species and native species can positively influence the survival of the latter, while also supporting the survival of native vegetation with significant esthetic value. Full article

The arrival of psittacine in North America is well known but undefined. It is widely accepted that these birds originated in South America, and it has been suggested that different factors have promoted the biodiversity of birds in Mexico. However, in general, for North American psittacine, there are no proposed divergence times, and the possible influence of different geological events on these processes is unknown. In this study, phylogenetic relationships, divergence times, and ancestral areas of the genera Aratinga, Eupsittula, and Psittacara and related genera were estimated to propose hypotheses of the origin, diversification, and dispersal of groups under a Bayesian inference framework based on mitochondrial molecular markers. Of seven monophyletic clades within the Arini tribe, four coincided with the genera Psittacara, Eupsittula, Rhynchopsitta, and Pyrrhura, while Aratinga was grouped with Conuropsis and Cyanopsitta. Diversification of the analyzed genera probably occurred during the Miocene and around the Miocene–Pliocene boundary. The results suggest that the most likely origin of these genera is the Amazonian or Chaco regions. The diversification of these groups seems to be related to geoclimatic events associated with the uplift of the central and northern portions of the Andes and the closure of the Isthmus of Panama. We propose routes from south to north in the Neotropics and the use of the Greater and Lesser Antilles as a northward path. Full article

This study investigates the parasitic biodiversity of the fish species Astyanax bimaculatus and Psalidodon fasciatus in a stream located in the Chapada do Araripe Environmental Protection Area (APA), state of Ceará, Brazil, contributing to the understanding of parasitic fauna diversity of freshwater fish in neotropics. In total, 292 fish specimens were collected and analyzed, identifying 13 parasite taxa in A. bimaculatus and 11 in P. fasciatus. Several parasite groups were identified, including myxozoans, monogeneans, digeneans, and nematodes. The host A. bimaculatus exhibited a higher number of parasite taxa and abundance compared to P. fasciatus. The lower sample size for P. fasciatus reflects its naturally lower abundance in the wild, but the analyses accounted for sampling bias, ensuring comparisons of the parasite communities of these two fish species. The parasite communities of both species showed high similarity, indicating potential host-switching or co-evolutionary patterns. Positive correlations were observed between parasite diversity, species richness, abundance, and host weight/length. The study expands the knowledge of parasite–host associations and the geographical distribution of parasite species in Northeastern Brazil, a region where such data remain underreported. Full article

Communities with high native species diversity tend to be less susceptible to the establishment of invasive species, especially in studies that test their local impact. This study investigated the impact of competition between native submerged aquatic macrophytes (SAMs) (Egeria najas and Egeria densa) and the exotic Hydrilla verticillata, recognized for its invasive potential in aquatic ecosystems, through a mesocosm experiment conducted over six months. Two treatments were evaluated: the intraspecific competition of H. verticillata and an interspecific competition involving all three species. The plants were cultivated under controlled conditions, with the foliar and subterranean biomass being monitored to analyze resource allocation patterns. The results showed that, under interspecific competition, the mean foliar biomass of H. verticillata was significantly higher compared to the intraspecific treatment, while the subterranean biomass was reduced in the presence of native species. We conclude that native species alter the biomass allocation pattern of the invader, favoring foliar structures over subterranean ones. Among the mechanisms of invasiveness, differential resource allocation represents an important strategy for the adaptation and competitiveness of invasive species influenced by environmental factors and resource competition. These findings contribute to the understanding of competitive interactions in aquatic ecosystems and have implications for the management and control of invasive species, highlighting the importance of promoting native diversity to mitigate invasibility. Future studies should investigate the impacts of reduced subterranean structures on the persistence and spread of submerged invasive species. Full article

Brown algae are vital structural elements and contributors to biodiversity in marine ecosystems. These organisms adapt to various environmental challenges by producing primary and secondary metabolites crucial for their survival, defense, and resilience. Besides their ecological role, these diverse metabolites have potential for biotechnological applications in industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. A literature review was conducted encompassing studies from 2014–2024, evaluating the effects of hydrodynamics, temperature, light, nutrients, seasonality, and salinity on the chemical profiles of various Phaeophyceae algae species. Thirty original articles spanning 69 species from the Sargassaceae, Dictyotaceae, Fucaceae, and Scytosiphonaceae families were analyzed and systematically arranged, with a focus on methodologies and key findings. This review furthers ecological discussions on each environmental factor and explores the biotechnological potential of metabolites such as polysaccharides, fatty acids, phenolics, diterpenes, and pigments. The information in this work is beneficial for metabolite bioprospecting and in vitro cultivation models as well as indoor and outdoor cultivation studies. Full article