Common Nest Research Articles

Comparing three common nest survey methods, using double-crested cormorants as a proposed sentinel for monitoring plastic pollution in freshwater environments

Many bird species use plastic as nest-building material, and nest surveys represent a unique opportunity to monitor environmental plastic pollution. However, the current literature lacks consistent, repeatable methodologies, making comparison across studies challenging. This study evaluated three common nest survey methods to assess the use of nest debris: photographic assessment, visual assessment, and nest deconstruction. We applied these methods to double-crested cormorant nests (Nannopterum auritum) at two locations on Lake Ontario, Canada. We found that for this species, nest deconstruction yielded the greatest accuracy and detail for detecting debris abundance, type, and colour. Of the two non-invasive methods, visual surveys outperformed photographic surveys across all metrics assessed. In our mainland colony, 100% of nests contained debris based on visual assessment, while at our offshore colony only 37.4% of nests contained debris, suggesting that location influences nest debris for this species. We detected Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)-related debris in 20% of all nests across survey years at our mainland colony (2022 and 2023), representing the first time that PPE has been documented in the nests of this species and demonstrating that nest surveys can be a useful tool for capturing changes in an evolving pollution landscape. This study contributes evidence that double-crested cormorants may be a useful sentinel species for monitoring plastic pollution in understudied, freshwater environments. Our results also demonstrate that the chosen method can greatly impact the results of a nest survey, and careful consideration of methodology should be undertaken before implementing a nest survey to monitor plastic pollution.

Understanding spatiotemporal effects of food supplementation on host-parasite interactions using community-based science.

Supplemental feeding can increase the overall health of animals but also can have variable effects on how animals defend themselves against parasites. However, the spatiotemporal effects of food supplementation on host-parasite interactions remain poorly understood, likely because large-scale, coordinated efforts to investigate them are difficult. Here, we introduce the Nest Parasite Community Science Project, which is a community-based science project that coordinates studies with bird nest box 'stewards' from the public and scientific community. This project was established to understand broad ecological patterns between hosts and their parasites. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of food supplementation on eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and their nest parasite community across the geographic range of the bluebirds from 2018 to 2021. We received 674 nests from 69 stewards in 26 states in the eastern United States. Nest box stewards reported whether or not they provided mealworms or suet near nesting bluebirds, then they followed the nesting success of the birds (number of eggs laid and hatched, proportion that hatched, number and proportion of nestlings that successfully fledged). We then identified and quantified parasites in the nests. Overall, we found that food supplementation increased fledging success. The most common nest parasite taxon was the parasitic blow fly (Protocalliphora sialia), but a few nests contained fleas (Ceratophyllus idius, C. gallinae and Orchopeas leucopus) and mites (Dermanyssus spp. and Ornithonyssus spp.). Blow flies were primarily found at northern latitudes, where food supplementation affected blow fly prevalence. However, the direction of this effect varied substantially in direction and magnitude across years. More stewards fed bluebirds at southern latitudes than at northern latitudes, which contradicts the findings of other community-based science projects. Overall, food supplementation of birds was associated with increased host fitness but did not appear to play a consistent role in defence against these parasites across all years. Our study demonstrates the importance of coordinated studies across years and locations to understand the effects of environmental heterogeneity, including human-based food supplementation, on host-parasite dynamics.

Nesting habitat characteristics and predation patterns in the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (L., 1758): Implications for management and conservation measures

Integrating knowledge regarding habitat characteristics and animal behaviour into conservation programs has the potential to impact the results of management and conservation efforts. This study aimed to explore the relationship between spatial and environmental data on the nesting activity of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis. Additionally, it sought to analyse the abundance, activity pattern, and behaviour of potential nest predators of E. orbicularis. Natural predated nests of the European pond turtle were utilized to characterise nesting habitat features, while artificial nests and camera traps were deployed to identify potential predators and their behaviour. Artificial nests and camera traps were established in areas with evidence of track detection or historical observations indicating past instances of nest predation. The nest site distribution of the European pond turtle showed a positive relationship with north-south oriented canals, the presence of vegetative components on embankments (shrubs, grass, emergent vegetation), finer-grained soil components (silt and clay), and soil moisture. Camera trapping of artificial nests revealed mammals (Meles meles and Vulpes vulpes) and a bird (Pica pica) as predators engaging in digging and destroying behaviour. P. pica detection was notably higher in mowed vegetation areas. Results indicate that natural nest distribution and predation on artificial nests may be influenced by their distribution concerning human-controlled vegetation and foraging activities of common nest predators. Protecting nesting sites in predator-frequented habitats, combined with landscape management targeting vegetation control along embankments, could mitigate nest predation and enhance hatchling recruitment.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis in mouse models.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PCa) represents a metastatic stage of a disease with unmet therapeutic options. Malignant cells from primary tumors (gastrointestinal or gynecologic malignancies) invade the peritoneal cavity and eventually seed onto peritoneal surfaces, with the omentum being the most common nest area. With a median survival of less than 6 months, PCa has a dismal prognosis that can be improved with treatments only available to a select few individuals with low tumor burden. Thus, the discovery of novel and effective therapies for this disease depends on reliable animal models. Here, we describe a method to generate syngeneic PCa mouse models based on intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of tumor cells. This model allows to follow-up cancer progression in PCa models from ovarian and colorectal origins monitoring mice bodyweight changes, ascites development and overall survival. Moreover, luciferase-expressing tumor cells can also be used to assess tumor growth after i.p. injection through in vivo bioluminescence quantification. The establishment of reliable, easy-to-monitor and reproducible intraperitoneal syngeneic tumors models, as described here, is the first step to develop cutting-edge therapies against PCa.

A simple trail camera modification reveals red-bellied woodpeckers as important egg predators of box-nesting wood ducks

Artificial nesting structures have been used to aid the recovery and maintenance of certain avian populations such as the wood duck (Aix sponsa). The success of nest boxes for wood ducks relies on excluding common nest predators such as raccoons (Procyon lotor) and rat snakes (Pantherophis spp.) via the use of predator guards; however, woodpeckers cannot be excluded. Red-bellied woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) are foraging generalists and have been anecdotally observed preying on wood duck eggs where documenting predation events is difficult to accomplish through traditional nest box monitoring. Here, we used custom-modified trail cameras to document egg depredations and foraging events by red-bellied woodpeckers and the removal of damaged eggs by wood ducks during the laying and incubation periods. We captured 35,686 videos and documented 1173 different events consisting of 608 (51.8%) videos of red-bellied woodpeckers and 565 (48.2%) of wood ducks. We determined 38 (30.6%) eggs were depredated during the laying period and 14 (11.3%) during incubation. Wood ducks removed 23 (60.5%) eggs depredated during the laying period and 13 (92.9%) depredated during incubation. We found no difference in the daily number of times red-bellied woodpeckers visited boxes with nests in the laying or incubation period (t = −0.967, df = 14.699, P = 0.349). Red-bellied woodpeckers depredated 1.0 ± 0.2 eggs during each event and returned to forage on previously depredated eggs 5.3 ± 4.4 times each day spending 2.1 ± 1.1 min during each return. Our results suggest that red-bellied woodpeckers forage on eggs when nests are unguarded, and they have previously been under-recognized in the literature as predators of wood duck eggs. Future nest box programs should consider the impact red-bellied woodpeckers have on wood duck egg loss and nest survival.

Do Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) cavity locations provide olfactory concealment from predators?

Nest site selection is crucial for survival and fecundity of birds. Predators find nests using visual, aural, thermal, and olfactory cues, yet few studies have evaluated olfactory concealment of nests. Rat snakes (Pantherophis spp.) are common nest predators that use ground-level olfactory cues to detect nest locations. In Arkansas, USA, we evaluated if cavity locations of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis, RCW), a species that experiences nest predation by rat snakes, were associated with airflow conditions known to provide olfactory concealment for other bird species. We used a 3-dimensional sonic anemometer to measure ground-level air velocity, turbulence, and turbulence intensity at cavity trees and unused trees, and at cavity and opposite orientations on trees. For all airflow variables, we found no differences between used and unused trees and orientations. Other factors such as landscape-scale vegetation cover, forest stand structure, and tree characteristics may be more important for providing visual concealment or optimal foraging conditions. However, it remains possible that such factors also convey olfactory concealment. For example, savannah-like forests preferred by RCWs may have greater air turbulence than closed forests. Further research on RCWs and other bird species to address additional aspects of olfactory concealment, and relationships between different dimensions of concealment (e.g., between visual and olfactory concealment), would give insight into how habitat management could provide multiple benefits to birds.

Nest survival and cause-specific nest mortality in the San Clemente Bell’s Sparrow

Nest monitoring and the use of camera systems can provide researchers with reproductive data integral to the successful management and recovery of threatened and endangered avian species. From 2012 to 2019, we used cameras to monitor 110 nests of the threatened San Clemente Bell’s Sparrow (<i>Artemisiospiza belli clementeae</i>) to identify nest predators and evaluate threats to their recovery on San Clemente Island (SCI). We evaluated the effects of winter precipitation, nest initiation date, and nest substrate on nest survival rates. We also used cameras to identify and estimate cause-specific mortality rates from native and non-native nest predators. We did not observe significant impacts of precipitation or nest initiation date on nest survival. Nests in California boxthorn (<i>Lycium californicum</i>) had significantly lower survival rates than nests in other substrates. The native San Clemente Island fox (<i>Urocyon littoralis clementae</i>) was the most common nest predator, followed by non-native black rats (<i>Rattus rattus</i>). Overall, nests were much more likely to be predated by native than non-native predators. This suggests that San Clemente Bell’s Sparrows could achieve recovery despite the presence of non-native predators. Our findings help describe and quantify the breeding ecology of San Clemente Bell’s Sparrows, providing necessary information for data-driven management and recovery efforts.

Influence of Habitat and Food Resource Availability on Common Raven Nest Site Selection and Reproductive Success in Mediterranean Forests

Bird nest selection in forests can be influenced by the composition of key structural elements and resources. This has important consequences in terms of species population dynamics since it can determine reproduction success. Here, we assessed Common raven nest-site selection and reproductive success, and how these might be determined by foraging behavior and habitat structure. A previously documented breeding raven population that exerts high predation pressure on young Spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) in a Mediterranean forest was monitored. Generalized linear mixed models were performed to determine the singularities of the trees with nests and the drivers of reproductive success of breeding pairs of ravens. The results showed a high density of breeding pairs in the study area (0.8 pairs/km2), which selected taller trees in areas with higher bare ground cover and a high density of tortoises for nesting. Nests were spatially aggregated; breeding pairs occupied smaller territories and intraspecific competition seemed relaxed, reflecting the abundance of food resources. Most breeding pairs occasionally predated on young tortoises. Tortoises seem to play a part in raven reproductive success in our study area, which might be associated with the availability/catchability of young tortoises. The study illustrates that Spur-thighed tortoise distribution and abundance plays a role in the breeding behavior of ravens and is mediated by habitat structure. Understanding the drivers of nest-site selection and the breeding behavior of ravens is pivotal to implementing appropriate habitat management and conservation strategies across their distribution range, particularly in areas where ravens potentially affect threatened species.

Do alien predators pose a particular risk to duck nests in Northern Europe? Results from an artificial nest experiment

Several alien predator species have spread widely in Europe during the last five decades and pose a potential enhanced risk to native nesting ducks and their eggs. Because predation is an important factor limiting Northern Hemisphere duck nest survival, we ask the question, do alien species increase the nest loss risk to ground nesting ducks? We created 418 artificial duck nests in low densities around inland waters in Finland and Denmark during 2017–2019 and monitored them for seven days after construction using wildlife cameras to record whether alien species visit and prey on the nests more often than native species. We sampled various duck breeding habitats from eutrophic agricultural lakes and wetlands to oligotrophic lakes and urban environments. The results differed between habitats and the two countries, which likely reflect the local population densities of the predator species. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), an alien species, was the most common mammalian nest visitor in all habitats and its occurrence reduced nest survival. Only in wetland habitats was the native red fox (Vulpes vulpes) an equally common nest visitor, where another alien species, the American mink (Neovison vison), also occurred among nest visitors. Although cautious about concluding too much from visitations to artificial nests, these results imply that duck breeding habitats in Northern Europe already support abundant and effective alien nest predators, whose relative frequency of visitation to artificial nests suggest that they potentially add to the nest predation risk to ducks over native predators.

Does the intrusion of an avian nest predator elicit a change in the behaviour of a canopy-nesting passerine?

Abstract Many studies have shown that nest predators affect their prey indirectly by inducing changes in the behaviour of the prey. Studies suggest that the type and degree of nest defence strategies depends heavily on species, along with nest type and location. One such strategy, nest vigilance, allows individuals to collect information and make informed decisions based on their surroundings. In this study, we simulated the intrusion of a common avian nest predator (blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata) into the territory of nesting cerulean warblers (Setophaga cerulea) and evaluated eight different behavioural variables to determine their response to the nest predator. Female cerulean warblers were more vigilant on their nest when exposed to a potential predator compared to a nest with lower threat of predation. Females exposed to a nest predator increased incubation bout by 109% and brooding bout by 60%. Our data also suggest that male cerulean warblers reduce their provisioning rate during the early nestling stage (−1 feeding/hour) and late nestling stage (−3 feedings/hour), although more data are needed. Modification of incubation bout length and nestling provisioning rate are common strategies employed by songbirds to reduce activity around the nest, by decreasing detection opportunities of visually-oriented nest predators. Currently, the only understanding we have on how cerulean warblers respond to a nest predator is based on observational data. The results of this study provide the first evidence that cerulean warblers are able to identify species that pose a threat to the safety of their nest, and that they modify their behaviour to reduce nest detection by predators. The results of this study provide a better understanding of a relatively unknown aspect of the breeding behaviour of this species. This study is also first to describe how an open-cup, canopy-nesting species responds to an increase in nest predation threat.

Additional nest structures and natural enemies of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae)

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are widely distributed in tropics and subtropics areas. Now these bees are farmed by the human because they produce honey and propolis. Natural enemies can disturb the colony that affects to nest structure and productivity of these bees. This study aimed to study the common nest structure and additional nest structure of stingless bees which caused by natural enemies. This research was conducted from August to November 2015. Samples were taken from three locations, i.e, Pasuruan (East Java), Tasikmalaya (West Java), and Rangkasbitung (Banten). Descriptive analysis was used to compare the structure and composition of the nest in bamboo and additional nest structures in relation with natural enemies. Generally, the structure and composition of the nest of stingless bees in bamboo consist of nest entrance, storage pots (honey and pollen), and brood cells. We didn’t found natural enemies of stingless bees in Pasuruan and Tasikmalaya and these colonies did not create additional nest structures. In contrast, the colonies in Rangkasbitung created additional nest structures i.e. the inner entrance covered by batumen and cerumen and also build a root-like structure. Natural enemies found in the colony at Rangkasbitung were cockroaches (Blattodea: Blattidae), histerid beetles, Platysoma leconti (Coleoptera: Histeridae), nitidulid beetles, Carphophilus sp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), and ants, Pheidole sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Prescribed Fire Has a Greater Impact on Artificial Nest Predation Than a Recent Bison Re-introduction in Illinois Tallgrass Prairie

Grazing differentially affects both the abundance and breeding success of grassland birds (e.g., due to differences in bird species' preferences for sparse or dense vegetation structure, nest predator response to grazing, and/or trampling of nests). Coupled with prescribed fire, grazing impacts can be compounded by pyric herbivory—the preference of grazers to choose newly-burned sites in which to graze. The purpose of this study was to determine how a recent re-introduction of American bison (Bison bison) coupled with prescribed fire may impact grassland bird nests. Artificial nests were used to determine if grazing and fire impacted nest success, total mammalian depredation, and depredation by the most common nest predator, mice (Peromyscus spp.). Artificial nests were placed in sites with and without bison before (2014) and after bison re-introduction (2015–2018); sites had fire return intervals from 1–2 y. We found the re-introduction of bison had a negligible influence on nest success and total mammalian depredation. However, nest success was lower in burned sites compared to unburned sites. The decrease in nest success correlated with an increase in total proportion of depredation events in burned sites compared to unburned sites. In addition, the proportion of Peromyscus spp. depredation events was marginally higher in burned sites compared to unburned sites. Although predation by Peromyscus increased after bison re-introduction, prescribed fire differences drove this change. Our results suggest prescribed fire may increase nest predation of artificial nests, indicating a possible impact on ground-nesting grassland birds. In contrast, bison had a negligible impact on artificial nest success in the first 4 y following their re-introduction.

Drone aggregation behavior in the social wasp Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): Effect of kinship and density

Inbreeding can have negative consequences on population viability because of the reduced fitness of the progeny. In general, most species have developed mechanisms to minimize inbreeding such as dispersal and kin avoidance behavior. In the eusocial Hymenoptera, related individuals typically share a common nest and have relatively short mating periods, this could lead to inbreeding, and because of their single–locus complementary sex determination system, it may generate diploid males that could result in infertile triploid progeny representing a cost for the colony. Vespula germanica, is an eusocial wasp that has invaded many parts of the world, despite likely facing a reduced genetic pool during the arrival phases. We ask whether male wasp display specific aggregation behavior that favors genetic diversity, key to reduce inbreeding. Through a set of laboratory experiments, we investigated the effects of drone nestmateship and density on the aggregation behavior of V. germanica drones. We show that drones avoid aggregating with their nestmates at all densities while non-nestmates are avoided only at high densities. This suggests that lek genetic diversity and density could be regulated through drone behavior and in the long run minimize inbreeding favoring invasion success.

Revegetation and reproduction: do restoration plantings in agricultural landscapes support breeding populations of woodland birds?

Restoration plantings are frequently occupied by native wildlife, but little is known about how planting attributes influence breeding by, and persistence of, fauna populations. We monitored breeding success of woodland birds in restoration plantings in a fragmented agricultural landscape in south-eastern Australia. We documented nest fate and daily nest survival (DSR) in plantings and remnant woodland sites. We analysed the influence on breeding success of patch attributes (size, shape, type) compared to other potentially influential predictors such as nest-site and microhabitat variables. We found that, in general, patch attributes did not play a significant role in determining breeding success for woodland birds. However, we examined a subset of species of conservation concern, and found higher DSR for these species in restoration plantings than in similarly sized woodland remnants. We also found negative effects of patch size and linearity on DSR in species of conservation concern. The primary cause of nest failure was predation (91%). We used camera trap imagery to identify the most common nest predators in our study sites: native predatory bird species, and the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Our findings are further evidence of the value of restoration plantings and small habitat patches for bird populations in fragmented agricultural landscapes. We recommend controlling for foxes to maximise the likelihood that restoration plantings and other woodland patches in Australia support breeding populations of woodland birds. More broadly, our study highlights the importance of taking a detailed, population-oriented approach to understanding factors that influence habitat suitability for fauna of conservation concern.

Modelling Departure Time, Destination and Travel Mode Choices by Using Generalized Nested Logit Model: Discretionary Trips

Despite traditional four-step model is the most prominent model in majority of travel demand analysis, it does not represent the potential correlations within different travel dimensions. As a result, some researches have suggested the use of choice modelling instead. However, most of them have represented travel dimensions individually rather than jointly. This research aims to fill this gap through employing the Generalized Nested Logit model for jointly representing three major travel dimensions; destination, departure time and travel mode. The suggested research methodology depends mainly on agglomerating alternatives that have similar error term’s variances within specific gaps under common nests without any imposed restrictions. Moreover, different variance gaps lead to overlapped nesting system which can enable analysers modelling inner and inter-correlation. The proposed approach has been examined through modelling individuals’ choices among the main shopping destinations in Eskisehir city, Turkey. In the light of estimation results, the proposed model attains a relatively good over-all goodness of fit which reflects a more prominent predictability power. Moreover, individuals in Eskisehir have been found perceiving more interest to the cost rather than time. From another hand, a behaviour of trading-off between performing such trips at peak periods by using transit or making them at off-peak by private car has been detected.

First record of Common Blackbird Turdus merula nests built in a reedbed

ABSTRACT In May 2020, during our study on the breeding ecology of the Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, we found two nests of Common Blackbird built within an unmanaged reedbed. The distance between the nests and dry land, overgrown by deciduous forest, was about 25 m. One of the nesting attempts was successful while the second was deserted during the incubation stage. To our knowledge this is the first record of Blackbirds nesting in reeds. This observation supports the notion of great flexibility of nest-site selection in this species. We conclude that Blackbirds use reedbeds as a nesting site more often, but such nests may be easily overlooked.

Nest tree characteristics of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor) in boreal forest landscapes

Tree cavities, and especially cavities made by woodpeckers, are important microhabitats in forest ecosystems. However, the properties of woodpecker nest trees and cavities are poorly known even in boreal areas where most tree cavities are made by woodpeckers. We studied the nest tree characteristics of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor) in a 170-km2 forest-dominated area in southern Finland during 1987–2018. The data included 97 nest trees with 106 nest cavities in five deciduous tree species. During the study period, more than one nest cavity (2–3) was excavated in 7% of all cavity trees. Nests were found in three forest types, but the proportions of nest tree species differed between them. Birch (Betula spp.) was the most common nest tree species with 40% of nests. Nest trees were either dead (79%) or decaying (21%), and the majority (69%) had a broken top.

Calling in the face of danger: Do nestling Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) suppress begging in response to predator playbacks?

AbstractNest predation is the most frequent cause of nest failure in birds such as the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) that nest on or near the substrate. Nestlings should therefore exhibit adaptations to reduce the risk of nest predation. We tested the nestling antipredator hypothesis by examining the begging responses of Red-winged Blackbird nestlings to vocalizations of (1) an important nest predator (American Crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos), (2) a predator that rarely preys on nestlings (Cooper’s Hawk, Accipiter cooperii), and (3) a nonpredator (Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus). We performed playbacks with (1) both parents present at the nest, (2) male at the nest, and (3) neither parent present. Following playback, we measured duration of nestling begging after the parent departed (begging persistence), bouts of otherwise normal begging when no parent was present (parent-absent begging), and calling without postural components of begging (nonpostural begging). When the male or both parents were present during playback, adults responded with alarm calls and nestlings significantly reduced parent-absent begging following American Crow and Cooper’s Hawk playbacks. Nonpostural begging was significantly reduced following Cooper’s Hawk playback, but there were no significant differences in the other begging variables. When neither parent was present, we found no significant differences in nonpostural begging in response to the 3 playback types, but parent-absent begging was significantly reduced following American Crow and Cooper’s Hawk playbacks when compared to Northern Flicker playbacks. These results show that nestlings suppress their vocal begging in response to calls of predators including Cooper’s Hawks even though they are not common nest predators.

Heightened nest loss in tropical forest fragments despite higher predator load in core forest

Tropical understory birds have declined due largely to habitat loss and fragmentation. Here, we revisited a study conducted three decades ago and used artificial nests to examine depredation rates in a Costa Rican biological corridor. Using camera trap data, we compared potential nest predator detection rates at experimental tinamou ground nests in La Selva Biological Station and at sites in five local forest fragments. Nest predator detections were positively associated with landscape-scale core forest and distance away from forest edge, as well as with local-scale human trails, and negatively associated with primary forest compared to secondary growth. Twenty-two of 52 artificial nests were depredated, which was similar to previous research in the area. Mammalian and avian predators were common nest predators, but unknown predators (presumably snakes) were responsible for half of nests lost. Nests within La Selva core forest had lower probability of nest loss compared to fragments despite exhibiting higher predator detection rates. Yet other fragmentation covariates such as distance from forest edge, nest occurrence on human trails, or forest age were not associated with nest loss. We suggest that concentrated foraging is the underlying mechanism behind the community interactions that we observed. Community members exist in concentrated use areas within forest fragments, which results in heightened predator foraging rates and thus stronger interactions in fragments despite more predators encountering the nests in core forest. Fragmentation is a global phenomenon and we suspect that concentrated community use of limited resources is driving species to interact more strongly than in natural ecosystems.

O Brasil na América Latina: diante de uma ideia de literatura mundial

Resumo Este artigo buscará pensar de que maneira a literatura brasileira aparece na corrida para fazer parte de uma literatura-mundo. A partir da imposição mesma de uma economia pensada numa relação de mundo presente no vocábulo globalização, a proposição de Goethe de uma literatura mundial passa a ser o ponto de partida para o estudo dessa inserção. Observou-se que reservar um lugar periférico dentro do pecúlio comum do mundo às literaturas da América Latina não é suficiente para incluí-la no discurso do “mundial” e muito menos para efetivar o que Spivak chama de “uma competição limpa”. Ainda mais especificamente, interessa pensar o caso do Brasil dentro da América Latina, sua posição ainda mais periférica em relação à inserção na literatura-mundo, e que tem, no entanto, outras ressonâncias a partir dos estudos de Franco Moretti e das novas publicações de Machado de Assis nos Estados Unidos, que deram visibilidade à crítica brasileira que aborda essas questões.