Eastern Slopes Of Andes Research Articles

Campylocentrum luzmariae (Vandeae, Orchidaceae), a new species from the Andean cloud forest of Colombia

The Andean forests of Colombia harbor high plant biodiversity, especially orchids. Here, we propose and describe a new species of Campylocentrum from the cloud forests of the eastern Andean slopes of Caquetá, Colombia. The new species resembles C. alvesii, from which it differs by the longer lip with obtuse lateral lobes, and C. asplundii, from which it differs by inflorescences shorter than the leaves, trilobed lip, and strongly recurved spur.

A hint on the unknown diversity of eastern Andes: high endemicity and new species of mammals revealed through DNA barcoding

The eastern Andean slopes harbours a diverse fauna with multiple endemic and endangered species. The region is identified as a biodiversity hotspot with high conservation priority. However, it remains one of the least studied in South America regarding the diversity of mammals. Here we present new data on the diversity of non-volant small mammals (marsupials and rodents) from Parque Nacional del Río Abiseo (PNRA), a poorly known, remote site located in the eastern Andean slopes in central-northern Peru. We sequenced the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b to provide identification of the collected specimens, and to discuss zoogeographic patterns of the species from PNRA and closely related taxa. In 15 days of sampling at PRNA we registered 16 species (12 rodents, 4 marsupials) on montane forests between 2500 and 2800 m above sea level (asl). Combined with results from previous surveys, the diversity of non-volant small mammals at PNRA (23 species) is the highest ever recorded for high Andes. Remarkably, only four of the 16 species recorded in our expedition could be assigned to described species based on molecular identification. The remaining 12 species need urgent taxonomic attention, several of which are potentially new to science. Moreover, 11 of the 16 species (69%) registered are currently unknown from other sites, suggesting a large beta diversity. A combination of exceptional levels of endemism in Andean montane forests and an obvious sampling bias resultant of the lack of comprehensive surveys explain the high number of ‘unique’ species at PNRA. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the non-volant small mammals from PNRA seem to have diverse phylogeographic affinities, with a closer proximity with central Andes. The scarcity of sequenced samples for comparative analyses from multiple Andean sites is, however, a major barrier to the development of accurate historical reconstructions for these endemic faunas.

Bomareapastazensis (Alstroemeriaceae), an exceptionally small new species from the eastern Andean slopes of Ecuador.

Recent field research on the eastern slopes of the Andes resulted in the discovery of a new species of Bomarea from the Cerro Candelaria Reserve in the Tungurahua province of Ecuador. Bomareapastazensis is the second smallest species in the genus and differs from the smallest by the presence of glutinous trichomes on the ovary, glabrous sepals, and greenish-yellow petals with purple spots. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation status is assigned as Vulnerable (VU).

An appraisal of the species richness of the Ctenomys mendocinus species group (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae), with the description of two new species from the Andean slopes of west-central Argentina

The genus Ctenomys of subterranean rodents is one of the most species-rich genera of Mammalia, with 66 living species currently recognized. However, the taxonomy of the genus is dynamic with several new species and new synonymies proposed during the last decade. One of the species groups that have undergone more changes in contents in the last years is the Ctenomys mendocinus species group. Here, based on phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences and qualitative and quantitative morphological evidence, we conducted an appraisal of the species richness of tuco-tucos of the C. mendocinus species group, describing two new species from west-central Argentina. The new taxa are morphometrically distinctive when compared with other geographically or phylogenetically close species of the genus, showing qualitative differences in their craniodental anatomy. One of the new species is known from the eastern Andean slopes of La Rioja and San Juan provinces, occurring on montane grasslands and shrublands above 3,500 m a.s.l., while the other is endemic of southwestern Mendoza province, occurring on montane grasslands and shrublands between 2,400–2,700 m a.s.l. In addition, we include for the first time the nominal forms C. fochi and C. validus in a phylogenetic analysis of the genus Ctenomys, showing that both correspond to the C. mendocinus species group, being the second a junior synonym of C. mendocinus. Finally, we made some comments about other candidate species within this species group as well as highlight issues that need to be addressed to gain a robust picture of the specific richness of Ctenomys.

Two New Geophytic Species of Peperomia Subgenus Tildenia (Piperaceae) from Central Peru

Two new geophytic species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia (Piperaceae) from Central Peru are described; (1) Peperomia pachyspadix is a new species from Huancavelica. It is phenotypically similar to P. andina from Cajamarca, but its leaves are not as thick and they lack the funnel shape and purple color of the abaxial side; it is also similar to P. wernerrauhii from Huánuco, but its leaves and tubers are larger. The new species can be distinguished from the abovementioned ones by the spadix, many times shorter and twice as thick. The seeds of P. andina, P. wernerrauhii and P. pachyspadix are similar in shape but the latter has the largest of all three. (2) Peperomia fundus-oculi is a new species with epigeous tuber discovered on the eastern Andean slopes of Ayacucho. Plants are morphologically like P. chutanka for its exposed and branched aerial tubers. Its leaves have a shape similar to this species but are not as succulent, they lack the purplish color of the abaxial side, and they have a characteristic pattern on its adaxial side, with a whitish iridescent spot in the center, with irregular margins, from where nerves emerge, giving the impression of the eye fundus, hence its name in Latin. Its anthers, ovaries, and fruits are also shorter than those of P. chutanka.

The Scaly Tree Ferns Allied to Cyathea multiflora (Cyatheaceae) in Colombia and Neighboring Countries

We present an update to our knowledge of the taxonomically challenging Cyathea multiflora-group. Several taxa can be reinstated and newly described thanks to extensive field studies in Colombia and bordering countries. Easily overlooked characters like minute hairs, laminar squamules, and size of indusia correlate with distinct physiognomies in the field. Cyathea multiflora in the strict sense is almost restricted to Mesoamerica, just reaching into the Colombian Darién region. We observe a geographic overlap of several species especially in the Darién-Chocó region (Cyathea hildegardis sp. nov., C. pinnula, C. pinnuloides sp. nov., C. retanae) and two wider-ranging species extending from Mesoamerica into the Andes (C. acutidens, C. pinnula). The reinstated C. columbiana and newly recognized C. uregoana sp. nov. and C. prosopioides sp. nov. are restricted to the Chocó, including the Ecuadorean Esmeraldas region. Frequently found in the northern Colombian Cordillera central is C. paisa sp. nov., which is intermediate between C. pinnuloides of the Darién-Chocó region and C. lindigii, a relatively large species widespread in the Cordillera Oriental and the eastern Andean slopes south to Bolivia. We retain C. acutidens and C. leucolepismata as distinct species that can also be readily distinguished in the field by their appearance and the shape of the entire leaves but can be difficult to differentiate as fragmentary specimens. Cyathea mariposana sp. nov., a trunkless species presumably more closely related to C. squamulosa, is described from Panama. Cyathea retanae is reported from Colombia. A lectotype is chosen for C. columbiana. All relevant species are illustrated and incorporated in a diagnostic key.

A taxonomic assessment of Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus and Chlorospingus semifuscus (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), including the description of a new subspecies.

Chlorospingus flavopectus, a widely distributed member of the New World sparrows and finches (Passerellidae), is among the most variable and complex Neotropical bird species. With up to 28 subspecies that inhabit montane forest from Mexico south to Argentina, it presents a recurring leapfrog pattern, with many genetically differentiated lineages, but even more morphologically distinguishable taxa. Chlorospingus flavopectus phaeocephalus is distributed along the eastern Andean slope (from southern Colombia to northern Peru) and in localized patches along the central and southwestern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, in the forest remnants of Chimborazo, El Oro, and adjacent Loja provinces. This allopatric distribution was based on plumage similarities, but no genetic or vocal analysis has tested if these populations share a common ancestry. Here, we compared data for populations of C. f. phaeocephalus, C. semifuscus semifuscus from northwest Ecuador, and C. s. livingstoni from west Colombia, and analyzed them in the context of other Chlorospingus. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that the putative west Ecuadorian populations of C. f. phaeocephalus are nested within C. semifuscus. They also present diagnostic characters when compared to other populations of C. semifuscus and C. f. phaeocephalus. Based on these results, we recognize the population from El Oro and adjacent Loja Provinces as a new subspecies of C. semifuscus, and the population from Chimborazo Province as a morphological variation of C. s. semifuscus.

Present-day climate and projected future temperature and precipitation changes in Ecuador

Ecuador is likely to experience significant impacts associated with future changes in climate, but future projections for this region are challenging due to the complex topography and a wide range of climatic conditions. Here we use the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model run at 10 km horizontal resolution over a domain encompassing all of Ecuador to investigate future changes in temperature and precipitation for the middle of the twenty-first century (2041–2070) under a low (RCP4.5) and a high (RCP8.5) emission scenario. The model was validated by running 30-year control runs for the present climate, driven both by the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and the CCSM4 General Circulation Model. Bias and different correlation coefficient metrics were employed to compare the present-day model results with gridded (CRU TS v 4.03 and CHIRPS v 2.0) and in situ meteorological observations. Detailed hydrometeorological analyses over the Andes in both space and time domains show that WRF accurately simulates temperature variability. The precipitation seasonal cycle and interannual variability are also adequately simulated, but the model shows a general dry bias over the lowlands and a significant wet bias along the eastern Andean slopes. Results from future projections show that Ecuador could warm by an additional 1–2 K by the middle of the century compared with the end of the twentieth century. This warming is highly elevation-dependent, subjecting the highest peaks of the Andes to the strongest future warming. Bias-corrected future precipitation changes document a drying trend along coastal areas in RCP4.5 and increased future precipitation along the eastern Andean slopes in both scenarios.

An amazing new Capsicum (Solanaceae) species from the Andean-Amazonian Piedmont.

Capsicum regale Barboza & Bohs, sp. nov., a new species from the tropical wet forests of the eastern Andean slopes (Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) is described and illustrated. This new species belongs to the Andean clade (all species 2n = 26) of Capsicum and is similar to C. longifolium Barboza & S.Leiva in its glabrescence, calyx morphology, and corolla and seed color but differs in its membranous and elliptic leaves, fleshy calyces, deeper stellate corollas, longer filaments, longer and purple fruiting pedicels, purple berries, and larger seeds. Its chromosome number was counted (2n = 26), a preliminary assessment of conservation status is given and discussed, and an updated identification key to the species of the Andean clade is provided.

A new species of terrestrial-breeding frog of the genus Pristimantis (Anura: Terrarana: Craugastoridae) from the eastern Andean slopes of the southern Ecuador.

A new frog of the genus Pristimantis is described from a montane cloud forest at 9 de Octubre (2°14'52" S, 78°16'37" W; 1778 m) province of Morona Santiago in the upper basin of the Upano River, southeastern Ecuador. The description of the new species is based on the examination of eleven adult males and three adult females. The new taxon can be readily distinguished from other congeneric species that inhabit the eastern Andes of Ecuador by the unique combination of the following characters: small body (adult males SVL 12.0-17.0 mm, adult females SVL 18.5-21.7 mm); skin of dorsum finely shagreen with two subconical scapular tubercles, weak and discontinuous dorsolateral folds in the middle of the back; large tympanum 70-93% of eye diameter; snout subacuminate in dorsal view, rounded in profile; upper eyelid bearing four or five small and flat supraocular tubercles; males lacking vocal slits and nuptial pads; all discs on fingers and toes lanceolate. Additionally, we provide information on the advertisement call and natural history of the new species.

A NEW SPECIES OF DIASTEMA (GESNERIACEAE) FROM THE EASTERN ANDEAN SLOPES OF PERU

A striking new species of Diastema, D. fimbratiloba, is described from Ucayali Region, along the eastern Andean slopes in central Peru. The new species has a fimbriate lower corolla lobe, a feature not previously documented in the genus. We also provide a general comparison of the newly described species and morphologically related species in the context of the taxonomy and phylogeny of the poorly known genus Diastema.

Yutopián, donde los objetos se sublevan

Yutopián es un sitio arqueológico multicomponente emplazado sobre una loma, en el área de los valles semiáridos del Noroeste argentino. Tiene ocupaciones del período Formativo (500 AC a 1000 DC) que difieren de sus contemporáneas en su localización y contenidos. Su estudio reveló que algunas características de los modelos de sucesión cronológica (periodización), transmisión cultural y distribución geográfica (áreas culturales) de las sociedades prehispánicas merecen una revisión. Ocupa una posición topográfica destacada en el paisaje; contiene indicadores de producción metalúrgica en un contexto doméstico y cerámicas con estilos similares a los de Candelaria y Tafí, distintivos de la vertiente oriental andina, junto con alfarerías de los estilos Condorhuasi, La Manga, Río Diablo. Por último, manifiesta un uso recurrente de la misma localización para asentamientos humanos sucesivos desde los primeros siglos de nuestra era hasta el final de la época prehispánica.

Effect of the surface wind flow and topography on precipitating cloud systems over the Andes and associated Amazon basin: GPM observations

The characteristics of the precipitation under the influence of topography and surface wind flow are investigated over South America. Here the precipitating cloud systems (PCSs) are identified using the Global Precipitation Measurement Precipitation Radar (GPM-PR) data, which provides the three dimensional radar reflectivity factor (Ze), rain rate, drop size and droplet concentration. For each PCSs the surface wind properties are estimated using European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast Interim data. Based on the direction of surface flow the PCSs are classified into five categories. Over the South America the near surface wind flow transports the moisture from Amazon basin to east flank of Andes and validated here. The directional surface flow decides the occurrences of the PCSs, as upslope consists of the higher and larger PCSs at the peak of Andes compared to downslope flow. The directional flow suggests that northern Andes consists of pronounced bright band characteristics compared to southern Andes, and upslope and easterly flow have higher probability of rain at the eastern slope of Andes compared to westerly and downslope flow in northern Andes. The results show that orography also modulates the precipitation characteristics under different directional flow over and near the Andes. Eastern slope of Andes has higher rain rate compared to western slope of Andes in most of the directional flow. Orographically forced moisture loaded flow, over the eastern slope of Andes causing the higher rain rate, drop radius and droplet concentration in northern Andes. At the low lands, effective drop radius and droplet concentration show the opposite characteristics, and effective drop radius (concentration) is least (highest) except for the downslope flow over the northern Andes. The results of DSD parameters along with rainfall intensity show the microphysical evolution of the precipitation under the complex orography over the Andes mountain. The present study suggests that in future, surface flow must be considered for studying the orographic precipitation in numerical modeling.

Taxonomic novelties in the subfamily Bromelioideae (Bromeliaceae) for the Colombian Amazon

Two new species of Bromelioideae (Bromeliaceae) from the Colombian Amazon are described: Aechmea cardenasii and A. andaquiensis. Aechmea cardenasii is significantly different from other species of Bromelioideae, although it roughly resembles A. rubiginosa because of its simple, strobilate inflorescence. Aechmea andaquiensis belongs to a taxonomic complex that includes A. abbreviata, A. angustifolia, and A. roeseliae, but it is unique among these species due to its oblong-spathulate leaf blades and short inflorescences with densely floccose-ferruginous floral bracts. Additionally, an unexpected record of the Choco-centered genus Ronnbergia in the eastern Andean slopes of Caqueta is reported. Finally, a short discussion is provided about the problematic usage of binomials of Streptocalyx instead of Aechmea for taxonomic catalogues. This discussion is based on the necessity to add A. confusa to the Catalogue of Colombian Plants.

Rodents of the eastern and western slopes of the Tropical Andes: phylogenetic and taxonomic insights using DNA barcodes

The Andes Mountains particularly the forests along the mid-elevations of their eastern and western slopes, are a hotspot of biodiversity (high numbers of species and endemics). Among mammals, rodents are a priority group for study in the Tropical Andes given their high diversity and often relatively small geographic ranges. Here, we use DNA barcoding as a tool to help in the identification, and preliminary analysis of the phylogenetic relationships, of rodents from two natural reserves: Otonga, a private forest reserve, located on the western slopes, and Sangay National Park, located on the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. We sequenced 657 bp of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene for 201 tissue samples of sigmodontine and echimyid rodents collected primarily in Otonga and Sangay. We conducted phylogenetic analyses using maximum-likelihood and Poisson tree processes (PTP) species delimitation analyses. Three sets of data were analyzed: 1) our newly generated sequences, 2) our Mesomys sequence plus DNA sequences of Echimyidae available in GenBank, and 3) all of our sequences (all Sigmodontinae and one Echimyidae) together with relevant DNA sequences of Sigmodontinae available in GenBank. Our samples consisted of 24 species; the molecular data indicated that only one species—Microryzomys minutus—was shared between both eastern and western localities. Contrary to the currently recognized distributions of Akodon mollis and Chilomys instans, our species delimitation analysis suggests that these species are not shared between Otonga and Sangay, and may actually represent two species each. The sample of Mesomys from the eastern slopes of the Andes differs minimally from that from the lowlands of the Ecuadorian Amazon, suggesting that both populations would correspond to the same species, Mesomys hispidus. Both Mindomys hammondi and an undescribed Mindomys from Otonga do not form a reciprocally monophyletic group with relation to Nephelomys. The Nephelomys of Sangay might correspond to two different species. The eastern and western slopes of the Tropical Andes harbor different species of rodents, with only one of our study species shared between both localities, implying that other cases of shared species between the eastern and the western slopes of the Andes need further assessment. Several lineages represented in our sample may require formal taxonomic description, highlighting the need for further systematic research. The new genetic data generated in our study could speed taxonomic discovery in the Andes and help to illuminate interesting evolutionary patterns, such as the radiation of Thomasomys.

A new species of direct-developing frog of the genus Pristimantis (Anura: Terrarana: Craugastoridae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador, with comments on threats to the anuran fauna of the region.

A new frog in the genus Pristimantis is described from a cloud forest on the western flanks of the Cordillera del Cóndor and eastern Andean slopes in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, southeastern of Ecuador. We inferred its phylogenetic position using DNA sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The new species is strongly supported as part of a clade that includes P. ardalonychus, P. cajamarcensis, P. ceuthospilus, P. chalceus, P. minutulus, P. luteolateralis, P. parvillus, P. ockendeni, P. unistrigatus, and P. walkeri. It can be distinguished from all other species from Cordillera del Cóndor and congeneric species by the unique combination of the following characters: (1) iris light blue with black reticulations; (2) skin of dorsum finely shagreen with scattered pustular tubercles and absence of dorsal folds; (3) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus visible; (4) snout rounded in dorsal and lateral view; (5) upper eyelid bearing two or three enlarged subconical tubercles; (6) cranial crest absent; (7) males lacking vocal sac and slits; and (8) venter uniformly bright red, light red, salmon or orange. The new species is most closely related to P. ardalonychus, P. cajamarcensis, P. ceuthospilus, P. ockendeni and P. unistrigatus. We consider the new species to be Endangered following IUCN criteria because it has been severely affected by large scale open-pit mining in some localities. Currently, the amphibian fauna of the Cordillera del Cóndor and nearby protected areas are threatened by large-scale copper and gold mining projects with devastating effects on ~20 species, including several undescribed ones.

A new species of arboreal microteiid lizard of the genus Euspondylus(Gymnophtalmidae: Cercosaurinae) from the Andean slopes of central Peru with comments on Peruvian Euspondylus.

We describe a new species of arboreal gymnophtalmid lizard from the eastern Andean slopes in central Peru. Euspondylus excelsum sp. nov. is assigned tentatively to this genus for the presence of a transparent and divided lower palpebral disc, a pair of prefrontals, striated, subimbricated and homogeneous dorsal scales, lateral scales reduced in proximity to ventrals, and a discontinuous series of femoral pores in males and females. We include a revision of the type material of E. maculatus and clarify morphological differences with the new species. Finally, we discuss the taxonomic status of Peruvian species of Euspondylus.

The last glacial termination on the eastern flank of the central Patagonian Andes (47 ° S)

Abstract. Few studies have examined in detail the sequence of events during the last glacial termination (T1) in the core sector of the Patagonian Ice Sheet (PIS), the largest ice mass in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. Here we report results from Lago Edita (47°8′ S, 72°25′ W, 570 m a.s.l.), a small closed-basin lake located in a valley overridden by eastward-flowing Andean glaciers during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The Lago Edita record shows glaciolacustrine sedimentation until 19 400 yr BP, followed by organic sedimentation in a closed-basin lake and a mosaic of cold-resistant hygrophilous conifers and rainforest trees, along with alpine herbs between 19 400 and 11 000 yr BP. Our data suggest that the PIS retreated at least ∼ 90 km from its LGM limit between ∼ 21 000 and 19 400 yr BP and that scattered, low-density populations of cold-resistant hygrophilous conifers, rainforest trees, high-Andean and steppe herbs thrived east of the Andes during the LGM and T1, implying high precipitation levels and southern westerly wind (SWW) influence at 47° S. The conifer Podocarpus nubigena increased between 14 500 and 13 000 yr BP, suggesting even stronger SWW influence during the Antarctic Cold Reversal, after which it declined and persisted until 11 000 yr BP. Large increases in arboreal pollen at ∼ 13 000 and ∼ 11 000 yr BP led to the establishment of forests near Lago Edita between 10 000 and 9000 yr BP, suggesting a rise in the regional tree line along the eastern Andean slopes driven by warming pulses at ∼ 13 000 and ∼ 11 000 yr BP and a subsequent decline in SWW influence at ∼ 11 000 yr BP. We propose that the PIS imposed a regional cooling signal along its eastern, downwind margin through T1 that lasted until the separation of the northern and southern Patagonian ice fields along the Andes during the Younger Dryas period. We posit that the withdrawal of glacial and associated glaciolacustrine environments through T1 provided a route for the dispersal of hygrophilous trees and herbs from the eastern flank of the central Patagonian Andes, contributing to the afforestation of the western Andean slopes and pacific coasts of central Patagonia during T1.

Distribution and natural history notes on the Peruvian lizard Proctoporus laudahnae (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae)

Little has been learned about the lizard Proctoporus laudahnae since its description. Based on six specimens collected recently from Achupampa, on the eastern Andean slopes of central Peru, we present data about its geographic distribution, coloration in life, pholidosis variation, and natural history

Atmospheric salt deposition in a tropical mountain rainforest at the eastern Andean slopes of south Ecuador – Pacific or Atlantic origin?

Abstract. Sea salt (NaCl) has recently been proven to be of the utmost importance for ecosystem functioning in Amazon lowland forests because of its impact on herbivory, litter decomposition and, thus, carbon cycling. Sea salt deposition should generally decline as distance from its marine source increases. For the Amazon, a negative east–west gradient of sea salt availability is assumed as a consequence of the barrier effect of the Andes Mountains for Pacific air masses. However, this generalized pattern may not hold for the tropical mountain rainforest in the Andes of southern Ecuador. To analyse sea salt availability, we investigated the deposition of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−), which are good proxies of sea spray aerosol. Because of the complexity of the terrain and related cloud and rain formation processes, sea salt deposition was analysed from both, rain and occult precipitation (OP) along an altitudinal gradient over a period between 2004 and 2009. To assess the influence of easterly and westerly air masses on the deposition of sodium and chloride over southern Ecuador, sea salt aerosol concentration data from the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate (MACC) reanalysis data set and back-trajectory statistical methods were combined. Our results, based on deposition time series, show a clear difference in the temporal variation of sodium and chloride concentration and Na+ ∕ Cl− ratio in relation to height and exposure to winds. At higher elevations, sodium and chloride present a higher seasonality and the Na+ ∕ Cl− ratio is closer to that of sea salt. Medium- to long-range sea salt transport exhibited a similar seasonality, which shows the link between our measurements at high elevations and the sea salt synoptic transport. Although the influence of the easterlies was predominant regarding the atmospheric circulation, the statistical analysis of trajectories and hybrid receptor models revealed a stronger impact of the north equatorial Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific sea salt sources on the atmospheric sea salt concentration in southern Ecuador. The highest concentration in rain and cloud water was found between September and February when air masses originated from the north equatorial Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the equatorial Pacific. Together, these sources accounted for around 82.4 % of the sea salt budget over southern Ecuador.