Distinct Species Composition Research Articles

Respostas da comunidade zooplanctônica à formação do reservatório de Dona Francisca, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Nós investigamos as mudanças na riqueza, densidade e composição da comunidade zooplanctônica em resposta à formação de um reservatório na área da usina hidrelétrica Dona Francisca. Amostras de zooplâncton foram coletadas trimestralmente durante quatro anos, compreendendo dois anos antes e dois anos após a formação do reservatório. A riqueza de espécies e a densidade de Cladocera, Copepoda e Rotifera aumentaram após o enchimento do reservatório. Além disso, a comunidade zooplanctônica apresentou uma nítida alteração na composição de espécies entre os períodos antes e após a formação do reservatório. A distinta composição de espécies entre os dois períodos esteve relacionada às alterações nas características limnológicas decorrentes da formação do reservatório.

Benthic ciliate and meiofaunal communities in two contrasting habitats of an intertidal estuarine wetland

Annual variations in benthic meiofaunal and ciliated protozoan communities were investigated using monthly samplings from June 2006 to May 2007 in two habitats characterized by different vegetal coverage in an estuarine intertidal wetland of Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay, China. The sediment composition was stable at each site: sediments densely covered with seagrass (Suaeda glauca) in the lower estuarine site (Station S) were finer, with higher content of organic matter, phaeopigments and water than sediments at the upper estuarine site (Station S-P) which was unvegetated other than for patches of S. glauca and common reed (Phragmites australis). Chlorophyll a exhibited a similar distribution in the two habitats. A total of 14 meiofaunal groups, and 249 species of ciliates belonging to 37 genera, 28 families and 16 orders, were isolated from the two sites. Univariate and multivariate measures of the communities were significantly different between the two habitats. There were higher abundances of ciliates and meiofauna, and a greater diversity of ciliates, at Station S than Station S-P (223 vs. 61 species). Herbivorous ciliates were numerically predominant in ciliate communities at both sites. The representative ciliates at Station S-P belonged to the Cyrtophorida and appeared to be a reduced subset of the assemblage at Station S, which was characterized by members of the Prostomatida, Cyrtophorida, Hypotrichida and Scuticociliatida. More than 96% of the total meiofauna were nematodes, accounting for 93% of the differences in the abundance compositions of the meiofaunal communities between habitats. The average individual weights of nematodes were nearly 3 times greater at Station S than Station S-P, indicating a distinctive species composition at each site. Temperature, salinity and food availability were key factors that regulated the ciliate and meiofaunal community structure. Nematodes were the dominant group in terms of the combined abundance, biomass and benthic metabolism of ciliates and meiofauna. With respect to the dominance of herbivorous ciliates and epistrate-feeder nematodes in seagrass sediment, predator–prey relationships and competition for food resources between nematodes and ciliates are likely to be important factors in controlling the abundances of these groups.

Phytosociological description of norite koppies in the Rustenburg area, North-West Province and refinement of the distribution of the Norite Koppies Bushveld on the national vegetation classification map of South Africa

The Norite Koppies Bushveld vegetation type boasts a distinctive and contrasting topography and species composition easily distinguished from that of surrounding areas. A phytosociological study was done on the leased mining area of the Impala Platinum Mining Company north of Rustenburg in the North-West Province. Similar norite koppies, situated west of the Norite Koppies Bushveld vegetation, and not yet mapped by Mucina Rutherford (2006), were identified in the study area and phytosociologically described. Six plant communities and two subcommunities were identified. Multivariate statistical analyses (correspondence analyses) confirmed that the species composition of these areas corresponds with and does therefore form part of the Norite Koppies Bushveld vegetation type as described by Mucina Rutherford (2006). Some of these communities contain Boscia albitrunca, a protected plant species, and should therefore be considered as areas with conservation value.

The Goldilocks effect: intermittent streams sustain more plant species than those with perennial or ephemeral flow

Summary1. Drylands worldwide are typified by extreme variability in hydrologic processes, which structures riparian communities at various temporal and spatial scales. One key question is how underlying differences in hydrology over the length of interrupted perennial rivers influence spatial and temporal patterns in species richness and species composition.2. We examined effects of differences in dry season hydrology on species richness, composition and cover of herbaceous plant communities in the streamside zone (the zone influenced directly by low flows in the channel). Data were collected at ephemeral, intermittent and perennial flow reaches on three rivers of the desert Southwest (Arizona, U.S.A.): Lower Cienega Creek, Hassayampa River and Lower San Pedro River.3. Patterns of species richness varied with temporal scale of analysis, that is between single‐year and multi‐year time frames. At the annual timescale, quadrat species richness (m−2) and herbaceous cover were higher at sites with perennial flow than at either intermittent or ephemeral sites. In contrast to this single‐year pattern, the highest long‐term richness occurred at intermittent sites.4. Quadrat species richness, total species richness at a site (per 18 1‐m2 plots) and cover were more variable year to year at non‐perennial sites than at perennial flow sites. On two of the three rivers, ephemeral sites had the highest inter‐annual compositional variance, while the perennial sites had the lowest.5. Compositional differences between the hydrologic site types were dominated by species turnover, not nestedness. The perennial sites had more wetland and perennial species than the other two site types. The intermittent sites had more annual species than did the other two types.6. High long‐term species richness and distinct species composition of intermittent sites are probably sustained by pronounced temporal variability in environmental conditions (i.e. frequent and persistent flow events, and dry periods). Plants at these sites take advantage of greater moisture than those at ephemeral sites and also experience less competition from resident species than those at perennial sites.7. Conservation of desert riparian diversity depends upon the protection of consistently wet conditions at perennial flow sites, as well as the maintenance of the processes that cause fluctuations in environmental conditions at non‐perennial sites.

Distribución de flebotominos (Diptera: Psychodidae) en Quintana Roo, México

Se llevó a cabo un estudio faunístico en el estado de Quintana Roo para conocer la distribución, riqueza y abundancia de los flebotominos. Se observó una gran variabilidad del promedio deespecies y abundancia dentro y entre tres diferentes zonas (sur, centro y norte) en el estado. La mayor abundancia y riqueza se registró en la zona norte, en la zona centro y sur se capturaron igual número de especies, y la zona centro tuvo la menor abundancia. En cada zona fueron diferentes las especies dominantes, aunque, Lutzomyia shannoni y Lutzomyia cruciata se registraron dentro de las más dominantes distribuidas en las tres zonas. Entre las especies dominantes que se presentan en el estado se encuentran aquellas que son incriminadas como vectores de leishmaniasis en la Península de Yucatán. Los factores ambientales que se presentan en el estado son reflejados en las abundancias encontradas en las diferenteszonas de Quintana Roo.

Biogeography of tuna and billfish communities

AbstractAim The aims of this study were: (1) to identify global communities of tuna and billfish species through quantitative statistical analyses of global fisheries data; (2) to describe the spatial distribution, main environmental drivers and species composition of each community detected; and (3) to determine whether the spatial distribution of each community could be linked to the environmental conditions that affect lower trophic levels by comparing the partitions identified in this study with Longhurst’s biogeochemical provinces.Location The global ocean from 60° S to 65° N.Methods We implemented a new numerical procedure based on a hierarchical clustering method and a nonparametric probabilistic test to divide the oceanic biosphere into biomes and ecoregions. This procedure was applied to a database that comprised standardized data on commercial longline catches for 15 different species of tuna and billfish over a period of more than 50 years (i.e. 1953–2007). For each ecoregion identified (i.e. characteristic tuna and billfish community), we analysed the relationships between species composition and environmental factors. Finally, we compared the biogeochemical provinces of Longhurst with the ecoregions that we identified.Results Tuna and billfish species form nine well‐defined communities across the global ocean. Each community occurs in regions with specific environmental conditions and shows a distinctive species composition. High similarity (68.8% homogeneity) between the spatial distribution of the communities of tuna and billfish and the biogeochemical provinces suggests a strong relationship between these species and the physical and chemical characteristics of the global ocean.Main conclusions Despite their high tolerance for a wide range of environmental conditions, these highly migratory species are partitioned into clear geographical communities in the ocean at a global scale. The similarity between biogeochemical and biotic divisions in the ocean suggests that the global ocean is a mosaic of large biogeographical ecosystems, each characterized by specific environmental conditions that have a strong effect on the composition of the trophic web.

Lichen communities on treefall mounds depend more on root-plate than stand characteristics

Large uprooted trees are typical old-forest structures that provide distinct microsites for sessile organisms. While the habitat value of treefall pits for plants is relatively well known, the characteristic exposed root-plates of treefall mounds, which may require different management, have received less attention. The aim of the current study was to explore key factors of lichen incidence and their community characteristics on root-plates. We mapped and described treefall mounds in 24 stands (2ha each) in a balanced design representing mixed stands of two site types (mesotrophic; drained swamp) and two management types (old growth, mature commercial forest) in hemiboreal Estonia. First, the occurrence of any lichens and of a specialized pin lichen, Chaenotheca furfuracea, was recorded on all 1207 mounds found. According to multi-level logistic regression models, their incidence depended on every mound-scale variable tested: there were independent positive effects of root-plate area and treefall age, spruce treefall, and the absence of exposed pit. In contrast, weak stand-scale effects only appeared when their interactions with mound-scale variables were included or some main effects were eliminated. C. furfuracea also occurred more frequently where other inhabited root-plates were nearby, and such dispersal limitation interacted with habitat quality. Secondly, full lichen communities were described in detail on a subsample of 84 root-plates of Norway spruce (Picea abies). Altogether 48 lichen species were recorded, including eight red-listed or nationally rare species. The communities on large fresh root-plates and in mature drained stands had distinct species composition, while communities of older mounds and in old-growth stands converged in species composition. We conclude that lichen incidence on root-plates is mostly determined by colonization probability, and commercial forests can support a diverse lichen biota when large treefall mounds, particularly of P. abies and of >10 years age are provided. However, given some differences of lichen communities in old growth, and because treefall issues conflict with other management objectives in commercial forests, optimised management of treefall areas there should be complemented by their strict protection in reserves.

Application of Semiochemicals to Assess the Biodiversity of Subcortical Insects following an Ecosystem Disturbance in a Sub-boreal Forest

From 2000 through 2003 we used semiochemical-baited traps in northeastern Minnesota, USA, to assess changes in assemblages of subcortical forest insects after a catastrophic wind storm in 1999 and subsequent (1999-2000) fuel-reduction activities (salvage-logging and prescribed-burning). We determined the regional efficacy of fifteen semiochemical blends (pheromones and kairomones) as attractants for target and non-target subcortical insect species (Coleoptera: Anthribidae, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Cleridae, Cucujidae, Curculionidae, Histeridae, Nemonychidae, Salpingidae, Scolytidae, Tenebrionidae, and Hymenoptera: Siricidae). During the four summers, we trapped 86,471 subcortical insects (143 species) in baited and unbaited Lindgren funnel traps, and 500 beetles (44 species) in baited and unbaited pitfall traps. We report 23 new state collection records of subcortical insects from Minnesota. Trap catches of subcortical insects were greatest in the wind-disturbed areas 2 years after the event, and declined thereafter. Similar trends were observed for subcortical insects in the burned areas. Both wind-disturbance and burning increased the subcortical insect species richness and diversity on the landscape. The subcortical insect species compositions of the salvaged and burned forest areas differed from those of the undisturbed and wind-disturbed areas. Trap catches of subcortical insects in response to semiochemical treatments also varied with year of sampling and land-area treatment. The greatest diversity of subcortical beetle species was in traps baited with attractants for the scolytids, Dendroctonus valens [(+)-α-pinene and (−)-β-pinene] and Dryocoetes spp. [exo-brevicomin and (−)-α-pinene], perhaps reflecting the generic nature of the baits. The most distinct species compositions were collected in response to the woodborer and Dendroctonus simplex baits, whereas the species compositions in traps with the D. valens and Dryocoetes spp. baits, and the unbaited funnel trap were the most similar. The variation in trap catch with time and across landscapes suggests that the responses of subcortical insects to semiochemicals are more complex than previously appreciated.

Decomposing logs increase oribatid mite assemblage diversity in mixedwood boreal forest

The removal of timber during harvesting substantially reduces important invertebrate habitat, most noticeably microhabitats associated with fallen trees. Oribatid mite diversity in downed woody material (DWM) using species-level data has not been well studied. We investigated the influence of decaying logs on the spatial distribution of oribatid mites on the forest floor at the sylviculture et amenagement forestiers ecosystemique (SAFE) research station in the Abitibi region in NW Quebec. In June 2006, six aspen logs were selected for study, and samples were taken at three distances for each log: directly on top of the log (ON), directly beside the log (ADJ) and at least one metre away from the log and any other fallen wood (AWAY). Samples ON logs consisted of a litter layer sample, an upper wood sample and an inner wood sample. Samples at the ADJ and AWAY distances consisted of litter samples and soil cores. The highest species richness was collected ON logs, and logs harboured a distinct oribatid species composition compared to nearby forest floor. There were species-specific changes in abundance with increasing distance away from DWM, which indicates an influence of DWM in structuring oribatid assemblages on the forest floor. Additionally, each layer (litter, wood and soil) exhibited a unique species composition and hosted a different diversity of oribatid mites. This study further highlights the importance of DWM to forest biodiversity by creating habitat for unique assemblages of oribatid mites.

Endemism in the evergreen forests of Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

In the present study analysed the pattern of tree endemism in the evergreen biotype of Western Ghats part of Karnataka, a biodiversity hotspot. Sampling has been done in various forest types of evergreen biotype and the recorded species were evaluated to analyse endemic status. A total of 267 plots sampled randomly across various forest types in evergreen biotype revealed 340 tree species (girth at breast height 30 cm) of which 112 endemics to them. Overall tree endemism observed in the Western Ghats part of Karnataka is 33%. The forest types studied are Myristica swamps, Riparian fringing forests, Southern hill top evergreen forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and West coast tropical evergreen forests. Myristica swamps had the highest number of endemic trees (45.10%) followed by Southern hill top evergreen forests (39.78%). More than 50% tree endemism was observed in 14 families of the recorded 33 families. Cluster analysis of endemic species revealed distinct species composition in Southern hill top evergreen forests.

Influence of the environmental heterogeneity of breeding ponds on anuran assemblages from southeastern Brazil

We hypothesized that the environmental heterogeneity of breeding ponds influences the species composition and species richness of anuran assemblages from southeastern Brazil, because it provides humidity, shelter, and breeding microhabitats for anuran species, which can result in an increasing number of species in a given habitat. To begin, we tested whether the occurrence of anuran species in each breeding pond is different from a null model of random placement of species in those ponds. We then performed two tests to evaluate which of the five environmental descriptors of breeding ponds influence (1) the species composition and (2) species richness. Species composition of the 38 breeding ponds was correlated with number of edge types, number of plant types along the edges of the breeding ponds, and the hydroperiod. Neither the percentage of vegetation cover on the water’s surface nor the size of the breeding ponds were correlated with species composition. Only the number of edge types was correlated with species richness of breeding ponds. The correlation of three environmental descriptors with species composition and one environmental descriptor with species richness, as well as the high beta diversity among breeding ponds, suggest that the analyses of environmental heterogeneity on species composition was more informative than was the analysis for species richness, because breeding ponds with similar species richness can have distinct species composition among them (high beta diversity).

Streamside herbaceous vegetation response to hydrologic restoration on the San Pedro River, Arizona

AbstractRecovery of physical conditions and processes is increasingly emphasized in ecosystem restoration. We examined a restoration project aimed at recovery of groundwater levels and base flows on an undammed desert river. We sampled streamside plant communities and hydrology annually (2003–2008) at six restoration sites at two farms (Three Links Farm and H&E Farm) after groundwater pumping was curtailed for restoration purposes, and at six reference sites. Vascular plant cover was recorded, and species were classified into functional groups based on water needs and life history. Synthetic vegetation metrics and community composition were compared between restoration sites and perennial‐flow reference sites representing target conditions. Perennial sites had higher cover, species richness, relative cover of hydric perennials and hydric annuals, and lower wetland indicator scores than non‐perennial sites, but did not differ in relative cover of non‐native species. Perennial sites had distinct species composition and high species constancy among years. Streamside vegetation was similar at Three Links Farm and perennial reference sites, indicating restoration success; streamside vegetation at H&E Farm differed from target conditions according to most measures. Hydrology is a key factor shaping desert streamside plant communities. However, single river sites may respond differently to hydrologic restoration. Contrasts in site response were likely due to differences in hydrogeomorphic context, exacerbated by drought. Understanding the constraints on restoration response is critical for setting realistic restoration goals and anticipating time frames of ecosystem change. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phosphorylation of S409/410 of TDP-43 is a consistent feature in all sporadic and familial forms of TDP-43 proteinopathies

Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated, ubiquitinated and N-terminally truncated TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) is the pathological hallmark lesion in most familial and sporadic forms of FTLD-U and ALS, which can be subsumed as TDP-43 proteinopathies. In order to get more insight into the role of abnormal phosphorylation in the disease process, the identification of specific phosphorylation sites and the generation of phosphorylation-specific antibodies are mandatory. Here, we developed and characterized novel rat monoclonal antibodies (1D3 and 7A9) raised against phosphorylated S409/410 of TDP-43. These antibodies were used to study the presence of S409/410 phosphorylation by immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis in a large series of 64 FTLD-U cases with or without motor neuron disease including familial cases with mutations in progranulin (n = 5), valosin-containing protein (n = 4) and linkage to chromosome 9p (n = 4), 18 ALS cases as well as other neurodegenerative diseases with concomitant TDP-43 pathology (n = 5). Our data demonstrate that phosphorylation of S409/410 of TDP-43 is a highly consistent feature in pathologic inclusions in the whole spectrum of sporadic and familial forms of TDP-43 proteinopathies. Physiological nuclear TDP-43 was not detectable with these mAbs by immunohistochemistry and by immunoblot analyses. While the accumulation of phosphorylated C-terminal fragments was a robust finding in the cortical brain regions of FTLD-U and ALS, usually being much more abundant than the phosphorylated full-length TDP-43 band, spinal cord samples revealed a predominance of full-length TDP-43 over C-terminal fragments. This argues for a distinct TDP-43 species composition in inclusions in cortical versus spinal cord cells. Overall, these mAbs are powerful tools for the highly specific detection of disease-associated abnormal TDP-43 species and will be extremely useful for the neuropathological routine diagnostics of TDP-43 proteinopathies and for the investigation of emerging cellular and animal models for TDP-43 proteinopathies.

Bivalve Molluscs from the Continental Shelf of Jalisco and Colima, Mexican Central Pacific

A survey for bivalves was conducted at 25 sampling stations on the Mexican Central Pacific shelf off Jalisco and Colima, during the summer of 1988. The bivalves were sampled with a Van Veen grab at 16 stations with medium sand, sandy silt, and silty clay substrata at depths between 18 and 112 m. A total of 5,196 individuals belonging to 59 genera and 95 species of bivalves were found. A systematic list is provided with the relative abundance and density (individuals/m2) for each species and information on depth, type of substratum, bottom water temperature, and oxygen concentration for each station. The twelve most common species (>100 individuals/station) in descending order of abundance were: Nuculana laeviradius (Pilsbry and Lowe, 1932), Crassinella pacifica (C. B. Adams, 1852), Corbula nasuta G. B. Sowerby I, 1833, Anadara adamsi Olsson, 1961, Parvilucina approximata (Dall, 1901), Nucula declivis Hinds, 1843, Corbula ira Dall, 1908, Radiolucina cancellaris (Philippi, 1846), Cyclopecten pernomus (Hertlein, 1935), Nuculana lobula (Dall, 1908), Parvilucina mazatlanica (Carpenter, 1857), and Gouldia californica Dall, 1917. The bathymetric patterns in the abundance and species composition of the bivalve community and their relationship to environmental parameters are discussed. The structure of the assemblages differed with depth, with peak abundances and species richness (1) between 24 and 40 m with medium sand and sandy silt substrata and (2) at intermediate depths between 71 and 74 m, with sandy silt and silty clay substrata. The species characterizing shallow, intermediate, and deep zones were the most abundant or those exclusive of each zone. Diversity, dominance, and evenness decreased at the deeper stations. The distinctive species composition of these zones may be the result of variation in depth, oxygen concentration, and substratum.

Distribution, abundance and diversity of modern dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from southern Chile (43–54° S)

Abstract The distribution, abundance and diversity of modern dinoflagellate cyst assemblages were investigated in sediments from the inshore seas of southern Chile (43°08′–54°55′ S) at eight sites from April 2004 to January 2005. A total of 24 cyst types were recorded, of which 12 and five were identified at the species and genus levels, respectively. Dinoflagellate cysts were recorded from all sampling sites, but they differed in total abundance (15–270 cysts ml-1) and diversity index (H′ 0.88–2.40). Heterotrophic dinoflagellate cysts assigned to heterotrophic species were the most abundant trophic form, with 418 cysts ml-1, representing 55% of the total cyst abundance. Cluster analysis based on the abundance of dinoflagellate cyst species indicated that sampling sites were segregated into three groups likely to be related to the proportion of autotrophic vs. heterotrophic species cysts and the total abundance of cysts at each site. Distinctive cyst species composition differences among sampling sites may allow inferences about local nutrient and feeding dynamics within the water column.

Corticolous Microlichens in Northeastern Brazil: Habitat Differentiation Between Coastal Mata Atlântica, Caatinga and Brejos de Altitude

Based on a study of 22 sites in northeastern Brazil, including the three main vegetation types, coastal Mata Atlântica (Zona da Mata), Caatinga and Brejos de Altitude (rain forest enclaves in Caatinga areas), we studied the distribution and habitat preferences of 456 crustose and microfoliose lichen species. Alpha-diversity ranged between three and 99 species per site, with Zona da Mata and Brejos de Altitude showing higher numbers than Caatinga sites. Beta-diversity (dissimilarity) was highest between Zona da Mata sites and, as a whole, the Zona da Mata showed the highest gamma-diversity, with a total of 334 species. Site ordination by non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS), as well as cluster analysis, both using Sørensen's coefficient of dissimilarity, show that Zona da Mata and Caatinga sites have distinctive lichen species compositions, with the isolated Brejos de Altitude being more similar to coastal Zona da Mata than to Caatinga sites. Exposed Zona da Mata sites have certain species in common with Caatinga sites but overall cluster with the Zona da Mata sites. The transitional Agreste vegetation (one study site) also appears transitional between Zona da Mata and Caatinga in its lichen species composition. Indicator species analysis for each vegetation type was performed by applying a Monte-Carlo test. Other than ten ubiquitous taxa (found in all three vegetation types), 59 taxa were shared between Zona da Mata and Brejos de Altitude, 20 between Zona da Mata and Caatinga, and none between Brejos de Altitude and Caatinga. Dissimilarity values of Zona da Mata versus Brejos de Altitude sites were high (0.77 or 23% shared species on average), as were those of Zona da Mata versus Caatinga sites (average of 0.92 or 8% shared species). Zona da Mata lichens had a higher proportion of Arthoniomycetidae (Arthoniales: Arthoniaceae, Roccellaceae) and Chaetothyriomycetidae (Pyrenulales: Pyrenulaceae), as well as Porinaceae and Thelotremataceae; frequently trentepohlioid photobionts, predominantly transversely septate and/or narrow ascospores, and lack of lichen substances. Brejos de Altitude lichens showed a higher proportion of Dothideomycetiae (Trypetheliaceae) and Ostropomycetidae (Ostropales: Gomphillaceae and Graphidaceae), as well as Pilocarpaceae; ascospores were predominantly thick-walled or muriform and hyaline. Caatinga sites were dominated by Lecanoromycetidae (Lecanorales: Lecanoraceae; Teloschistales: Physciaceae) and Pertusariales (Pertusariaceae); taxa were chiefly associated with chlorococcoid photobionts, ascospores were megalosporous, non-septate and/or brown, and showed a predominance of certain cortical substances (atranorin, lichexanthone other xanthones, pulvinic acid derivates), as well as norstictic acid as medullary substance.

Comparison of reptile communities in three types of thermophilous Mediterranean forest in southern Greece

Reptile communities are compared in deciduous Valonia oak forests (Quercus aegilops L., 1753) and two types of pine forests (Pinus pinea L., 1753 and Pinus halepensis Mill., 1768) located at sea level in the northwestern Peloponnisos. In areas covered by homogenous forests, both species richness and diversity were higher in the oak forest stands. There is no significant difference in the diversity index between the two types of pine forest although P. pinea stands had higher species richness. The diversity index takes the higher values in the transition zones of all types of forests, mainly due to the heterogeneity of those habitats. The oak forest and its respective transition zone had the most distinctive species composition in comparison to all other habitats, characterised by high densities of diurnal heliothermic lizards. The results reveal that even small‐sized broadleaved stands in conifer forests can significantly contribute to conserve reptile diversity. From a conservation point of view, the expansion of P. halepensis during the last decades decreases the heterogeneity of space leading to a decline in diversity.

Phylogeography of the white‐breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis): diversification in North American pine and oak woodlands

Pine and oak woodlands are common North American floral communities with distinct regional species composition. The white-breasted nuthatch (Aves: Sitta carolinensis) is a common resident bird of North American pine and oak woodlands, and is distributed continentally across the highly disjunct distribution of these woodlands. We propose three historical hypotheses to explain the evolution of the white-breasted nuthatch in its principal habitat. (i) The species evolved in situ in the regional pine-oak communities and the isolation of populations in these regions is captured in cryptic genetic variation. (ii) Migration of individuals between regions is frequent enough to maintain the widespread distributions and prevent regional divergence. (iii) The species have recently expanded to occupy their current distributions and an insufficient amount of time has passed for divergence to occur. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (ND2 gene) variation (N = 216) in the white-breasted nuthatch reveals four reciprocally monophyletic clades concordant with the distribution of the regional North American pine and oak woodlands, and supports hypothesis 1 of in situ evolution of populations in the regional pine and oak communities. Within-clade population structure and demographic history are also discussed.

Reduced ant diversity along a habitat regeneration gradient in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

This study evaluates the response of the ant communities along a habitat regeneration gradient in the south Atlantic Forest comparing it with the ant fauna from a mature forest at the same biome. The survey was conducted according to standard collecting protocols, employing sardine baits and mini-Winkler apparatuses. The structure of the ground and litter-foraging ant community was compared in five habitats, representing a regeneration gradient within the Atlantic Forest. Furthermore, the composition of the leaf-litter ant fauna and the species richness were compared between the regeneration gradient and an area of mature forest. The results showed a higher number of leaf-litter ant species in the mature forest in comparison with the regeneration gradient habitat, as well a distinct species composition. There was a significant loss of ant diversity in the regrowth forest, compared to the mature Atlantic Forest. The composition of the ground-dwelling ant fauna does not consistently separate the sites of forest succession; but a gradient of ant species richness and composition was revealed when the leaf-litter ant fauna data set was included in the analysis. In this sense, the leaf-litter ant fauna is an important segment to characterize habitats also playing an important rule as bio-indicators. The data suggest that only primary forests (our data) and old secondary forests ( in litt.) are capable of maintaining a substantial proportion of the biodiversity in areas of the Atlantic Forest.

Species composition of Modellidae and Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) in a coppice woodland

A continuous sampling of canopy beetles was carried out to determine variations in the abundance, species diversity, richness, and composition of the Mordellidae and Cerambycidae in a coppice woodland. Changes in the abundance and the species richness were monitored at three heights in the forest throughout the season in 1999, using yellow and blue water pan traps. The results showed significant variations in the abundance of Mordellidae among the canopy layers, while little variation was found for Cerambycidae. The abundance, species diversity, and richness were generally greater in summer. The results showed distinct species compositions in both families among layers.