Brazilian Species Research Articles

Puzzling parrotfishes: Radiocarbon age validation and updated longevity estimates for western Atlantic species in support of sustainable fisheries management

For management efforts to succeed in Caribbean fisheries, local fishers must support and be willing to comply with fishing regulations. This is more likely when fishers are included in a stock assessment process that utilizes robust scientific evidence, collected in collaboration with fishers, to evaluate the health of fish stocks. Caribbean parrotfishes are important contributors to coral reef ecosystem health while also contributing to local fisheries. Scientifically robust stock assessments require regional species-specific information on age-based key life history parameters, derived from fish age estimates. Evaluation of the accuracy of age estimation methods for fish species is a critical initial step in managing species for long-term sustainable harvest. The current study resulted from a collaborative research program between fish biologists and local fishers investigating age, growth, and reproductive biology of the seven parrotfish species landed in U.S. Caribbean fisheries; specifically, we validated age estimation for stoplight parrotfish Sparisoma viride and queen parrotfish Scarus vetula. This is the first study to directly validate age estimation for any parrotfish species through analysis of Δ14C from eye lens cores. Our age estimation validation results show that enumeration of opaque zones from thin sections of sagittal otoliths for a Sparisoma and a Scarus species provides accurate age estimates. The oldest stoplight parrotfish and queen parrotfish in the Δ14C age estimation validation series were 14 y and 16 y; while the oldest stoplight parrotfish and queen parrotfish we aged to-date using the Δ14C validated age estimation method were 20 y and 21 y, respectively. Fish longevity (maximum age attained/life span) is a key life history parameter used for estimation of natural mortality, survivorship, and lifetime reproductive output. Past reviews on parrotfishes from the Pacific and Atlantic concluded that most Caribbean/western Atlantic parrotfish species are relatively short-lived with estimated maximum ages ranging from 3–9 y. However, information from our collaborative research in the U.S. Caribbean combined with recently published age estimates for Brazilian parrotfish species indicate that many western Atlantic parrotfishes are relatively long-lived with several species attaining maximum ages in excess of 20 y.

Study of defensive behavior of a venomous snake as a new approach to understand snakebite

Snakebites affect millions of people worldwide. The majority of research and management about snakebites focus on venom and antivenom, with less attention given to snake ecology. The fundamental factor in snakebites is the snakes’ defensive biting behavior. Herein we examine the effects of environmental variables (temperature, time of day, and human stimulus) and biological variables (sex and body size) on the biting behavior of a medically significant pit viper species in Brazil, Bothrops jararaca (Viperidae), and associate it with the epidemiology of snakebites. Through experimental simulations of encounters between humans and snakes, we obtained behavioral models applicable to epidemiological situations in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. We found a significant overlap between behavioral, morphological, environmental, and epidemiological data. Variables that increase snakebites in epidemiological data also enhance the tendency of snakes to bite defensively, resulting in snakebites. We propose that snakebite incidents are influenced by environmental and morphological factors, affecting the behavior of snakes and the proportion of incidents. Thus, investigating behavior of snakes related to snakebite incidents is a valuable tool for a better understanding of the epidemiology of these events, helping the prediction and, thus, prevention of snakebites.

Histological aspects of the renal sexual segment of Brazilian snakes of the Boidae family.

Snakes represent a wide and diverse group of species and have anatomical particularities, such as the renal sexual segment (RSS), a structure located in the kidneys and formed from the hypertrophy of the urinary ducts and nephrons. This study aims at describing the histological aspects of the RSS of Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria and Corallus hortulanus, all of which are Brazilian snake species from the Boidae family. The reproductive system and kidneys of five male specimens of E. cenchria, three male specimens of C. hortulanus and two male specimens of B. constrictor were obtained. Tissue samples were processed histologically and different stains used (Toluidine Blue, Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid Schiff). The histological evaluation of the RSS of E. cenchria, C. hortulanus and B. constrictor shows that the RSS in these species varies when comparing individuals in the reproductive period with those which are not. It also allows for the observation of the segment's secretory activity in animals in the reproductive stage (mature sperm in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules) as well as in those which are not. Finally, the histological evaluation also reveals the variation of the secretion product in individuals in the reproductive period, in those which are not, and also among individuals within the same reproductive stage.

Density and abundance estimation of West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus, between the states of Ceará and Piauí, Northeast Brazil, using active acoustics

The West Indian manatee is one of the most threatened species in Brazil. The species has currently a patchy distribution from the state of Alagoas to the state of Amapá. The difficulty of observing manatees, especially in estuarine waters, is a challenge for conservation. Therefore, it is necessary to use new methodologies and technologies to solve manatee detection problems in their natural habitats. The goal of this study was to use an active acoustic method of detection to estimate manatee density and abundance in the estuarine complex of the Timonha and Ubatuba rivers, between the states of Ceará and Piauí, northeast Brazil. Data collection was conducted from a wooden boat with an outboard motor using a side-scan sonar. Sonar images were collected along line transects in three regions within the study area. Manatee abundance was calculated using distance sampling (Distance 6.0 software). There were 1,396 transection lines that totaled 863.6 km traveled in the study area. The observed general encounter rate was 0.089 group detected per kilometer traveled. The best detection model was the hazard-rate with no adjustment terms, resulting in a detection probability of 33.7%, and an estimated density for the entire study area of 9.19 manatees per km2. Abundance of manatees in the estuary was estimated to be 37 animals (CV% = 30.2, 95% CI = 21 - 66). The methodology using side-scan sonar proposed here was successful in the detection of manatees in the study area and in defining parameters for its use to estimate the population size using the distance sampling method. This study provides an estimate of manatee density and abundance in a key estuarine system along the northeast coast of Brazil, which can serve as a baseline for future studies and aid in the development of conservation strategies for the species. This is the first time this methodological approach has been used for manatee detection and abundance estimation in Brazil. We recommend the use of side-scan sonar in future West Indian manatee research.

Chemical analyses and antioxidant activity of the essential oils from baccharis dracunculifolia DC. In Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. is a Brazilian native plant species that produce essential oil with several biological activities and cosmetic applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonality on the yield, chemical composition and antioxidant activity of B. dracunculifolia essential oils during four seasons in Southern Brazil. The extraction of the volatile compounds was carried out by hydrodistillation and the analyses of chemical composition of the species were performed by GC-FID and GC-MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH method. The samples were separated into two main groups: I) winter and spring: high levels β-pinene (15.58–16.15%) and II) summer and autumn: high levels of (E)-nerolidol (17.81–21.68%). These results suggest that B. dracunculifolia essential oil presents higher levels of (E)-nerolidol during the summer and autumn and β-pinene during winter and spring. The highest antioxidant activity (88.89%) was observed during the summer with a positive correlation with limonene (r = 0.977).

The multispeciesstinkbug iflavirus Halyomorpha halys virus detected in themultispeciesstinkbug egg parasitoid microwasp,Telenomus podisi(Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae).

Wasps are important parasitoids of stinkbugs and frequently exposed to various types of microorganisms through environmental contact and fecal-oral transmission route. Many parasitize stinkbug eggs and are commercially used in the field to control insect population. The parasitoid T. podisi is known for its high parasitism capacity and ability to target multiple species of stinkbugs. In this study we asked whether T. podisi exposed to eggs infected by a multispecies asymptomatic stinkbug virus, the Halyomorpha halys virus (HhV) would get infected. HhV is a geographically distributed multispecies iflavirus previously found to infect four stinkbug hosts, including three Brazilian species, Chinavia ubica, Euschistus heros and Diceraeus melacanthus, and T. posidi can parasitize all of them. As results, RT-PCR screening revealed positive samples for the HhV genome in two out of four tested pools of T. podisi, whereas the antigenome, indicative of replicative activity, was not detected. The wasps were raised in E. heros eggs that presented both the genome and the antigenome forms of the HhV genome. Subsequent RNA-deep sequencing of HhV positive T. podisi RNA pools yielded a complete genome of HhV with high coverage. Phylogenetic analysis positioned the isolate HhV-Tp (isolate Telenomus podisi) alongside with the stinkbug HhV. Analysis of transcriptomes from several hymenopteran species revealed HhV-Tp reads in four species. However, the transmission mechanism and the ecological significance of HhV remain elusive, warranting further studies to illuminate both the transmission process and its capacity for environmental propagation using T. podisi as a potential vector.

Evaluation of the Antiproliferative Potential of Yellow Jaboticaba (Myrciaria glazioviana) Extracts Against Human Cervical Cancer (HeLa cells line) and the Analysis of Their Chemical Composition by HPLC-HRESIMS.

Cervical cancer is a specific type of cancer that affects women around the world, with an incidence of 604 thousand new cases per year and 341 thousand deaths. There is a high demand for new effective antineoplastic drugs with few side effects. In this sense, recent research highlights the potential of compounds of natural origin in treating and preventing different types of cancer. Myrciaria glazioviana is a Brazilian native species belonging to the Myrtaceae family, which has previously described biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of the dichloromethane extract (MGD) and ethyl acetate extract (MGA) of M. glazioviana leaves against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), as well as to identify their bioactive compounds. Using HPLC-HRESIMS technique, ten compounds were characterized in both samples: quinic acid, ellagic acid, Tri-O-methyl ellagic acid, two derivatives of Tetra-O-methyl flavellagic acid, quercetrin, Di-O-methyl ellagic acid, and three derivatives of pentamethyl coruleoellagic acid. Through MTT assays using HeLa cells and NIH/3T3 cells, it was observed that MGD and MGA were selective against tumor cells, with IC50 values of 24.31 and 12.62 μg/mL, respectively. The samples induced the tumor cell death by apoptosis, as evidenced by the activation of caspases 3/7, cell shrinkage, and pyknotic nuclei. Both samples were also able to inhibit the migration of HeLa cells after 24 hours of treatment, indicating a potential antimetastatic effect. Therefore, the present research highlights the antiproliferative and antimigratory potential of this species against HeLa cells.

Histopathological findings in stranded Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758) on the Paraná coast, Southern Brazil

Caretta caretta, one of the five sea turtle species in Brazil, is currently listed as globally endangered. While health assessments are crucial for monitoring population status, they are infrequent and lack systematic implementation. Evaluating the health condition of sea turtles can occur through examinations of both live and deceased animals. Carcasses play a pivotal role in identifying diseases and potential threats impacting the species. Therefore, this study presents the histopathological findings from 20 dead stranded C. caretta along the Paraná coast between 2015 and 2021. All individuals underwent measurements, and necropsies were conducted. The mean curved carapace length (cm) was 67.3 ± 6.9 (49.4 – 81.5). Body condition was classified as good in 13 animals, fair in four, poor in two, and undetermined in one. Fourteen females, four males, and two undetermined sexes were registered, with a mean age of 15.8 ± 3,89 (ranging from 9 – 24) years. Evidence of anthropogenic interaction (10 bycatch interactions, 6 marine debris, 2 oil interactions combined with marine debris) was noted in 80.0% of the animals. Histological changes primarily affected the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys, with prominent alterations such as inflammatory infiltrate (interstitial pneumonia, heterophilic splenitis, nephritis, endocarditis), congestion, and hepatic and renal hydropic degeneration. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of pathological findings in stranded wild C. caretta on the Paraná coast, offering valuable insights into the health of these animals and aiding in the conservation efforts to protect their populations.

Invasive non-native species in Brazil: an updated overview

Invasive non-native species in Brazil: an updated overview

Induction of epicormic sprouts of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (paricá): effect of seasonality and stump height

Coppicing technique is recognized as an effective method for inducing epicormic sprouts and promoting reinvigoration in Brazilian native tree species. However, there remains a knowledge gap regarding efficient reinvigoration techniques for vegetative rescue of paricá trees. This study aimed to evaluate the coppicing technique's efficacy in inducing epicormic sprouts in paricá trees, considering different seasons and stump heights. A 2x3 factorial experimental design was employed, encompassing two seasons (rainy and dry) and three stump heights (0 = root collar; 10 cm above root collar; 30 cm above root collar). Stumps were monitored over a 90-day period. Results showed that all stumps remained viable, with significant differences observed in sprouting frequency between the rainy and dry seasons at 15 and 30 days, favoring the former. Furthermore, the number of sprouts per stump varied significantly across seasons at 15, 30, and 45 days, with higher counts recorded during the rainy season. Notably, the high percentage of stumps producing sprouts underscores the species' robust response capacity. Additionally, the occurrence of two sprouts per stump suggests a species-specific trait at these stump heights. Evaluation of sprout length and circumference revealed significant differences between seasons, with greater growth observed during the rainy season. These findings are crucial for informing management decisions related to epicormic sprout development through the coppicing technique in paricá trees. Overall, the results indicate the technique's potential to induce epicormic sprouts across all seasons and stump heights evaluated, with superior outcomes observed during the rainy season.

Rabies Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies in Free-Ranging Invasive Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from Brazil.

Rabies, one of the most lethal global zoonoses, affects all mammals. It remains circulating worldwide in sylvatic cycles through terrestrial and airborne reservoirs, and in Brazil, bats are currently the main reservoirs and source of transmission. Wild boars, an important invasive alien species in Brazil, are a proven food source for hematophagous bats and may participate in the Brazilian sylvatic cycle of rabies. We evaluated the presence of this pathogen in hunted wild boars from the São Paulo state using histopathology, the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), viral isolation in cell culture (VICC), the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT), and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results of histopathological, DFA, VICC, and RT-qPCR analysis were negative for all samples; seven serum samples tested positive in the RFFIT, and titers ranged from 0.13 IU/mL to 0.5 IU/mL. The presence of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies in the studied wild boars suggests the circulation of the virus in these animals. Educative actions directed at hunters should include information on the prevention of this important zoonosis.

A new species of Micrapate (Insecta: Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) from Brazil, with a key to Brazilian species

Micrapate spinula Liu, sp. nov., is described from the cerrado savanna biome of Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais), together with information on its biology and natural enemies. A key to the Micrapate species known from Brazil is provided.

Occurrence of Stenopoda spinulosa Giacchi, 1969 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Stenopodainae) in Brazil

The Reduviidae family is economically important, as many species are used in the biological control of agricultural pests. Many species in the Stenopodainae subfamily are endemic to tropical forests, and some smear their front paws with sticky plant-derived resin to help capture prey. The genus Stenopoda Laporte, 1833, has 14 species in Brazil. Stenopoda spinulosa Giacchi, 1969 (Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) has so far only been reported for the State of Rio Grande do Sul. They have wings that serve to protect the second pair of membranous wings and the body against crushing shocks. They are characterized by rigidity close to the notch of the wing and, at the same time, by the membranous region at the tip of the wing in the distal region. Their bite can cause edema, allergies, pain, and inflammation. To collect insects, a sweeping net or entomological net was used in shrubs and grasses. The objective of this study is to report the first occurrence of S. spinulosa in the State of Goiás, Brazil.

Physico-chemical properties of Brazilian native bamboo species

Despite the worldwide social and economic importance of bamboos, most species have been poorly studied in areas with high species richness, such as Brazil. We conducted a physico-chemical characterization of four bamboo species native to southern Brazil. Merostachys skvortzovii Send. and Chusquea meyeriana Rupr. ex Döll are the most common and occur frequently as dominant invasive species, Apoclada simplex McClure & L.B.Sm. is listed as a threatened species, and Chusquea cf. gracilis is a rare species. Juvenile and adult samples were analyzed for moisture, ash, extractives, lignin, carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), oxygen content (O), and inorganic analytes. Important differences were found between adults and juveniles and among the studied species. The results point to higher cellulose content for Chusquea cf. gracilis and C. meyeriana, while Chusquea meyeriana presented the greatest diversity of chemical elements. Overall, the results can inform the development of new applications of these species. This is particularly important for Merostachys skvortzovii and Chusquea meyeriana as they have widespread ecological importance and can arrest forest successional development in the region.

Synopsis of Brachycyrtus Kriechbaumer, 1880 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Brachycyrtinae) from Brazil, with description of two new species

The Brazilian species of the Darwin wasp genus Brachycyrtus Kriechbaumer, 1880 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Brachycyrtinae) are reviewed; a total of 12 species are recognized, of which two are described as new: Brachycyrtus amazonensis sp. n. and Brachycyrtus ocellicarinatus sp. n.. Furthermore, B. obelix Gauld & Ward, 2000 is registered for the first time in Brazil. Brachycyrtus convergens Cushman, 1936, B. cosmetus (Walkley, 1956), B. oculatus Cushman, 1936, B. pretiosus Cushman, 1936, B. veriatrix Gauld & Ward, 2000, B. walkleyae Gauld & Ward, 2000, and B. zani Gauld & Ward, 2000 have their distributional records expanded. Comparative diagnoses for Brazilian species, an illustrated identification key, and maps with geographical records for all species recorded in Brazil are presented.

A revision of Peckena Gnaspini, 1996 with description of the second species and Amplexella Gnaspini, 1996 (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae: Ptomaphagini), using scanning electron microscopy as a key tool to understand the evolution of aedeagal morphology

We revisit the diagnosis and evolution of aedeagal morphology in the tribe Ptomaphagini using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, here focusing on the genera Peckena Gnaspini, 1996 and Amplexella Gnaspini, 1996. In a revision of the genus Adelopsis Portevin, 1907 (previously with a non-monophyletic status), and based on a phylogenetic analysis, four new genera (with Neotropical distribution) were described in 1996. Among them, Peckena was based on a single species (from Peru) with a ventral opening as the plesiomorphic state of the aedeagus (whereas all other species in the subtribe Ptomaphagina have a dorsal opening); and Amplexella, based on two species (from Venezuela), with a typical aedeagus bearing an extremely long flagellum. SEM Images of the aedeagus of the species of the genus Peckena showed a dorsally visible notch cutting the left side of the aedeagus, as is the condition in the other neotropical ptomaphagines, but, still, the opening is indeed ventral. Based on that new information, we recognized and describe one new Brazilian species tentatively assigning it to the until now monotypic genus Peckena: Peckena verrucosa sp. n., from São Paulo and Minas Gerais states. There is a large geographical distance between the two species, placed on opposite sides of South America, with important phylogenetic and biogeographic implications. SEM images of the aedeagus of the species of the genus Amplexella showed that the opening of the aedeagus cuts the apical left side through a very narrow slit diagonally, and the dorsal opening is small and defined by a space between the apices of the left and right lobes, unnoticeable because it is obliterated by the thick flagellum coming out of it.  

Feeding Ecology of Reintroduced Golden Parakeets (Guaruba guarouba, Psittacidae) in a Protected Area in the Amazon Forest

The Golden Parakeet is an endemic Brazilian flagship species that has suffered from poaching and habitat loss, leading to local extinctions in the urbanized parts of the Amazon. We reintroduced six groups of mostly captive-bred parakeets in a protected area. The birds were acclimatized for at least five months at the release site, where they were trained to recognize native foods and develop foraging skills. Subsequently, we conducted a soft release, followed by daily supplementation and monitoring. For three years following the release we recorded their diet, feeding behavior, and how they adapted to wild foraging. The reintroduced birds fed on 23 plant species, with 13 not being previously listed in past studies. The three most consumed species corresponded to 77% of their feeding records. Parakeets spent more time feeding in altered landscapes and secondary vegetation than in the preserved forest. Most of the feeding happened during the rainy season when most of their favorite plants are fruiting. The parakeets’ incorporation of new species in their diet and their transition from supplemental to natural feeding happened gradually, as we did not reduce food offerings. Parakeets that showed site fidelity were able to find native food rapidly following release, but individuals that dispersed immediately had more difficulty finding food. This study showed that captive-bred Golden Parakeets can transition to a wild diet following a gradual reintroduction process.

New data about Calomys tocantinsi (Sigmodontinae) distribution

Calomys is a rodent genus widely distributed in South America comprising 13 species, the most of species associated with savannas and grasslands in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile. Among Calomys species, two Brazilian endemic species have small distributions, C. cerqueirai and C. tocantinsi, this latter known only for seven localities. Here we extend the distribution of C. tocantinsi in 400km to the north, up to Canaã dos Carajás, in the Brazilian state of Pará. Our data suggest that this species is not endemic to the Cerrado and transition areas, but also occurs in the Amazon domain.

NURSERY AREA FOR THE THREATENED GUIANA DOLPHIN, SOTALIA GUIANENSIS, ON THE NORTHEAST COAST OF BRAZIL

Cetacean calves are considered fragile and vulnerable, especially in the first year of life. To guarantee safety and increase the likelihood of survival, females with calves use habitats with unique characteristics, called nursery areas. In the present study, we investigated whether the Guiana dolphin Sotalia guianensis, considered a threatened species in Brazil, uses the Tibau do Sul Coastal Wildlife Reserve (REFAUTS) as a nursery area. We identified the Guiana dolphins through photographs and recorded the composition of the groups during the 41-day sampling period, between 2013 and 2019. We identified 17 adults/juveniles in the company of calves, five of which were recorded in three or more years of the study. The average size of the Guiana dolphin groups (mean±SE) was 2.4±0.08 individuals, ranging from 2 to 5 individuals (n = 98). Groups with calves were recorded in every year of the study and on 53.7% of the sampling days. A total of 35.8% of the Guiana dolphin groups had calves. These results suggest that REFAUTS is an important nursery area for Guiana dolphins on the Northeast coast of Brazil.

New Records of Polymeridium (MüLl.Arg.) R.C.Harris from Brazil with Description of a New Species from the Caatinga, and a Checklist of the Brazilian Species

New Records of Polymeridium (MüLl.Arg.) R.C.Harris from Brazil with Description of a New Species from the Caatinga, and a Checklist of the Brazilian Species