Equitability Index Research Articles

EFEITOS DO FOGO NA REGENERAÇÃO NATURAL EM FLORESTA ESTACIONAL SEMIDECIDUAL

ABSTRACT Forest fire is considered a relevant environmental and ecological issue worldwide, as it causes population, ecosystem, and economic impacts, making monitoring and additional research necessary to understand post-fire forest recovery. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the changes that occurred in the natural regeneration stratum in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Viçosa (MG), with and without the occurrence of fire. The phytosociological parameters and the functional diversity of the plant community were evaluated through 20 plots, 10 in the burnt area and 10 in the unburnt area, in 2018 and 2019, to follow the natural regeneration. There were collected, in the burnt and unburnt areas, respectively, 113 and 126 individuals, 23 and 16 species, and 13 and 9 botanical families. Piper sp.1, showed the highest values for the parameters: relative density, absolute frequency, and cover value, occurring in 100% of the plots. Areas with occurrence of fire present higher species richness. Species of the genus Piper occur frequently in areas of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest with signs of disturbance. The highest Shannon diversity and Pielou equitability indexes were found in the burnt area. The Jaccard index and the cluster analysis confirm the formation of groups with low similarity, showing floristic heterogeneity between the two areas, and the disturbance caused by fire is considered an important aspect for this floristic differentiation to occur. Therefore, the occurrence of forest fire in areas of Atlantic Forest increased the diversity values of species, with an increase in the equitability index, showing low floristic similarity between burnt and unburnt areas.

A preliminary study of the biodiversity and bio-ecological parameters related to aphid’s species in an organic citrus orchard in Northeastern Tunisia

The Aphididae family contains many polyphagous species. Four species were identified in an organic Citrus orchard in Northeastern Tunisia in the current study. These species are Aphis gossypii, A. spiraecola, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and Toxoptera aurantii. The most important and abundant species was A. gossypii followed respectively by A. spiraecola, M. euphorbiae, and T. aurantii. Monitoring species dynamic population showed that aphids began to occur in February and reached then high levels from March to May. Various structure and beta diversity indexes were calculated. The obtained results demonstrated that there was a high dominance of a few or one species. The evenness index was high and had a significant positive correlation with the Berger-Parker index. The Equitability index was low. The richness index had a strong positive correlation with Margalef’s richness index and the number of species. However, Menhinick's diversity index had a weak positive relationship with the Specific richness.

The influence of the inter-tropical convergence zone on the Orinoco River and Late Quaternary tropical planktonic foraminiferal assemblages

Although deep-water oil and gas exploration offshore eastern Trinidad is becoming prevalent, the use of ecostratigraphy around eastern Trinidad are limited mostly to neritic water depths. Changes in planktonic foraminiferal assemblages of Core BGT086, offshore eastern Trinidad, are used here to indicate biozonal events useful for deep-water (>1000 m water depth) exploration. Decreased proportional abundances of Globigerinella obesa and Globigerina bulloides mark the southward migration of the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) during the Younger Dryas (YD). A decrease in species richness and Globigerinoides ruberwhite proportional abundance is consistent with rising temperature during the YD. During Biozone Z2, nutrient-preferring species (G. bulloides, Neogloboquadrina dutertrei) declined in proportional abundance, while G. ruberpink increased in proportional abundance, reflecting the arrival of the ITCZ in the area. Decreases in mean diversity (measured using the Shannon Function, H) and evenness (equitability index, E), and an increase in mean dominance (max pi) support the claim that the ITCZ arrived in the area after the YD. A sudden increase in Globorotalia menardii proportional abundance marked the start of Biozone Z1, at which time there was a change from a stressed community to a less stressed one. Boundaries of SHE abundance biozones coincided with noticeably enhanced assemblage changes, being consistent with the southward migration of the ITCZ and the onset of Biozone Z1. The mean value of the pairwise assemblage turnover index (ATIs) is here used as a proxy for what we term 'assemblage stability'. Comparisons of mean planktonic foraminiferal ATIs from Core BGT086 and six other nearby tropical piston cores (Cores 1, 2 and 3 off NW Tobago, and En20-2, En20-10 and En20-16 from the Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles) showed no statistical difference in assemblage stabilities within similar planktonic foraminiferal biozones. Kruskal-Wallis tests determined a significant difference in median ATIs values when all seven cores' ATIs were used, but the difference was not significant when data above the YD boundary (i.e., Biozone Z) were used. The lowered nutrient influx from the Orinoco River due to the arrival of the ITCZ in the area after the YD would have triggered a stable environment for planktonic foraminiferal assemblages. This implies that caution must be used to ensure data from the same biozone is used when analyzing assemblage stabilities of planktonic foraminifera.

Spatiotemporal Distribution of Cladocera and Rotifer of the Mangrove Waters of Mouanko (Coastal Cameroon): Influence of Some Abiotic Variables

The Mouanko mangrove is subjected to major anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, fishing and deforestation, hence information on Cladocerans and Rotifers amongst other aquatic organisms in order to monitor and manage this ecosystem is vital. The aim of this work is to study the physicochemical parameters of the environment that influence the diversity and spatiotemporal distribution of Cladocerans and Rotifers in the mangrove waters of Mouanko. This study was carried out from November 2019 to October 2020 at 8 sampling stations. Both biological and physico-chemical sampling and analyses were done following standard recommendations. The results of the phyico-chemical analyses revealed that the waters of the Mouanko mangroves were slightly basic (7.64 ± 0.71 UC), moderately oxygenated (69.56% ± 14.29%) with low levels of nutrients [ NO -2 (0. 06 ± 0.05 mg/L), NH+4 (0.39 ± 0.3 mg/L) and PO3-4 (up to 0.12 mg/L)] and high values of electrical conductivity (up to 6531.04 μS/cm), salinity (up to 3.71‰). 15 species of Cladocerans and 30 species of Rotifers were identified accounting for a total abundance of 612 ind/L. The species richness was higher in freshwater influenced zones (40 taxa) compared to marinewater influenced zones (17 taxa). Among these species, the Cladocera, Penilia avirostris was the most abundant in marinewater influenced zones (84 ind/L) while the Rotifer, Keratella tecta was the most abundant in freshwater influenced zones (64 ind/L). Shannon-Weaver’s diversity and Pielou’s equitability indices indicated that freshwater influenced zones host a diverse community with a tendency towards equi-partition of species while marinewater influenced zones revealed the opposite. The low levels of organic pollution indicator variables recorded and the high diversity of the freshwater influenced zones population studied attested to the low level of anthropization in this environment. High salinity and electrical conductivity values influence the distribution of these organisms.

Microbial inoculation and fertilizer application on growth of cowpea and spore-based assemblages of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in its rhizophere.

In this study, the effect of microbial inoculants and fertilizer application on cowpea (BRS Pujante) growth and on the structure and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) assemblages were evaluated. A completely randomized experiment was set up involving 17 treatments: four with AMF, three with nodulating bacteria, six with AMF + nodulating bacteria, two with phosphorus, one with nitrogen and one control (reference) in five replicates. Plant growth and nutritional content, mycorrhizal colonization, glomerospores number, spore-based AMF assemblages and ecological indices were evaluated. Mycorrhizal inoculants associated with Bradyrhizobium BR3267 strain were more effective than the Microvirga BR3296 strain. Multidimensional scaling analysis showed that Acaulospora longula treatments were more similar among themselves, and distinct from the other treatments. A difference was observed in the structure of AMF community assemblage between treatments with G. albida + Bradyrhizobium BR 3267 and A. longula, with greater Shannon diversity and Pielou equitability indices in the first treatment and greater dominance in the treatment with A. longula only. Long-term studies are required to determine if the successful establishment of A. longula among indigenous species persists over time and if its dominant behavior is not deleterious to the AMF native community.

Diversity and abundance of ant fauna in horticultural ecosystems at Karaikal district, U.T. of Puducherry

The abundance and diversity of ant fauna was studied from June 2019 to February 2020 using 3 different collection methods (pitfall trap, in situ counts and net sweeping method) and 3251 individuals under 6 subfamilies of Formicidae were recorded. The most abundant subfamily was Myrmicinae with 46.90% species followed by Formicinae (37.22%). The biodiversity analysis with Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson's index and Equitability index revealed that the diversity was more for Myrmicinae (1.5750, 4.6831 and 0.7574) and Margalef richness index maximum with Ponerinae (0.9320). Among the 38 ants observed, the population of Pheidole spathifera (Forel) (Myrmicinae) was the maximum during August, 2019 and the least during June, 2019.

Tree component analysis in a savanna-forest ecotone area of Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Ecotones are transition areas characterized by environmental complexity and high biodiversity. In this sense, carrying out a floristic survey and characterization of each phytoecological region is necessary. Thus, we analyzed the floristic composition, horizontal and vertical structure, and dispersal syndromes of the woody community in an ecotone of cerrado sensu stricto and seasonal deciduous forest. Likewise, we proceeded with the floristic similarity analysis to evaluate the study area’s similarities to the vegetation of cerrado sensu stricto and seasonal deciduous forest. A total of 919 individuals from 19 families, 43 genera, and 49 species were sampled. The tree community has an average height of 4.12 m, a species diversity of 3.03 nats.ind-1, and a Pielou equitability index of 0.77. The predominant dispersion syndrome was anemochory. The vegetation formed floristic groups with the cerrado sensu stricto. The environmental gradient that determines the occurrence of transition vegetation makes each remnant unique in terms of species and structure, demonstrating the importance of these areas for the biodiversity conservation.

Banco de semillas del suelo en un pastizal de una reserva natural del Sistema de Tandilia (Buenos Aires, Argentina) invadido por Racosperma melanoxylon

The restoration of natural grasslands invaded by exotic plant species depends on the composition of the soil seed bank. We analyzed the composition of germinable soil seed bank in two environments of the Paititi Natural Reserve (Buenos Aires, Argentina): Paspalum quadrifarium Lam. grasslands (natural grassland) and grasslands invaded by species of exotic trees that were no more than five years old, Racosperma melanoxylon (R. Br.) Pedley, synonymous Acacia melanoxylon (invaded grassland). Soil samples from each environment were taken at three sites, and by recording seedling emergence under controlled conditions we determined: 1) the total soil seed bank density of the functional groups (dicots, grasses and graminoids), richness, equitability and diversity indices, and specific abundance, 2) floristic dissimilarity,and 3) zootechnical value. The seed bank of native and exotic species was not significantly different between environments. Average seed bank density and species richness were not significantly different between environments (~10000 seeds/m2 and 30 species, respectively). Seed density of the functional groups and the diversity and equitability indices were not significantly different between environments. Still, floristic dissimilarity among environments was as low as 0.36, explained by the absence of a greater number of species in the invaded grassland. The seed bank of invaded grasslands was poor in forage species, consistent with a zootechnical value 26% lower than in the natural grassland. In the invaded grassland all P. quadrifarium plants were dead and their germinable seed bank was a third than in the natural grassland. The results suggest that an early intervention removing R. melanoxylon trees in the grassland invaded may preserve a soil seed bank comparable to those uninvaded grassland.

Characterization of the Ichthyological Population of Hydrosystèmes in the Lagoon Area of the Azagny National Park (Ivory Coast)

The conservation of protected areas is nowadays one of the concerns of international and national institutions. This study aims to contribute to better conservation of the ichthyological fauna of the lagoon area of the Azagny National Park (PNA). This national park has been dealing with the harmful effects of human activities for years. Thus, from March 2019 to February 2020, sampling campaigns were carried out to characterize this space, for better conservation. The results obtained are based on the analysis of abiotic and biotic (fish) data collected at 6 stations. The physicochemical parameters were measured using a multiparameter and the fish population collected using 10 gillnet batteries of 10, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 mm mesh void. The analysis of the ichthyological population of the lagoon area reveals a diversity of 53 species belonging to 30 families and 12 orders. 11 species were newly collected while 31 species previously recorded in these hydrosystems were not captured in the present study. The Shannon (H’> 2) and Equitability (E> 0.5) indices calculated reflect a good organization and stability of the ichthyological population of the hydrosystems of the PNA lagoon zone. The Monte-Carlo test indicates that the variables rate of nitrate, width, rate of dissolved oxygen, water temperature, alkalinity, salinity, rate of dissolved solid and phosphorus are those which discriminate specific richness, abundance and the distribution of the stand.

English

Secondary forests may act as buffer area and serve as reservoir for biotic components that are lost from primary forest due to anthropogenic disturbances. This study investigated the floristic composition, diversity and community structure of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, Nigeria. Twenty-five main plots (each 50 m × 50 m) were randomly mapped out to enumerate tree species, five 10 m × 10 m sub-plots were systematically mapped out within each main plot to enumerate shrubs and three quadrats (1 m × 1 m) were laid in each sub-plot to enumerate herbaceous species in Wet Season (WS) and Dry Season (DS). Relative Importance Value (RIV), Taxa, Individuals, Dominance, Shannon-Wiener, Equitability and Jaccard similarity index were determined. A total of 181 plant species from 145 genera and 54 families which included 63 trees, 33 shrubs and 85 herbaceous species were enumerated. In wet season, Triplochiton scleroxylon, Lonchocarpus griffonianus and Chromolaena odorata had the highest RIV while in dry season, Terminalia superba, Lonchocarpus cyanescens and C. odorata were the highest for trees, shrubs and herbs, respectively. Low dominance but high equitability and Shannon-Weiner values indicated inter-specificity among trees, shrubs and herbs. It was only in herbs that Jaccard-similarity was less than 100% across seasons. Resilience for keystone species conservation is possible due to flora species heterogeneity of the study site.   Key words: Forest ecosystem, biodiversity, anthropogenic activities, relative importance value, ecosystem services.

Multivariate diversity analysis and systematics of hemipteran insects of family Reduviidae

In current study, extensive field surveys are carried out to explore the fauna of assassin bugs of family Reduviidae, along with their habitats and prey records from different localities in the Pothohar region of Pakistan. The quantitative web structure is constructed for better understanding species habitat linkage and is represents a total of twelve different assassin bug species, of which five were identified as new country records i.e., Tribelocephala indica (Stal, 1853), Coranus spiniscutis (Reuter, 1881), Oncocephalus schioedtei (Reuter, 1882), Scadra annulipes (Reuter, 1881) and Ectrychotes dispar (Reuter, 1881). The result of diversity indices, Shannon-Weiner’s and Simpson’s index showed that Trail-5 (Islamabad), Taxilla (Rawalpindi), Sohawa (Jehlum) have maximum values (1.092, 0.662; 1.75, 0.82 and 1.69, 0.78) respectively. The assassin bug species i.e., Rhynocoris marginatus and R. fuscipes are found to predate maximum number of economically important pests of various crops. The diversity indexes of assassin bugs from the Pothohar region indicated that the species have uneven distribution in the five districts. The variation in richness of assassin bug population was recorded in the selected three districts of the Pothohar region. The species richness showed almost same pattern in Islamabad and Jehlum demonstrated by minute difference in Shannon’s equitability index (0.65–0.929 and 0.77–0.87) respectively.

Diversity and composition of the spider fauna in a semideciduous Atlantic forest area in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

ABSTRACT This spider survey of a semidecidual forest area in the city of Mendes, in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, aims to increase the scant knowledge about spider communities in this Brazilian ecosystem. Samples were taken over a year, once every three months, in four different sites with seven sampling methods. An overall of 457 species/morphoespecies were recorded in 47 families, corresponding to 10,541 individuals sampled. Families with highest number of species were Theridiidae (91), Araneidae (72), and Salticidae (55). Families with highest abundance were Theridiidae (2,829 specimens), Pholcidae (2,328), and Araneidae (1,263). Most abundant species were Mesabolivar togatus(534), Carapoia lutea(499 individuals), and Cryptachaea digitus (387). Species accumulation curves indicate a minimum of 513 (Bootstrap) and a maximum of 653 species (Jackknife2) for sampled areas. Total Berger-Parker dominance index was low, 0.051, varying from 0.042 to 0.076, while total Pielou equitability Index was high, 0.805, ranging from 0.744 to 0.800. Total Shannon-Wiener diversity index was relatively high, 4.931, ranging from 4.559 to 4.899. The complex, very diverse and relatively well-structured spider community found in Mendes is remarkable, especially in an area with predominantly secondary forests and high anthropic influence.

Abundance, diversity, and distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in horticultural soils under different management systems in a tomato-producing area in Argentina

Summary Monitoring the diversity and structure of plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) communities together with developing appropriate control strategies can reduce the occurrence of these pathogens and other plant pests in horticultural crops. In this context a study of the abundance, frequency, diversity and distribution of PPN in horticultural soils under glasshouse conditions from the Green Belt of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, under different management systems was undertaken. Soil samples were collected from three horticultural areas with different tomato crop managements: agroecological crop (AC); organic crop with Brassicaceae soil amendments (OC); intensive conventional crop treated with methyl bromide (MeBr) (IC). The parameters evaluated were: nematode genera richness (G); Shannon-Wiener diversity index () (Hutcheson’s t-test was applied for this index); equitability index (E); abundance; and frequency of genera. ANOSIM and SIMPER statistical analyses were performed to find significant differences between the nematode assemblages from the different sites. A total of 14 genera of PPN were identified among the three crop sites. Members of the feeding habits categories ectoparasites, semi-endoparasites, migratory endoparasites and sedentary endoparasites were observed. Statistical analysis enabled us to characterise each site based on the composition of the nematode assemblages. Helicotylenchus, Tylenchus and Nacobbus were the most frequent and abundant genera. AC and OC showed similar values of richness and diversity; the crop treated with MeBr (IC) showed the lowest diversity of PPN.

Influence of anthropization on flora and the carbon stock of the corridor's vegetation at the Benoue National Park of Cameroon

This study was conducted to examine the impact of anthropic activities carried out by migrants population on six corridors (Buffalo, Giraffe, forest Gallery, Cobe défassa, Derby Eland and Hippotrague) crossing two hunting areas if interest (HAI 1 and 4) made of five riverside villages (Banda-Wani, Sakdjé, Dogba, Djaba and Guidjiba) in the Benoue National Park (BNP) of Cameroon. The main objectives were to (i) determine the various threats to the established corridors, (ii) assess the influence of anthropogenic activities on flora and the fauna passing through the corridors, and (iii) estimate the carbon stocks in the investigated corridors. Floristic surveys were conducted in the selected six sites of 50 m x 20 m, divided each in 10 subplots. In the investigated corridors, nine types of anthropogenic activities were identified in total. However the main anthropogenic activities were: logging (53.56%), agriculture (20.23%) and overgrazing (6.21%). The main users of the corridor's natural resources are farmers (100%), gold miners (51.38%) and charcoal producers (32.78%). Plants species such as Piliostigma thonningii (82.674%), Combretum spp. (78.18%) and Tamarindus indica (75.06%) are the most endangered species. The Shannon diversity index is high in all corridors (between 4.30 and 5.07) and the equitability index is regular everywhere (between 0.50 and 0.59). This study showed that, conservation and recovery efforts in the BNP need to be increased. There is an urgent need for the Cameroonian government to set up a protection and participatory management system to safeguard the wildlife biodiversity in the National park of Benoue (BNP).

Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Skikda region (North-East Algeria): correlation with soil physicochemical factors

BackgroundThe inventory process is the first method to protect and safeguard animal biodiversity. This study carries out a quantitative and qualitative inventory of terrestrial gastropods at three sites in Skikda province (north-eastern Algeria). The relationship between terrestrial gastropod diversity and soil physicochemical factors was investigated using statistical analyses.ResultsThe inventory data reveals the presence of four families and eight species showing varied predominance rates of Cornu aspersum species according to each site in the city of Skikda (Azzaba 53.88%; Ben-Azzouz 56.12%; El-Hadaiek 37.92%). The maximal specific richness was registered in the El-Hadaiek site (seven species), and the highest mean richness was noted in the Ben-Azzouz site (392 individuals). Of the eight gastropod species identified, three species (Cornu aspersum, Cantareus apertus and Rumina decollate) were classified as constant species. The Shannon–Weaver diversity and equitability indices vary by site.ConclusionThe presence of certain species in one site and their absence in other sites, as well as the variation in ecological indices, could be attributed to the effect of soil-physicochemical factors.

Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Two Forest Sites from Kabylia of Djurdjura, Northern Algeria

The current study deals with the diversity of ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Kabylia of Djurdjura. It has been carried out in two forest sites from the localities of Azeffoun and Assi-Youcef, Tizi Ouzou (northern Algeria). Two sampling methods were adopted: manual capture and pitfall traps. Various community metrics were used as key elements to assess ant biodiversity within the two study sites. They included the species richness, the relative abundance, the constancy, and the Shannon-Weaver and equitability indices. Our inventory allowed identifying 24 species belonging to 12 genera and three subfamilies, which are the Myrmicinae (58%), the Formicinae (34%), and the Dolichoderinae (08%). The highest species richness was registered for the two first subfamilies, while the subfamily Dolichoderinae dominated numerically. The Site of Azeffoun, which is more submitted to human activities, recorded higher values in the number of individuals, the species richness, and the Shannon-Weaver diversity index. However, the difference between the two sites consisted mainly of the rare species, such as Crematogaster laestrygon, Goniomma sp. and Palagiolepis sp., which were present in the Azeffoun site. The local site conditions certainly have played a key role in ant species occurrence within the two study areas. Azeffoun is more disturbed than Assi-Youcef, resulting in the recruitment of much more rare and accidental species in the first site. In contrast, the rate of accessory to omnipresent species is substantially higher in Assi-Youcef, which recorded a high species evenness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the ant genus Formica in Kabylia of Djurdjura.

Diversity of edaphic Gamasina mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in different ecosystems of the Caatinga biome in northeast Brazil

Knowledge of the fauna of soil mites in Brazilian soils is still scarce and limited to a few regions, referring almost exclusively to areas of natural vegetation. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the abundance and diversity of edaphic Gamasina mites (Mesostigmata) on ecosystems of natural vegetation and cultivations of prickly pear, cassava and pasture located in the Caatinga biome in the state of Alagoas, northeast Brazil. Collections were carried out every three months between December 2018 and August 2019. In each collection date and in each ecosystem, 16 soil samples were collected. During the study, a total of 2,979 Gamasina were collected. Representatives of 10 families were identified, one of which, new to science. The largest number of Gamasina collected belonged to Ascidae (60%), followed by Laelapidae (14.3%) and Rhodacaridae (10%). Forty-four morphospecies were found, of which 25 new to science, distributed in 22 genera, two new to science. Protogamasellus mica Athias-Henriot, Protogamasellus sigillophorus Mineiro, Lindquist & Moraes and a new species of Protogamasellus (Ascidae) were the most abundant species. Mean abundance and richness were highest in the natural vegetation (respectively 38.2 mites and 12.6 species per sample), followed by prickly pear (29.6 and 8.6), pasture (20.8 and 8.6) and cassava (10.9 and 5.7). The Shannon-Weaver’s index diversity was highest for pasture (2.6) and lowest for the natural vegetation (2.2). The equitability indexes were quite similar in the different ecosystems though slightly lower in the natural vegetation (0.7 in the natural vegetation and 0.8 in other ecosystems). A cluster analysis indicated that the area of natural vegetation was the most distant from the others. Several of the species collected belong to Laelapidae and Macrochelidae, families with species used in the applied biological pest control. Thus, it is hoped that this work will serve as a basis for future applied research, aimed at prospecting Gamasina potentially useful for use in biological control programs.

Multiple indicators of household dietary diversity in rural China: Effects of income and dietary knowledge

Objective:The aim of this study was to examine the association among family income, dietary knowledge, their interaction, and the multiple household dietary diversity indices (HDDIs), including dietary diversity score (DDS), entropy index (EI), Shannon equitability index (SEI), Herfindahl index (HI), and Simpson index (SI).Methods: Based on 24-h dietary recall data collected from 1076 rural households in three provinces of Central China, we calculated HDDIs and compared them according to different levels of income and dietary knowledge. A set of multivariate linear regression were further established and estimated to examine the association among family income, dietary knowledge, and household dietary diversity.Results: Although the calculation formulas are different, the distributions of the five diversity indices, namely, DDS, EI, SEI, HI, and SI are similar. Family income and dietary knowledge were significantly and positively correlated with various HDDIs (P < 0.01) in addition to HI. Specifically, with a 1-unit (10 000 yuan [US $1545]) income increase, the DDIs respectively changed by 1.70% (DDS), 1.23% (EI), 0.92% (SEI), –0.62% (HI, reverse), and 0.45% (SI). With a 1-point dietary knowledge score increase, the DDIs changed by 0.91% (DDS), 1.33% (EI), 1.29% (SEI), –1.19% (HI, reverse), and 0.81% (SI). The interaction effect of income and dietary knowledge on HDDIs were significantly and negatively correlated with various HDDIs (P < 0.05) in addition to HI.Conclusions: The present findings indicated that with an increase in income and dietary knowledge, rural residents in China would consume more diversified foods. There was a substitution effect of family income and dietary knowledge on HDDIs; that is, with an increase in family income, the effect of dietary knowledge on HDDIs would decrease. The findings of this study contributed to a better understanding of issues related to the dietary diversity of rural residents in China in the context of rising income and residents’ increasing dietary knowledge.

Impact of urbanization on the water quality of the Uberaba River and tributaries

This paper evaluated the quality of the water in Uberaba River and tributaries. Seven sites were sampled, in a 12-km under the influence of the urban area. The sampling site started upstream the raw-water catchment station, passing through the urban perimeter, upstream and downstream the discharge of the effluent treated by the Sewage Treatment Plant. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected using a Surber net and, after identification, the indices of BMWP, diversity, equitability and dominance were calculated, besides functional group analysis. In each sampling site, it was analyzed microbiological and physicochemical parameters in order to identify possible domestic and/or industrial pollution sources. A rapid assessment protocol (RAP) was also applied, and land use and occupation aspects were mapped. The water collected in the furthest sampling site from the urban area and with vegetation in the surroundings, presented satisfactory quality, based in BMWP index. However, this quality dropped to very poor as the river water crossed the urban perimeter. The land use and occupation map showed a predominance of agriculture/pasture and urbanization. In addition, the presence of E. coli and the high levels recorded for some metals (principally cooper and cadmium), suggested contamination of the water with domestic and industrial effluents.

Influence of anthropic and eco-hydrological factors on the floristic diversity of the herbaceous vegetation around the temporary ponds in Ferlo, northern Senegal

AbstractTemporary ponds play substantial roles in preserving biodiversity in the Sahel. This study investigated the influence of anthropic and eco-hydrological factors on the plant diversity around two grazed ponds and one ungrazed pond in Ferlo, northern Senegal. Two phytoecological transects were established per pond. On each transect, homogenous herbaceous vegetation units were identified and characterized (herbaceous cover, exposure, soil texture, soil moisture and pH, average height and slope). The herbaceous flora comprised 55 species, 41 genera and 22 families across the three ponds. Species of the Poaceae, particularly Eragrostis tremula and Enteropogon prieurii, mostly colonized the grazed ponds, while the ungrazed pond favored other families’ species such as Achyranthes sp., Commelina forsskaolii, Corchorus sp. The Shannon’s diversity index (H′) of Wendu Marodi (ungrazed pond) was slightly higher (4.9 bits) than that of Belel Lougal and Belel Sow (grazed ponds) with 4.8 and 4.5 bits, respectively. The equitability indices were relatively high in the three ponds (0.85, 0.83 and 0.78). Eco-ecological factors distinguished four species’ groupings: a Tribulus terrestris grouping colonizing the constraining and over-grazed zones, a Digitaria horizontalis grouping, and Chloris barbata grouping found in the transition zones, and an Achyranthes aspera grouping in the wetlands, where woody plants were strongly present and the anthropic action low. This study highlighted the importance of maintaining a landscape mosaic of ungrazed or semi-protected ponds and grazed ponds to preserve the herbaceous floristic diversity in the center of Ferlo (Senegal) and the Sahel in general.