Napo Province Research Articles

Structured Equations to Assess the Socioeconomic and Business Factors Influencing the Financial Sustainability of Traditional Amazonian Chakra in the Ecuadorian Amazon

This study focuses on investigating the dimensions of sustainability and their influence on financial-economic sustainability (FES) in traditional agroforestry systems (TAFS) using the case of the Amazonian Chakra. The main objectives were to analyze the dimensions of sustainability and to establish the causal relationships between these dimensions and the FES. To carry out this research, 330 households in Napo Province that use the Amazonian Chakra system to grow cocoa were selected in order to analyze the relationship between the different dimensions of sustainability and FES in this unique context. The results of the study show that practices related to food security (FS) and business factors (BF) have a positive and significant impact on the FES of cocoa-producing households in the Amazonian Chakra system. These findings support the importance of ensuring the availability and quality of food and promoting responsible business practices in these environments. In contrast, the dimensions of environmental resilience (ER) and biodiversity conservation (BC) showed a negative impact on FES, highlighting an economic-financial imbalance in relation to conservation and environmental resilience actions in the Amazonian Chakra. This study contributes to the knowledge needed to promote agricultural practices that include an equal focus on FES, biodiversity conservation, and environmental resilience practices in a globally significant area, providing valuable information for the design of sustainable agricultural policies and practices in the Amazonian Chakra.

Gomphomacromia signata sp. n. from the Andes Mountains in Ecuador (Odonata: Synthemistidae)

Gomphomacromia signata sp. n. is described and illustrated based on a single male collected in Napo Province, Ecuador. The new species is distinct from its closest congener, G. fallax McLachlan, 1881, by having a pair of vivid yellow spots on the postfrons, a large isolated yellow spot on the anterolateral part of the mesepimeron, forked yellow stripes on the metepisternum and metepimeron, dark spots in the wing bases, epiproct as wide distally as basally, and minute details of the posterior hamules.

A new species of Neotropiconyttus Kirkaldy (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in a cacao plantation from the Colombian Napo Province, including a key to species, and taxonomic notes of the genus.

A new species of the genus Neotropiconyttus Kirkaldy, 1909 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae: Harpactorini) is described and illustrated. Neotropiconyttusarmandoi Gamboa & Gil-Santana, sp. nov. represents the first record of the genus for the Province of Napo in Colombia, and the first description of a male individual in the genus. The male specimen representing the new species was collected on a leaf of cacao (Theobromacacao L.-Malvaceae). Its remarkable similarity in external coloration and structure with that of the true bug Monaloniondissimulatum Distant, 1883 (Hemiptera: Miridae) inhabiting cacao agroforestry systems suggests that the new species could be part of a mimetic complex that incorporates phytophagous and predator bugs. Comments and figures of type specimens of Neotropiconyttusalboannulatus (Stål, 1855) and Neotropiconyttusdama (Burmeister, 1838), and a key to the species of the genus are also provided.

Species diversity and spatial distribution of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from La Isla Amazon Park, Napo Province, Ecuador

Introduction: Vector-borne diseases are prevalent in the Amazon and Coastal regions of Ecuador. However, there is a scarcity of mosquito ecology studies in these areas. The most recent list of species reported for the country comprises 8 tribes, 22 genera, and 200 species. Objectives: To document the Culicidae species found in La Isla Amazon Park, Napo, Ecuador, including those with epidemiological significance; and to analyze their composition, abundance, and diversity, focusing on larval habitats during the dry and rainy periods. Methods: We evaluated different larval habitats, considering collection duration as the primary criterion. We used CDC and Shannon traps to collect adult mosquitoes during both rainy and dry periods. To assess sampling effort, we used accumulation curves and non-parametric estimators of species richness, while we employed Hill numbers to determine diversity. Additionally, we used the Berger-Parker and Pielou indices to evaluate species dominance and evenness. We conducted cluster analysis and ANOSIM tests to assess the similarity between habitats and the differences in taxonomic composition between periods. Results: We collected a total of 802 individuals from 15 species and 4 taxonomic units, 5 genera, and 4 tribes. Notably, this may be the first records of Wyeomyia felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar and Culex derivator Dyar & Knab from Ecuador. Additionally, the presence of Culex dunni Dyar and Psorophora ferox von Humboldt (both recognized as vectors) was correlated with increased rainfall. Conclusions: The abundance of mosquitoes, including potential vector species, increased during the rainy season, indicating a higher risk of pathogen transmission. However, the relationship between rainfall amount and diversity patterns is not well-defined.

Diversity of fishes of the Napo and Arajuno rivers, with potential of handling, in the Parish Ahuano, Canton Tena, Napo Province

The study is carried out to establish the diversity of fish in the Napo and Arajuno rivers in the segments that cross the Ahuano parish of the Tena Canton, Napo Province in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Several studies indicate that the Napo River basin would have up to 680 species of fish (Barriga, 2012). A monitoring effort was carried out for 12 months. Trammel and trawl nets were used to collect the specimens. Sampling was carried out at five stations in each river, every 1,000 meters, once a month during the 11 months of study. As a general result, the record of 27 species of bony fish was obtained. Of the order Characiformes, 16 species were obtained, being the most diverse, while at the taxonomic family level, Characidae was more frequent with 9 corresponding species. Additionally, a survey was carried out among 5 indigenous and peasant communities on the banks of the two rivers to establish the preference for fish consumption and the potential species for management, which were: Prochilodus nigricans for 28%, followed by Pimelodus blochii 18%, Mylosoma duriventre, Leporinus pearsoni, Hypostomus oculeus, Aguarunichthys torosus, Leporinus friederici and Triportheus angulatus with 9% each.

Larissimusnigricans sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), a new reared species of a rare neotropical genus recovered through biodiversity inventory in Ecuador.

A new species of the rarely collected neotropical microgastrine braconid wasp genus Larissimus Nixon, represented previously by only a single described species, L.cassander Nixon, was recovered by the Caterpillars and Parasitoids of the Eastern Andes in Ecuador inventory project. Larissimusnigricanssp. nov. was reared from an unidentified species of arctiine Erebidae feeding on the common bamboo species Chusqueascandens Kunth at the Yanayacu Biological Station near Cosanga, Napo Province, Ecuador. The new species is described and diagnosed from L.cassander using both morphological and DNA barcode data.

Social Use through Tourism of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Amazonian Kichwa Nationality

The traditional trend in heritage management focuses on a conservationist strategy, i.e., keeping heritage in a good condition while avoiding its interaction with other elements. This condition results in the link between heritage and tourism to be established as juxtaposed process, which gives rise to the need to broaden the concept of heritage and how it can be used through tourism to contribute to the local development of communities. The objective of this study is to show the different mechanisms of social use that the intangible cultural heritage of the different peoples and nationalities of Ecuador can have. For this purpose, the San Antonio de Killu Yaku community, parish of Puerto Napo, canton Tena, Napo province, is taken as a case study, based on an analysis of the current situation of tourism in the community. The cultural resources of the territory are taken as a starting point to transform them into tourist attractions for the construction of a thematic heritage space, in order to minimize the concern about the erosion and lack of appreciation of the ancestral manifestations and knowledge that the nationality possesses, due to the accelerated globalization of society. The analysis corresponds to a descriptive process of all the information collected with the proposed exploitation mechanisms through tourism activities. During the process, an increase in the exchange of knowledge was shown, as well as a constant cultural insurgency in which people maintain themselves to safeguard their cultures.

A retrospective study of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon.

Snakebite envenoming remains a relevant public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. In Ecuador, this is particularly true in an area of great diversity like the Amazon region. Nevertheless, there is scarce information about epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these accidents in this area. This was a descriptive and retrospective study of snakebite cases treated at a tertiary hospital in the Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon, from 2015 to 2019. We collected sociodemographic and snakebite-related information, clinical aspects and the use of antivenom and antibiotics from medical records. Information from 133 snakebite accidents was reviewed in this time period. Reports of snakebite envenoming decreased over the years. In total, 67% of those bitten were from nearby indigenous communities, which were the most affected groups. When a species was identified, Bothrops atrox was responsible for the highest number of cases registered. Local clinical manifestations were more frequent than systemic signs, in keeping with the typical effects produced by bothropic venoms. Additionally, data showed that more antivenom vials were given than those suggested by the protocol of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health, in proportion to the grade of severity. Finally, we identified a low incidence of adverse reactions with antivenom administration, as well as a frequent use of antibiotics. The profile of snakebite accidents in the Napo Province is very similar to that described for other localities in the Amazon region of Ecuador and neighboring countries, with its challenges and limitations. Such aspects underlie the importance of establishing a robust and science-based public health program to respond to this frequent, but neglected, tropical disease.

New syarinid pseudoscorpions from Ecuador (Pseudoscorpiones, Syarinidae: Ideobisium and Ideoblothrus)

The pseudoscorpion (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) fauna of mainland Ecuador, excluding the Galápagos Islands, is poorly known, with only 41 described species in 9 families. The family Syarinidae has a pantropical distribution and presently comprises ca 120 species in 17 valid genera that are found in leaf litter and subterranean habitats, mostly in tropical and subtropical climates. Four syarinid species have been recorded from Ecuador, including the Galápagos, in two widespread genera, Ideobisium and Ideoblothrus, but field collections suggest that these pseudoscorpions are common and abundant in all forest systems across the country. Here, we review field collections of syarinids from mainland Ecuador and describe five new species in these genera: Ideobisium kichwa sp. nov. (Napo Province, Colonso Chalupas Natural Reserve), I. sonqo sp. nov. (Napo Province, Colonso Chalupas Natural Reserve), I. susanae sp. nov. (Napo Province, Jatun Sacha Natural Reserve), Ideoblothrus nadineae sp. nov. (Napo Province, Colonso Chalupas Natural Reserve) and I. safinai sp. nov. (Pichincha Province, Otongachi Natural Reserve) based on morphology. These species seem to have narrow distributions and we therefore restrict the ranges of two species previously recorded from Ecuador (Ideobisium crassimanum Balzan, 1892 and Ideoblothrus costaricensis (Beier, 1931)) to their countries of origin, which is Costa Rica and Venezuela, respectively.

A pre-Columbian obsidian trade from secondary fluvial sources supported by new geochemical data from the Alto Coca Reserve and Sumaco sites (Napo Province, Ecuador)

A pre-Columbian obsidian trade from secondary fluvial sources supported by new geochemical data from the Alto Coca Reserve and Sumaco sites (Napo Province, Ecuador)

Floristic and functional diversity of ferns and lycophytes at three elevational zones in the eastern slopes of the northern Andes, Ecuador

ABSTRACT The northeastern slope of the Andes is an area of high diversity of ferns and lycophytes. In this study we assessed the diversity patterns of ferns and lycophytes in ten 250 m x 2 m plots installed at three elevational zones, from 418 to 3447 m.a.s.l., in the Napo province of Ecuador. Floristic diversity was measured using Hill numbers and by partitioning species diversity. Three functional diversity indices were calculated from a set of five leaf traits and weighted by species abundance: functional richness (FRic), evenness (FEve) and divergence (FDiv). To disentangle functional diversity from species richness, the standardized effect size (SES) of each index was also calculated. We recorded 148 species, Polypodiaceae and Dryopteridaceae being the most representative families. Species richness continuously decreased with elevation. Floristic composition was highly heterogeneous among elevation zones, with total species turnover found between 1500 and 2000 m.a.s.l. SES-FDiv and SES-FEve were higher than the null expectation for plots at mid-elevations, suggesting that deterministic mechanisms, such as biotic or abiotic filters, could explain assemblage composition at these sites. However, SES-FEve, SES-FRic and SES-FDiv did not differ from the null expectations at low and high elevation sites, suggesting the predominance of a stochastic process. By combining floristic and functional diversity, we were able to infer the observed community patterns with the resource-use strategies of fern and lycophytes in a mountain area, an approach that can be used to understand how assemblages might react to changing environmental conditions.

Descripción de la ninfa V de Tolono confusus Carvajal, Rider y Faúndez, 2015 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Acanthosomatidae)

The fifth instar nymph of Tolono confusus Carvajal, Rider & Faúndez, 2015 is described and illustrated based on two specimens from Napo Province, Ecuador. The need for further work on South American pentatomoid immatures stages is briefly discussed.

Regeneration Status and Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Cloud Forest Ecosystem Restoration in Ecuador

The importance of forests for biodiversity conservation has been well recognized by the global community; as a result, conservation efforts have increased over the past two decades. In Ecuador, the lack of integrated information for defining and assessing the status of local ecosystems is a major challenge for designing conservation and restoration plans. Thus, the objectives of this study were (1) to examine the regeneration status of cloud forest remnants, some of which had experienced past human disturbance events, (2) to explore a local rural community’s traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) relevant for restoration and (3) to investigate the integration between TEK and ecological science-based approaches. A survey of regeneration status was conducted in four remnants of cloud forests (n = 16) in Cosanga, Napo Province, in the Andes of northeastern Ecuador. The species of young trees (0.5–5 m height) were identified over 0.16 ha. In-depth interviews of individuals from local communities (n = 48) were conducted to identify socio-ecologically important native species. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in species richness and the stem density of seedlings and saplings in gaps. The stem density of Chusquea sp., a bamboo species, explained 63% of the variation in species richness and 48% of the variation in the abundance of seedlings and saplings between plots. Informants cited 32 socio-ecologically important species, of which 26 species were cited as sources of food and habitats for wildlife. The ranking of species based on a relative importance index and a cultural value index—taking into account both the spread of knowledge among local informants and the multiplicity of uses—revealed that Hyeromina duquei, Citharexylum montanum, Eugenia crassimarginata and Sapium contortum were traditionally the most valuable species for both humans and wildlife. Informants also recommended 27 species for future planting, of which 19 species were amongst the rarest species in the regeneration survey. In conclusion, the results demonstrate a synergy between TEK and ecological science-based approaches (regeneration survey) to natural ecosystem research. Thus, traditional ecological knowledge can provide insights into ecosystem–plant–animal interaction, and to identify native species useful for both humans and wildlife for forest restoration projects to reconnect isolated cloud forest fragments.

A New Troglomorphic, Leaf-litter Scorpion from Ecuador (Troglotayosicidae: Troglotayosicus)

For several decades, Troglotayosicus Lourenço, 1981, remained an enigmatic, monotypic scorpion genus believed to be troglobitic. The discovery and description in recent years of several endogean species of the genus, inhabiting the leaf litter of tropical rainforests in Colombia and Ecuador, advanced knowledge about these scorpions. The known distribution of Troglotayosicus was considerably expanded along the Andes, and it was demonstrated that, despite the absence of median ocelli, the genus is composed primarily of species that inhabit leaf litter. In the present study, Troglotayosicus ballvei, sp. nov., is described from Sacha Huagra Lodge, adjacent to Archidona Municipality, in Napo Province, Ecuador, raising the number of Troglotayosicus species to six, three each in Colombia and Ecuador. An updated map of the known distribution of the genus is presented.

An Integrative Approach to Assess the Environmental Impacts of Gold Mining Contamination in the Amazon.

As the number of legal and illegal gold mining sites increases in the Andes–Amazonia region, integrative methods to evaluate the effects of mining pollution on freshwater ecosystems are of paramount importance. Here, we sampled water and sediments in 11 sites potentially affected by gold mining activities in the Napo province (Ecuador). The environmental impacts were evaluated using the following lines of evidence (LOEs): water physicochemical parameters, metal exposure concentrations, macroinvertebrate community response (AAMBI), and toxicity by conducting bioassays with Lactuca sativa and Daphnia magna. Dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids were under (<80%) and above (>130 mg/Ls) quality standards 65% of the sites. Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in water and V, B, and Cr in sediments were detected above quality standards at sampled sites. Nine out of eleven sites were classified as having bad environmental quality based on the AAMBI. L. sativa seed germination in both water (37% to 70%) and sediment (0% to 65%) indicate significant toxicity. In five sites, neonates of D. magna showed a 25% reduction in survival compared to the control. Our integrated LOEs index ranked sites regarding their environmental degradation. We recommend environmental impact monitoring of the mining expansion at the Andes–Amazonia region using multiple LOEs.

Amphibians and reptiles of Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary,&amp;nbsp;Napo Province, Ecuador

We conducted a long-term inventory of the herpetofauna of Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary in the eastern part of the Napo Province in Ecuador. This private preserve is about 500 ha in size and is located on the southern slopes of Volc&amp;aacute;n Sumaco. The preserve contains primary forest, secondary forest, and pasture habitats. Based mostly on nocturnal transect sampling we documented 39 species of amphibians including one species of salamander, two species of caecilians, and 36 species of frogs. Rain frogs (Pristimantis Jiminez de la Espada, 1871) were diverse with 14 species documented. A diverse species assemblage of 45 reptile species was also documented on the preserve. Six amphibian species found were listed by the IUCN Red List. At least three species exhibited substantial geographic range extensions and seven species showed elevational range extensions. We discovered several undescribed species including one salamander, three frogs, one lizard, and one snake.

Active Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Schoolchildren from the Amazon Region in Napo Province, Ecuador.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a vector-borne disease with a major disease burden in the Americas, with over 6 million cases. There are about 200,000 cases in Ecuador, but the epidemiology of the disease is poorly understood, particularly in the Amazon region, making surveillance and control challenging. We determined here the seroprevalence of T. cruzi antibodies in a cohort of 516 schoolchildren aged 5-15years from Chontapunta parish, in the Napo province, Ecuador, using ELISA and indirect hemaglutination tests. We detected a seroprevalence of 0.77% (95% confidence interval 0.31-1.97%), with some significant variation among the three studied communities. These data provide evidence of the ongoing transmission of T. cruzi in this area, and support the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and patient care.

Bono de desarrollo humano y su incidencia en la calidad de vida de las beneficiarias del cantón El Chaco

El presente artículo tuvo como finalidad determinar la calidad de vida y reducción de pobreza en las familias usuarias del Bono de Desarrollo Humano con componente variable del cantón El Chaco, provincia de Napo, estas personas son beneficiarias de la política pública de carácter social por más de seis años. La investigación fue de tipo documental y de campo con un enfoque mixto, se aplicó la encuesta, entrevista y revisión documental como técnicas de investigación y se utilizó el método analítico - sintético para la interpretación de resultados. Como principales resultados se obtuvo que las familias se mantienen en la línea de pobreza extrema entre 6 y 21 años. De los montos otorgados a los grupos por el gobierno mensualmente se ha observado que no han sido suficientes para salir de pobreza extrema y mejorar la calidad de vida.

Three new species, taxonomic notes, and new geographical records of Neotropical Disteniidae (Coleoptera)

Three new species from Ecuador are described: America spinosa and America tuberevexa, from Napo Province, and Elytrimitatrix (G.) franki, from Loja Province. America biplagiata (Villiers, 1958), a species known only from the holotype, is redescribed based on males and females. The unknown male of Paracometes solangeaeBotero & Almeida, 2019 is described and illustrated by the first time. Distenia (D.) normaeBotero & Almeida, 2019 is proposed as a junior synonym of America wappesiSantos-Silva & Tavakilian, 2009. Moreover, the known geographical distributions of 10 species of Disteniidae are expanded.

Diagnóstico situacional de la comunidad Capirona, parroquia Puerto Napo, cantón Tena, provincia de Napo, previo a la elaboración del inventario de atractivos turísticos

La elaboración del diagnóstico situacional es el punto de partida para la elaboración de planes y programas tendientes al desarrollo sostenible de un territorio, sin importar donde este se encuentre. Como herramienta de planificación, el diagnóstico situacional se emplea en diversas disciplinas y, como en este caso, para el desarrollo de localidades y comunidades. De la misma forma, en el turismo, como estrategia de desarrollo territorial sostenible, el diagnóstico situacional nos permite tener una visión clara del entorno actual en el cual queremos intervenir. El presente artículo presenta el diagnóstico situacional desarrollado en la comunidad Capirona en la parroquia de Puerto Napo, cantón Tena, provincia de Napo, mismo que se elaboró como parte del Inventario de Atractivos Turísticos de la comunidad. Para el desarrollo del diagnóstico se empleó la Metodología SEMPLADES 2015, el cual permitió conocer las potencialidades, necesidades y precarias condiciones en que viven sus pobladores. Entre los principales problemas resaltan la inexistencia de servicios básicos tales como; agua potable, sistema eléctrico, sistema de alcantarillado, recolección de residuos sólidos entre otros. A estos problemas se suman el mal estado de las vías de acceso, desempleo, migración, cacería furtiva y destrucción de bosques por la tala de árboles. Es importante resaltar que la forma principal de subsistencia de los pobladores de la comunidad es la agricultura; 80% para consumo propio y un 20% para comercialización. En este contexto, el desarrollo de otras actividades, como el turismo sostenible, pueden, potencialmente, ayudar a generar recursos necesarios para los habitantes de la comunidad Capirona. Finalmente, el diagnóstico situacional pone de manifiesto la necesidad de atención por parte de las autoridades que permita a los pobladores salir del estancamiento económico, social y ambiental en el cual se encuentran al momento.