Department Of Valle Del Cauca Research Articles

Kleptoparasitism in Micrurus mipartitus (Squamata, Elapidae) competing for the same Caecilia sp. (Gymnophiona, Caeciliidae) in western Colombia

Kleptoparasitism, or food theft, is seldom reported in wild populations of snakes. Here, we describe as case where two Red-tailed Coral Snakes, Micrurus mipartitus, were observed competing for the same caecilian prey, either Caecilia leucocephala or C. perdita. This took place at night in a rainforest habitat in Valle del Cauca Department, western Colombia. Upon our arrival, the battle had already started as the two coral snakes kept bite-holds on the caecilian. They continued biting the prey at different places on the anterior parts and tugging in opposite directions. The snakes also made rotations along the longitudinal axis as they maintained their bite-holds. Surprisingly, one snake also bit the body of the other snake once. After 17 minutes of observation, the losing coral snake released its bite-hold on the caecilian. The winner then moved away from the losing snake which did not follow. It is well-known that M. mipartitus and other coral snakes eat caecilians, but this is the first observation of kleptoparasitism in elapid snakes in the wild. It is considered likely that they rely on chemoreception when detecting caecilians, notably in this case as two coral snakes detected the same prey item. In general, kleptoparasitism may occur more frequently amongst snakes than indicated by the very few published cases considering that numerous cases from captivity are known.

Hospital padrino: a collaborative strategy model to tackle maternal mortality: a mixed methods study in a middle-income region

Reducing maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remains a paramount goal for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially after COVID-19's devastating impact on maternal health indicators. We describe our experience implementing the Hospital Padrino Strategy (HPS), a collaborative model between a high-complexity hospital (Fundación Valle del Lili) and 43 medium- and low-complexity hospitals in one Colombian department (an administrative and territorial division) from 2021 to 2022, to sustain the trend towards reducing MMR. The study aimed to assess the effects of implementing HPS on both hospital performance and maternal health indicators in Valle del Cauca department (VCD). A mixed-methods study was conducted, comprising two phases. In the first phase, we investigated a cohort of hospitals through prospective follow-up to assess the outcomes of HPS implementation on hospital performance and maternal health indicators in VCD. In the second phase, qualitative data were collected through focus groups with 131 health workers from 33 hospitals to explore the implications of the HPS implementation on healthcare personnel. All data were obtained from records within the HPS implementation and from the Health Secretary of VCD. Evidence shows that in the context of HPS, 51 workshops involved 980 healthcare workers, covering the entire territory. Substantial improvements were observed in hospital conditions and healthcare personnel's technical competencies when providing obstetric care. Seven hundred eighty-five pregnant women with obstetric or perinatal emergencies received care through telehealth systems, with a progressive increase in technology adoption. Nine percent required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and none died. The MMR decreased from 78.8 in 2021 to 12.0 cases per 100,000 live births by 2022. Improvements in indicators and conducted training sessions instilled confidence and empowerment among the healthcare teams in the sponsored hospitals, as evidenced in focus groups derived from a sample of 131 healthcare workers from 33 hospitals. Implementing the Hospital Padrino Strategy led to a significant MMR reduction, and consolidated a model of social healthcare innovation replicable in LMICs. The Hospital Padrino Strategy was funded by the Fundación Valle del Lili and the Health Secretary of Valle del Cauca. Furthermore, this study received funding from a general grant for research from Tecnoquimicas S.A.

A RARE NEW SPECIES OF COLUMNEA (GESNERIACEAE) FROM “CORDILLERA OCCIDENTAL” IN THE COLOMBIAN ANDES

A new species of Columnea belonging to section Ortholoma (Gesneriaceae) from La Serranía de los Paraguas in the Valle del Cauca Department in Colombia (Cordillera Occidental) is described and illustrated.

Mapping the distribution of armored harvestmen (Opiliones, Laniatores) in Colombia: updated list of species, taxonomic contributions, and insight of diversity in protected areas.

Colombia is a biodiverse country with 1,486 protected areas covering almost 50 million hectares, yet little is known about the biodiversity they harbor, particularly in terms of harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones). This study provides a comprehensive updated summary of the armored harvestmen (Laniatores) species found in Colombia with a list of 173 nominal species, focusing on the Laniatores fauna found in protected areas and its diversity is detailed and analyzed. Maps with all records associated with ecoregions and protected areas in Colombia are presented. Additionally, three new Laniatores species are described here: Phalangodusandresisp. nov. from the department of Cundinamarca, and Ventrifurcaphallainasp. nov. and Ampycellafortunatasp. nov. from the department of Valle del Cauca; and a new family assignment is proposed for Paraphalangodus Roewer, 1915, placing it in the family Nomoclastidae. Information available on Laniatores in the National System of Protected Areas is still scarce and promoting strategies to facilitate the regulatory procedures for collecting specimens in these areas and increasing investment in basic science projects, are suggested to improve the understanding and study of the Laniatores fauna and other invertebrates in Colombia. Finally, a chronicle and timeline set of figures of species of Laniatores from Colombia, described by various authors during three periods, is given.

Application of a system dynamics model to evaluate the implementation of payment for environmental services as a reconversion mechanism in high mountain farming

In Colombia, livestock farming has been developed in highlands areas, with influence on these ecosystems and their ecosystem services. Reason why, in 2017, the Colombian issued legal regulations (Decree Law 870), which establishes the payment for environmental services (PES) as a key instrument in the conservation of strategic areas to achieve comprehensive rural development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of two type of highlands livestock agroecosystems to the implementation of a mechanism such as the PES, through scenario simulation based on the System Dynamics methodology. It should contribute to the understanding of this activity and to the formulation of policies for land management, use and conservation. Data and information used in this study came from farms located in La Nevera, municipality of Palmira, Department of Valle del Cauca. Gathered information were used to develop qualitative models (i.e. causal loop diagrams) and quantitative models (stock and flow diagrams) in order to built a mechanistic model aimed to improve understanding of the multiple interactions and synergies that constitute the local agro-ecosystems. It includes the livestock and landscape components and their interaction influencing the ecosystem. The developed model evaluated three alternative scenarios of management with eventual economic incentives to farmers: i) business as usual; ii) incentive for areas destined to preservation; iii) areas released for restoration and future conservation. The main results showed that the proposed PES are a viable strategy for obtaining additional income for the land owners and they would also contribute to the maintenance of the typical natural coverage of the territory. However only considering economic balances, the opportunity cost of reducing livestock farming to preserve land is lower than cost of expected preservation. It might impair the choice of modifying the preferences of land use within the farms. The novelty of the study was the use of a system dynamic model to evaluate future sustainable patterns of PES to prevent side effects on the Colombian mountain area from a social and environmental point of view.

A review of the previously monotypic tribe Dibolostethini (Chelodesmidae: Chelodesminae) with description of two new species and a summary of the Chelodesmidae of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot

The chelodesmid genus Dibolostethus Hoffman, 2009, the sole member of the tribe Dibolostethini, is reviewed. The genus contains the type species D. sicarius Hoffman, 2009 known only from the Los Rios Province, Ecuador, and two new species from the Tropical Andes, D. inopinatus Means, Bouzan & Ivanov sp. nov. from the Morona-Santiago Province, Ecuador and D. kattani Means, Bouzan, Martínez-Torres & Ivanov sp. nov. from the Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia. We redescribe D. sicarius and provide a revised diagnosis of the genus, images of diagnostic morphological characters, and a key to the males of Dibolostethus. In addition, we provide a summary and a distribution map of the Chelodesmidae of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot.

Caracterización de los mecanismos de afrontamiento de los pacientes hospitalizados en la unidad de trasplante de médula ósea de una institución de alta complejidad en Cali (Colombia) entre febrero y junio de 2022

IntroductionInformation about coping mechanisms of patients who are taken to bone marrow transplant (BMT) are limited. Besides, the long hospitalization has a high emotional impact. We characterize coping mechanisms and evaluate hopelessness, anxiety and depression of patients who were taken to bone marrow transplant (BMT) in a high complexity health institution in the department of Valle del Cauca between February 1 and June 30, 2022 MethodsDescriptive cross-sectional design, with convenience sampling of patients over 18 years of age who were admitted for BMT. Participants filled out five questionnaires (sociodemographic data, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), the Beck hopelessness scale and The mental adjustment to cancer scale (MAC-s). The qualitative variables were summarized with absolute frequencies and percentages, the quantitative variables were summarized in medians and interquartile ranges. For the correlation of variables, Spearman's correlation coefficients were used. OutcomesFrom 34 participants, 61.5% were men. The MAC-s scale found fighting spirit as the main coping style, no correlation was found between the scale MAC-s and the clinical variables evaluated. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scale showed depressive and anxiety symptoms in 20.8% of the participants. The correlation was positive between those with symptoms of depression (PHQ-9 scale) and those with anxiety (GAD-7 scale) (Spearman's coefficient 0.8). ConclusionThis study found fighting spirit as the main coping style. High frequency of anxiety and depression. The high frequency of anxiety and depression raises the need for screening and preventive strategies.

Proteomic and functional analyses of Lachesis acrochorda snake venom from the Valle del Cauca Department of Colombia

Lachesis acrochorda envenomation has a lethality rate of approximately 90%. Despite its high lethality, little is known about its local and systemic effects and its relationship with its protein content. Thus, to increase knowledge of L. acrochorda snake venom from the Southwestern ecoregion of Colombia, we developed a proteomic analysis using a "bottom-up shotgun proteomic profiling" approach. Besides, we evaluated toxinological properties and compared the effects with the Bothrops asper snake venom activities. The RP-HPLC profile showed similarities with the L. acrochorda snake venom from the Northwestern ecoregion of Colombia. However, the results displayed differences in the protein families identified, probably due to the proteomic identification strategy. The in vitro and in vivo tests showed a L. acrochorda snake venom with Phospholipase A2 and metalloproteinase activities related to myotoxic, edematic, and hemorrhagic effects. Nevertheless, the L. acrochorda snake venom displayed a low lethality despite a large amount of inoculated venom. This investigation's results will help us improve the knowledge about the relationship between the clinical manifestations of L. acrochorda envenomation and the venom protein content.

Eschweilera brevipetiolata and E. silverstonei: Two new species of Lecythidaceae from western Colombia

Eschweilera brevipetiolata and E. silverstonei, two new species of Lecythidaceae known from the pluvial Chocoan forests of western Colombia, are described. Eschweilera brevipetiolata and E. silverstonei both occur in the Bajo Calima area, between 50–100 m elevation, in the department of Valle del Cauca. The new species are illustrated and their relationships with related species are discussed.

Occurrence and distribution of pineapple mealybug wilt-associated viruses (PMWaVs) in MD2 pineapple fields in the Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia

MD2 pineapple production in the Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia, has increased in recent years due to its preference in the national and international markets. Pineapple mealybug wilt (PMW), reported in all production areas around the world, is associated with two mealybug species, Dysmicoccus brevipes and D. neobrevipes, and a group of virus species known as pineapple mealybug wilt-associated viruses (PMWaVs). In a previous study, D. brevipes was determined to be the main mealybug species associated with pineapples in the region; hence, the objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and distribution of PMWaVs in pineapple plants and specimens of D. brevipes collected in five MD2 pineapple fields in the Department of Valle del Cauca. Our results confirmed the presence of three virus species in both plant and mealybug specimens. PMWaV3 showed the highest detection frequencies (92.6% and 88.7%), followed by PMWaV1 (26.5% and 8.3%) and PMWaV2 (12.0% and 2.0%) in plant and mealybug samples, respectively. Mixed infections of PMWaVs were found also in the studied plant material. The most common virus association consisting of PMWaV1 and PMWaV3 was found in 30 plant samples (20%). The correlation analysis between each virus species found in mealybugs and their pineapple host suggests that PMWaV3 is not only transmitted through infested plant material, but that D. brevipes may also play a role in the dynamics of disease dissemination. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of PMWaV transmission in MD2 pineapple-cultivated areas in the Valle del Cauca region.

Ain’t no mountain high enough? New records of Notiomastodon platensis (Mammalia, Proboscidea) from Colombia and the Quaternary dry corridor of the Cauca valley

ABSTRACT In this study, we present new records of the extinct South American proboscidean Notiomastodon platensis from three new fossiliferous sites in the riverbed of Cauca River, in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The fossil specimens were found in late Pleistocene deposits and include immature to senile Notiomastodon platensis individuals, comprising abundant dental and post-cranial materials. A review of the geographic distribution of the Notiomastodon platensis records in Colombia suggests that this giant mammal used the inter-Andean valleys as migratory corridors, possibly due to the presence of more suitable environmental conditions (lower temperatures and dry-forest) and energy-saving terrains, avoiding more prominent Andean hills. In addition, the Cauca Valley deposits stand out as having palaeontological significance to the comprehension of the late Pleistocene of the western region of South America.

Rapid assessment of mercury-contaminated sites through the Toxic Site Identification Program (TSIP). Colombia

Mercury concentration measurements were compiled from 72 sites located throughout seven departments of Colombia using field information gathered from 2016–2021 by Pure Earth, an international non-profit organization, and secondary information from previously conducted studies. These measurements and other data such as type of contaminated resource (water, soil), resource use (fishing, agricultural, residential, and industrial), estimated at-risk population, and permissible contamination limits were entered into Pure Earth’s Toxic Site Identification Program (TSIP) database. Using information from the TSIP database, the Blacksmith Index, a contaminated site intervention prioritization index, was calculated for all 72 sites. After applying exclusion criteria to the sites for this study, the results show that approximately 55,095 people are affected by mercury contamination in 44 sites. Of these study sites, the site with the highest Blacksmith Index value and therefore, the highest health risk due to mercury contamination, is La Bocana in the department of Valle del Cauca.

First report in Colombia and diagnosis of <i>Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis</i> (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid wasp of <i>Diaphorina citri</i>(Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is herein reported for the first time from Colombia based on specimens collected in the municipality of Palmira, department of Valle del Cauca. Adult male and female wasps of this endoparasitoid are diagnosed based on published literature and character states taken from specimens collected in the present study. The adult parasitoids were extracted from parasitized nymphs (mummies) of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Information is provided on the differences in the morphology of parasitized nymphs of D. citri with exit holes made by the two main primary parasitoids, i.e., Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and D. aligarhensis. Rates of parasitization on D. citri ranged from 1.5 to 24.2 % for T. radiata and 0.3 to 1.0 % for D. aligarhensis. With the present study, the presence of D. aligarhensis in Colombia becomes the second confirmed report of the species in South America, after Ecuador.

Variation in population density of the Andean night monkey (Aotus lemurinus) in areas with different landscape characteristics

In the Colombian Andes, most of the populations of Andean night monkeys (Aotus lemurinus) are found in fragmented landscapes due to the predominant changes in land use in the region.  Thus, forest fragments differ in shape, size, degree of isolation, and availability of resources.  These factors have had a differential effect on the ecology and permanence of their populations.  In order to determine the effect of fragmentation on A. lemurinus, we estimated its population density in a protected area of 489 ha of sub-Andean forest - at Otún Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary- which is structurally connected with other protected areas; then, we compared it with another study carried out in the unprotected Sub-andean forest fragments (900 ha) of Dapa, at the Valle del Cauca department.  To estimate its density, the distance sampling method was used with 31 linear transects, and the data were analyzed with the software Distance.  Landscape metrics was estimate with patch analyses tools with a Corine Land Cover information 1:100,000 scale.  The plant structure and diversity were measurement with transects to 50 x 4 m and taking account the trees with diameter at breast height over 10 cm.  We use average comparison to evaluate the similarities between patrons of the population density and explanatory variables.  A population density of 39 ind/km2 was found in our study, which is lower than the 113 ind/km2 found in the Dapa.  This relation was similar to relations of mean shape index, mean patch size and mean diameter at breast height, and inverse with the relations of proportion of the forest in the area, weighted cover index, plant diversity and density of trees.  It is likely that the protected area, by being connected and having a greater diversity of primates and trees, allows this population not to suffer from a crowding phenomenon, and that the population does not increase it carrying capacity due to the low presence of competing species, conversely to what could be occurring in the unprotected fragments.  Conversely, high density in Dapa could be reflect a system depletion in diversity and ecological processes.

The genus Ptiloneura (Psocodea: Ptiloneuridae) in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, altitudinal distribution, new records, and description of two species.

From recent collections of psocids in natural areas of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, new records and two new species of the genus Ptiloneura were found. The latter are described and illustrated: P. elduende n. sp., and P. pichindensis n. sp., that correspond to a subclade previously named as genus Loneuroides. A map with the geographical and altitudinal distribution of the species in the department of Valle del Cauca, and a key for the determination of the species (males) in this subclade are presented.

Spatio-temporal clusters and patterns of spread of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in Colombia.

Colombia has one of the highest burdens of arboviruses in South America. The country was in a state of hyperendemicity between 2014 and 2016, with co-circulation of several Aedes-borne viruses, including a syndemic of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in 2015. We analyzed the cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika notified in Colombia from January 2014 to December 2018 by municipality and week. The trajectory and velocity of spread was studied using trend surface analysis, and spatio-temporal high-risk clusters for each disease in separate and for the three diseases simultaneously (multivariate) were identified using Kulldorff's scan statistics. During the study period, there were 366,628, 77,345 and 74,793 cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, respectively, in Colombia. The spread patterns for chikungunya and Zika were similar, although Zika's spread was accelerated. Both chikungunya and Zika mainly spread from the regions on the Atlantic coast and the south-west to the rest of the country. We identified 21, 16, and 13 spatio-temporal clusters of dengue, chikungunya and Zika, respectively, and, from the multivariate analysis, 20 spatio-temporal clusters, among which 7 were simultaneous for the three diseases. For all disease-specific analyses and the multivariate analysis, the most-likely cluster was identified in the south-western region of Colombia, including the Valle del Cauca department. The results further our understanding of emerging Aedes-borne diseases in Colombia by providing useful evidence on their potential site of entry and spread trajectory within the country, and identifying spatio-temporal disease-specific and multivariate high-risk clusters of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, information that can be used to target interventions.

Range extension and distribution update of Hsunycteris cadenai (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

We report the northernmost collecting locality for the nectar-feeding bat Hsunycteris cadenai in the Colombian Biogeographic Chocó. This record extends the range of the species to 224 km north of the species type locality in Zabaletas river, department of Valle del Cauca, and 75 km west of Santa Cecilia, Risaralda. The specimen was collected on May 5, 2010, in a primary forest in Pacurita, Central Chocó. Our specimen of H. cadenai (CMCH 883) exhibits all the diagnostic characteristics of the species including the lateral projections on the postorbital region, a skull length greater than 20.0 mm, and a forearm shorter than 34.5 mm. We also present an updated distribution map for the species.

Four new species of Lepanthes (Pleurothallidinae) from the southwestern Andes in Colombia

Four new species of Lepanthes from the southwestern Andes of Colombia are described, illustrated and compared with morphologically similar species. The new species were found in San José del Salado, the Municipality of Dagua, Department of Valle del Cauca where several new species have been found and described in the past years.

On the Tityus forcipula species group: redescription of Tityus forcipula (Scorpiones, Buthidae), description of a new Andean species, and notes on the taxonomy of the group.

The Tityus forcipula species group has had an intricate taxonomic history, changing its diagnostic characters and composition on several occasions. One of the alleged reasons for this taxonomic uncertainty is the use of superficial characters (i.e. raw similarity instead of putative synapomorphies) for species group delimitation. Here, we conducted a thorough phenotypic survey across the Tityus forcipula species group, as currently delimited, including characters that had been suggested elsewhere as putative synapomorphies for delimiting lineages within Tityus. In doing so we also redescribe Tityus forcipula and describe a new species belonging to the Tityus forcipula species group: Tityus moralensis sp. nov. based on specimens from the Andean region of Valle del Cauca department, Colombia. The Tityus forcipula species group is here delimited to Andean species from Colombia and Ecuador that share strongly sclerotized and brown colored pectines, basal middle lamellae of female pectines dilated and suboval or ovoid shaped, basal plate of female pectines without glandular region and telotarsi with two ventrosubmedian rows (type II) of stout macrosetae (i.e., Tityus crassicauda, Tityus cuellari, Tityus forcipula, Tityus fuhrmanni and Tityus moralensis sp. nov). The new Tityus species is placed into a phylogenetic context with other buthid species using DNA sequences (COI and 28S). Finally, we provide a map with updated distributional records of the Tityus forcipula species group.

Range extension of Hapalopsittaca fuertesi (Psitaccidae): a new record in Las Hermosas-GVC National Natural Park, Colombia

We report a new record of 17 individuals of the Indigo-winged Parrot (Hapalopsittaca fuertesi), one of the most threatened psittacine species in Colombia, on the border of the Las Hermosas-Gloria Valencia de Castaño National Park, in the municipality of Palmira, Valle del Cauca department at an elevation of 3188 m, in a mosaic of natural vegetation and artificial grasslands. This parrot was previously considered to be restricted to four sub-populations located in the limit zone of the Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima departments. This record extends the known distribution of H. fuertesi approximately 122 km southward on the Central Andes of Colombia, to the limit of its previously hypothesized distribution. Las Hermosas-Gloria Valencia de Castaño National Natural Park could well be the most important conservation area to protect this species.