Level Of Anthropization Research Articles

Genetic structure and climate niche differentiation among populations of Leopardus geoffroyi.

Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) is a small-sized felid native to South America. Given the species' distribution covering a wide variety of habitats, and the presence of high levels of anthropization in part of its range, it is possible that genetically differentiated groups exist and that they occupy different climatic niches. We assessed patterns of contemporary genetic diversity and structure in the species across most of its range, characterizing each inferred genetic group based on ecological niche models. We genotyped 11 microsatellites for 142 samples covering most of Geoffroy's cat distribution, and investigated patterns of genetic structure and diversity, applying spatial and nonspatial Bayesian clustering methods and a spatial principal component analysis. We created ecological niche models for each genetic cluster, evaluating whether these clusters occupy different climatic spaces and display differences in the suitability of different values of the climatic variables analyzed. We identified two genetic clusters, one in the north-northeast and the other in the south-southwest of the species' distribution. These clusters showed moderate FST values between them and differences in dispersal/genetic diversity. We found isolation-by-distance patterns globally and within each cluster. We observed lower expected heterozygosity compared with other studies and a north-south gradient in allelic richness. The southern cluster showed lower genetic variability and a more restricted climatic niche suggesting that this group is more vulnerable to the effects of the current context of climate change. Individuals from the southern genetic cluster are under different pressures, likely a product of the particularly dry habitat they occupy. Climatic variables associated with habitat suitability suggest the southern cluster has affinity for the arid and semiarid conditions present in its distribution. Conservation measures should consider the genetic structure observed and differences in climatic spaces to maintain the evolutionary potential of the species.

Microplastic in an apex predator: evidence from Barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets in two sites with different levels of anthropization.

Plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments and its accumulation along food chains has been poorly studied in birds. The Barn owl (Tyto alba) is an opportunistic and nocturnal apex predator feeding mostly on small mammals. In this note, we reported evidence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in Barn owl pellets collected, for the first time, in two sites with different levels of anthropization (low: natural landscape mosaic vs. high extensive croplands). The following polymers have been recorded: polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), expanded polyester (EPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyester (PL), viscose, and starch-based biopolymer. We found significant higher MPs frequency in the most anthropized site. Our results suggest that pellet' analysis may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination along food chains in terrestrial ecosystems.

Association between environmental gradient of anthropization and phenotypic plasticity in two species of triatomines

BackgroundTriatoma garciabesi and T. guasayana are considered secondary vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi and frequently invade rural houses in central Argentina. Wing and head structures determine the ability of triatomines to disperse. Environmental changes exert selective pressures on populations of both species, promoting changes in these structures that could have consequences for flight dispersal. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between a gradient of anthropization and phenotypic plasticity in flight-related traits.MethodsThe research was carried out in Cruz del Eje and Ischilín departments (Córdoba, Argentina) and included 423 individuals of the two species of triatomines. To measure the degree of anthropization, a thematic map was constructed using supervised classification, from which seven landscapes were selected, and nine landscape metrics were extracted and used in a hierarchical analysis. To determine the flight capacity and the invasion of dwellings at different levels of anthropization for both species, entomological indices were calculated. Digital images of the body, head and wings were used to measure linear and geometric morphometric variables related to flight dispersion. One-way ANOVA and canonical variate analysis (CVA) were used to analyze differences in size and shape between levels of anthropization. Procrustes variance of shape was calculated to analyze differences in phenotypic variation in heads and wings.ResultsHierarchical analysis was used to classify the landscapes into three levels of anthropization: high, intermediate and low. The dispersal index for both species yielded similar results across the anthropization gradient. However, in less anthropized landscapes, the density index was higher for T. garciabesi. Additionally, in highly anthropized landscapes, females and males of both species exhibited reduced numbers. Regarding phenotypic changes, the size of body, head and wings of T. garciabesi captured in the most anthropized landscapes was greater than for those captured in less anthropized landscapes. No differences in body size were observed in T. guasayana collected in the different landscapes. However, males from highly anthropized landscapes had smaller heads and wings than those captured in less anthropized landscapes. Both wing and head shapes varied between less and more anthropogenic environments in both species.ConclusionsResults of the study indicate that the flight-dispersal characteristics of T. garciabesi and T. guasayana changed in response to varying degrees of anthropization.Graphical

Is there a relationship between the quality of surface watercourses associated with rural landscapes and the level and type of anthropization in the zone of influence?

The study of the environmental quality of the largest rivers such as the Paraná, is a challenge for the different disciplines of environmental sciences. Considering that the water quality of the largest rivers is mainly affected by the contributions of pollutants through the tributaries, we evaluate, using a multidisciplinary approach, the environmental quality of the tributaries of the Paraná River in Argentina, whose subbasins are associated with different levels and types of anthropization. We also discussed the aptitude of different diagnostic tools used to study the quality of water courses associated with rural landscapes and proposed a new indicator of easy measurement to quantify the level of anthropization in these environments. We selected 6 sampling sites (SM) related with different level of anthropization, considering agricultural and/or livestock (A/G) and urban or industrial (U/I) activities. The general parameters of water quality were measured in situ, and water and sediment samples were taken for physical, chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological evaluation. The toxicity was evaluated by a battery of bioassays (Daphnia magna, Hyalella curvispina and Lactuca sativa). The frequency of bioassays that show significant effects correlated positively with anthropization. Lactuca sativa was particularly sensitive to pollutants of A/G origin, while crustaceans, to those from U/I. The combination of U/I and A/G activities increased the toxicological complexity of the watercourses, producing greater adverse effects. Although, in the rural areas the U/I activities represented a scale notably small in relation to A/G, their contribution to the deterioration of the toxicological quality of watercourses appeared significant.

In Vitro Coinoculation Between Actinobacteria and Diazotrophic Nodulating Bacteria from the Semiarid

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of actinobacterial strains from the Brazilian semiarid to establish facilitation relationships with native rhizobia from the same region. Theoretical framework: The study is based on the ecological and biotechnological importance of soil actinobacteria, producers of biosurfactants and enzymes, and of nitrogen-fixing rhizobia in legumes. Method: 50 strains of actinobacteria were isolated from soils from Ceará with different levels of anthropization and 19 strains of rhizobia using cowpea. The morphological, cultural and micromorphological characterization of the strains was performed, as well as the evaluation of their enzymatic profiles. In vitro facilitation tests were conducted between cellulolytic actinobacteria and non-cellulolytic rhizobia. Results: The soil areas presented a similar composition of actinobacteria, but strains from the anthropized area showed higher enzymatic activity. Two Streptomyces strains promoted the growth of non-cellulolytic rhizobia in vitro, indicating potential application as bioinoculants in microbial consortia. Conclusions: The study contributes to the knowledge of the interaction between beneficial microbial groups from the semiarid region and their possible biotechnological use in agriculture. Originality/value: Works on coinoculation between actinobacteria and rhizobia from semiarid soils are scarce.

In Vitro Coinoculation Between Actinobacteria and Diazotrophic Nodulating Bacteria from the Semiarid

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of actinobacterial strains from the Brazilian semiarid to establish facilitation relationships with native rhizobia from the same region.
 
 Theoretical framework: The study is based on the ecological and biotechnological importance of soil actinobacteria, producers of biosurfactants and enzymes, and of nitrogen-fixing rhizobia in legumes.
 
 Method: 50 strains of actinobacteria were isolated from soils from Ceará with different levels of anthropization and 19 strains of rhizobia using cowpea. The morphological, cultural and micromorphological characterization of the strains was performed, as well as the evaluation of their enzymatic profiles. In vitro facilitation tests were conducted between cellulolytic actinobacteria and non-cellulolytic rhizobia.
 
 Results: The soil areas presented a similar composition of actinobacteria, but strains from the anthropized area showed higher enzymatic activity. Two Streptomyces strains promoted the growth of non-cellulolytic rhizobia in vitro, indicating potential application as bioinoculants in microbial consortia.
 
 Conclusions: The study contributes to the knowledge of the interaction between beneficial microbial groups from the semiarid region and their possible biotechnological use in agriculture.
 
 Originality/value: Works on coinoculation between actinobacteria and rhizobia from semiarid soils are scarce.

Ecology and diversity of mosquito larvae in ponds and lagoons of Northwestern Spain.

Galicia, located in the northwestern part of Spain,has a great number and variety of aquatic ecosystems where mosquitoes can breed. Despite the sanitary relevance of these insects, studies on mosquito populations in the region are still scarce. The field research was carried out in 48 sampling points (27 continental lagoons, 12 coastal lagoons and 9 temporary ponds) throughout the entire Galician territory. The samples were collected intermittently and seasonally through different water quality monitoring projects between 2001 and 2017. More than 1500 mosquito larvae belonging to 10 species of five genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex and Culiseta) were identified. Anopheles (Anopheles) maculipennis s.l. Meigen was the most widely distributed species in the study, being especially dominant in rural areas. In contrast, Culex (Culex) pipiens Linnaeus and Culex (Culex) theileri Theobald showed a preference for breeding in urban areas. New contributions to the knowledge about the larval ecology and distribution of these mosquito species are made throughout this study, including information about the tolerance of each species to water parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity). Likewise, the relationship between culicid diversity and the habitat characteristics of the breeding sites (water body type, climate and level of anthropization) is discussed.

Spatial assessment of nighttime anthropization in the Comoé National Park in Côte d’Ivoira (West Africa)

Abstract Protected areas play a crucial role in preserving biological diversity, providing ecosystem services, and regulating hydroclimatic processes. However, the environmental balance of these areas is increasingly under threat due to rapid population growth, high demand for natural resources, and the effects of global warming. To address this, sustainable management of protected areas is essential. This study aims to develop a methodology for monitoring and assessing levels of nocturnal anthropogenic aggression in the Comoé National Park (CNP) in Côte d’Ivoire. By using geospatial data from the Day/Night Band of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS/DNB), the study characterizes the nocturnal anthropization of CNP through the use of several indices. First, light reflectance density is used to identify nighttime light emission foci. Second, the lighted area density index (LADI) is employed to understand the nature of nocturnal activities taking place within CNP, as indicated by artificial light at night (ALAN). Finally, the light intensity index (LII) is used to evaluate the degree of influence of nocturnal anthropogenic activities on biodiversity. The study also found important activities through LADI and observed a high level of light pollution in CNP. Ultimately, the findings of this study indicate that there is a significant level of nocturnal anthropization within CNP, highlighting the need for effective management and conservation efforts in the area.

Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in urban-rural interfaces: community structure associated with pathogen screening in São Paulo-the largest metropolitan region in Brazil.

Little is known about the influence of the urban environments on bat species 'ecology. The urbanization process potentially lead to critical ecological changes in bat communities' intra and interspecific pathogenic transmissions dynamics. To date, the monitoring of pathogens in bats in Brazil has only been done with bats found dead or alive in households, from rabies surveillance systems. The present work aimed to investigate how urbanization influenced bat richness, relative abundance and pathogen occurrence. Most captured bats were Phyllostomidae, especially Sturnira lilium, Artibeus lituratus, A. fimbriatus, Glossophaga soricina, and Platyrrhinus lineatus, among others. From preserved-rural towards urban areas the lesser the bat richness, the higher the relative abundance of the captured bats. Noise level, luminosity and relative humidity correlated with bat abundance. The proportion of genders, sexually active bats and their size (weight, right forearm length, and body condition index) were stable throughout the investigation. Still, the proportion of pregnant females was higher in Spring and the number of juveniles in Summer, evidencing the seasonality of reproduction. Several Enterobacteria were isolated, evidencing a significant role of bats in the circulation of pathogens of medical and veterinary interest. These results are crucial in the pursuit of a harmonious coexistence between humans, bats and domestic animals in areas with different levels of anthropization.

Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Carriage in Rodents According to Habitat Anthropization.

It is increasingly suggested that the dynamics of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the wild are mostly anthropogenically driven, but the spatial and temporal scales at which these phenomena occur in landscapes are only partially understood. Here, we explore this topic by studying antimicrobial resistance in the commensal bacteria from micromammals sampled at 12 sites from a large heterogenous landscape (the Carmargue area, Rhone Delta) along a gradient of anthropization: natural reserves, rural areas, towns, and sewage-water treatment plants. There was a positive relationship between the frequency of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and the level of habitat anthropization. Although low, antimicrobial resistance was also present in natural reserves, even in the oldest one, founded in 1954. This study is one of the first to support the idea that rodents in human-altered habitats are important components of the environmental pool of resistance to clinically relevant antimicrobials and also that a "One Health" approach is required to assess issues related to antimicrobial resistance dynamics in anthropized landscapes.

Urban Birds as Antimicrobial Resistance Sentinels: White Storks Showed Higher Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Levels Than Seagulls in Central Spain.

Simple SummaryAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major health challenge of the 21st century. Several studies confirm the potential role of wildlife as sentinel for pathogens surveillance. Moreover, the presence of AMR bacteria in the wildlife can be considered as a good indicator of anthropization level on the ecosystem. The fast increase in AMR worldwide has been enhanced by several factors as globalization and migration. The study of antimicrobial resistance in wild birds is of great importance, as they can travel hundreds of kilometers and disseminate pathogens and AMR across different regions or even continents. The aim of this study was to compare the level of AMR in three bird species: white stork (Ciconia ciconia), lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) and black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). For the analysis, 17 antibiotics from the most representative classes were tested by disk-diffusion method. Results showed 63.2% of seagulls and 31.6% of white storks as carriers of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli, and from all of them, 38.9% were considered multi-drug resistant. Betalactamics, quinolones and tetracyclines were the antibiotic classes with the highest rate of AMR.The presence of AMR bacteria in the human–animal–environmental interface is a clear example of the One Health medicine. Several studies evidence the presence of resistant bacteria in wildlife, which can be used as a good indicator of anthropization level on the ecosystem. The fast increase in AMR in the environment in the last decade has been led by several factors as globalization and migration. Migratory birds can travel hundreds of kilometers and disseminate pathogens and AMR through different regions or even continents. The aim of this study was to compare the level of AMR in three migratory bird species: Ciconia ciconia, Larus fuscus and Chroicocephalus ridibundus. For this purpose, commensal Escherichia coli has been considered a useful indicator for AMR studies. After E. coli isolation from individual cloacal swabs, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by the disk-diffusion method, including 17 different antibiotics. A total of 63.2% of gulls had resistant strains, in contrast to 31.6% of white storks. Out of all the resistant strains, 38.9% were considered multi-drug resistant (50% of white storks and 30% of seagulls). The antibiotic classes with the highest rate of AMR were betalactamics, quinolones and tetracyclines, the most commonly used antibiotic in human and veterinary medicine in Spain.

Does anthropization affect physiology, behaviour and life‐history traits of Montagu's harrier chicks?

AbstractThe last century has seen a steep decline in biodiversity, and anthropization is considered one of the major drivers of this decline. Anthropogenic disturbances, due to human presence and/or activities, may be perceived as chronic stressors by wildlife and potentially lead to deleterious effects on traits related to fitness. The main objective of the present study was to highlight the effects of these anthropogenic elements on wild birds on sparsely urbanized farmland, far less studied than in urbanized areas. We investigated during four successive breeding seasons whether the anthropization level, assessed by infrastructure density around nests, and the harvesting conditions around nests may impact physiological, behavioural and life‐history traits of Montagu's harrierCircus pygarguschicks. Higher anthropization levels were associated with higher basal corticosterone levels in nestlings during only one breeding season and a lower body condition at fledging for females, probably because they suffered from higher starvation than males. Nestlings reared in more anthropized areas or in harvested crops before their fledging harboured more fault bars on rectrices than those reared in less anthropized areas or in unharvested crops regardless of year and sex, which is suggestive of higher stress during development. Nestling behaviours were also impacted by anthropization level and harvesting conditions: chicks in harvested crops were more aggressive and in areas with higher anthropization levels more prone to escape than others. Because Montagu's harrier is a protected species, the impacts highlighted in the present study are a matter of concern, especially regarding farmland landscape modifications, and we advise limiting perturbations in areas where Montagu's harriers usually nest.

Low level of anthropization linked to harsh vertebrate biodiversity declines in Amazonia

Assessing the impact of human activity on ecosystems often links local biodiversity to disturbances measured within the same locality. However, remote disturbances may also affect local biodiversity. Here, we used environmental DNA metabarcoding to evaluate the relationships between vertebrate biodiversity (fish and mammals) and disturbance intensity in two Amazonian rivers. Measurements of anthropic disturbance -here forest cover losses- were made from the immediate vicinity of the biodiversity sampling sites to up to 90 km upstream. The findings suggest that anthropization had a spatially extended impact on biodiversity. Forest cover losses of <11% in areas up to 30 km upstream from the biodiversity sampling sites were linked to reductions of >22% in taxonomic and functional richness of both terrestrial and aquatic fauna. This underscores the vulnerability of Amazonian biodiversity even to low anthropization levels. The similar responses of aquatic and terrestrial fauna to remote disturbances indicate the need for cross-ecosystem conservation plans that consider the spatially extended effects of anthropization.

Identification of levels of anthropization and its implications in the process of desertification in the Caatinga biome (Jeremoabo, Bahia-Brazil)

Desertification is one of the most serious current environmental problems and corresponds to the impoverishment and decrease of moisture in sandy soils located in regions with a sub-humid, arid and semiarid climate, with its main causes related to climatic variations and the resulting negative impacts of human activities. Studies show that the soils located in the Brazilian semiarid and especially in the Caatinga biome have been suffering an intense process of desertification due to the replacement of natural vegetation as a result of economic activities. Most municipalities that have an economy based on agropastoral activities are at the centre of desertification in several centres in Brazil. Based on this context and considering that the original vegetation cover is a preponderant factor for soil conservation, and subsequently for the maintenance of the ecological stability of the Caatinga biome, this work aimed to map the vegetation cover of the Vaza-Barris watershed corresponding to the municipality of Jeremoabo (Bahia-Brazil), with the purpose of identifying and quantifying, in terms of surface, the main types of interaction between human activities and the remnants of the vegetation cover, listing the potential impacts that have a direct consequence on the desertification processes. The delimitation of the vegetation cover was the result processing Sentinel 2A satellite images and the use of the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index - SAVI. Five thematic classes representative of the study area were identified, classified according to the increasing level of anthropization that allowed us to conclude that desertification causes damage to agriculture, making the areas unproductive, as well as excessive agriculture with inappropriate practices causes the loss of fertility of the soils, aggravating the desertification process. With this, the environmental and social quality is threatened, considering that the main source of income in the municipality of Jeremoabo comes from agricultural activities and these are dependent on climatic conditions, soil conservation and water resources.

Anthropic action affects the cuticular chemical profile of social wasps

As a result of environmental change by anthropic action, animal species that inhabit these areas may suffer the effects of it on their phenotypes as a consequence of adapting to these conditions. In the case of social wasps, cuticular chemical compounds may be influenced, since these vary depending on genetic and environmental factors. However, few studies have investigated the synanthropic effects over the cuticular surface of social wasps. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how cuticular compounds vary according to the different degrees of human activity and test the hypothesis that cuticular compounds of social wasps are affected by the level of anthropic activity in which their nests are found. Data on the cuticular chemical compounds composition of colonies of 3 species of social wasps were used along with the level of anthropization of their nesting sites in four municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From the geographical coordinates of the sampling sites, the percentages of urban construction areas, agriculture, water body, vegetation and exposed land were calculated, and the nesting sites of the colonies were classified as more or less anthropized areas. The chemical profile was determined by extraction of cuticular compounds and analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The results show that the cuticular chemical composition of the individuals of these species is affected by the level of anthropization in their nesting sites, with a qualitative and quantitative variation that must be tied not only to genetic differences, but, above all, to the local environmental conditions to which their colonies are subjected.

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.

Marine Sites and the Drivers of Wellbeing: Ecosystem vs. Anthropic Services

Coastal sites offer a range of services that contribute to human wellbeing. While some of the services are entirely human-made (e.g., parasol and sunbed rental), others are produced thanks to the contribution of marine ecosystems (e.g., water clarity). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the preferences of a sample of beachgoers for these two categories of services that policymakers have to balance when designing management strategies for coastal sites. We consider a marine site in the north of Italy that partially falls within the boundaries of a protected area but that is characterized by a medium-to-high level of anthropization. The results of a discrete choice experiment show that in the current state of things, the ecosystem services proposed for the sample have, on average, a higher marginal utility, suggesting that actions increasing those services have a larger effect on well-being.

Titanium in commercial shrimp from anthropized tropical bays and estimated quantities of TiO2

Titanium (Ti) is a metal with low toxicity in organisms; however, Ti in the form of TiO2 nanoparticles is a contaminant of emerging concern. This study determined the concentration of total Ti in the muscle of pink shrimp (Penaeus brasiliensis and P. paulensis) from two anthropized tropical bays (Guanabara and Sepetiba Bays, southeast Brazil) and presented the first estimates of TiO2 in shrimp. Differences in the total Ti concentration were associated with fishing site and season, showing a spatial-temporal trend. The level of anthropization per se did not explain the metal concentration. Both trophic position (δ15N) and trophic habitat (δ13C) of shrimp had negligible influence on the metal concentration. We suggest that Ti point sources into Sepetiba Bay and/or differences regarding fishing sites inside the bays are possible explanations for the results. The estimates of TiO2 in shrimps based on the total Ti concentration are baseline values for future monitoring. Since shrimps are targets of commercial fisheries, monitoring the Ti concentration is a public health interest.

Restrições socioambientais ao uso da terra e seu estado de antropização na UGRH do Paranapanema: subsídios à gestão territorial

Territorial planning and management are processes based on the organization of geographic space, which has been consolidated by means of common assumptions and rules that make living in society feasible. Through various legal mechanisms it is possible to determine areas with some kind of socio-environmental restrictions on land use. The present study proposes to spatialize in an integrated way different types of restrictive areas within the Paranapanema Water Resources Management Unit, namely Permanent Preservation Areas, Conservation Units, Priority Areas for Conservation of the Brazilian Biodiversity, Indigenous Lands, Natural-Cultural Heritage, Water Sources and Settlements. From the integration of these layers of information, through the algebra of maps, it was possible to determine up to six different classes of restrictions in the same unit area. The percentage of anthropization (especially areas agricultural activities areas) of each restrictive area mapped from land use data was also evaluated. Areas with up to six different classes of overlapping restrictions were identified, having been observed a high anthropization level throughout the study area, with approximately 80% of the territory by some agricultural use. This percentage was also observed in the category of APP of springs, which are important areas in terms of water resources. The areas with different overlapping and anthropized socio-environmental restrictions should be prioritized in environmental recovery actions, aiming, for example, the improvement of water quality in the Paranapanema UGRH.

Bryophyte flora in an Amazon island: structure of communities in areas of different levels of anthropization

Abstract The present study is aimed to evaluate the richness, composition and spatial distribution of bryophytes occurring in Mosqueiro Island, in the Amazon forest. Forty-one 100-m² plots in 37 flooded and 4 non-flooded environments were selected for data collection, all substrate found were considered. The results were compared with surveys in other islands from the state of Pará and were analyzed according to frequency of populations, colonized substrates, light tolerance guilds, and distribution in Brazilian biomes. Ninety-seven species were recorded, distributed in 36 genera and 17 families, being 57 (58.7%) liverwort and 40 (41.2%) moss species. The rare species stood out with 53 species (54.08%). High similarity was observed between corticolous and epixylic communities, and between the terricolous community and the bryophytes found growing on charcoal, which is an artificial substrate. In relation to light tolerance guilds, generalist species prevailed (52 species, 53.6%). As for phytogeographic distribution, there was a predominance of taxa with occurrence in the Amazon and Atlantic rainforest (35 species, 37.11%). Ceratolejeunea ceratantha is reported for the first time for the state of Pará. The level of anthropization in the island was showed mainly by high richness and occurrence of generalist species underscores and well-adapted species to stressed conditions, evidencing changes in the bryophyte community structure.