Pacific Slope Research Articles

Review: Gold Rush Manliness: Race and Gender on the Pacific Slope by Christopher Herbert

Review: <i>Gold Rush Manliness: Race and Gender on the Pacific Slope</i> by Christopher Herbert

A new Ateuchus guatemalensis (Bates, 1887) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)synonym from Mexico.

This note reports on placement of Ateuchus benitojuarezi Moctezuma, Sánchez-Huerta, Halffter, 2018 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Ateuchini) as a junior synonym of Ateuchus guatemalensis (Bates, 1887) new synonymy. Ateuchus guatemalensis was originally described from Guatemala and is now known from Chiapas (Mexico), Honduras, and Nicaragua (Kohlmann Vaz-de-Mello 2018). With the new synonym discussion below, A. guatemalensis also occurs in the Chimalapas region in Oaxaca (Mexico), thus following a very typical biogeographic distribution pattern known from other dung beetles that encompasses the Pacific slope between the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to the Nicaraguan lakes (Solís Kohlmann 2012).

The Current Structure of the Ichthyocene on the Continental Shelf’s Outer Edge and Upper Slope of the Northern Kuril Islands and Southeastern Kamchatka

A bottom trawl survey was conducted in August and September 2018 at the outer edge of the continental shelf and the upper part of the Pacific slope of the northern Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka, between 48° and 52° N, at depths of 100–1000 m. Biomass and abundance of all caught fish species were calculated using the obtained data. A total of 121 species were recorded, including 98 demersal and 23 pelagic and anadromous fishes; their total stock amounted to 406 000 t. The stock estimates of the common fish species were compared with the values inferred from analogous surveys in summer 1989 and spring 2009; a comparison of the bathymetric distribution of species between 2018 and 2009 was also carried out.

C. G. Pringle: Botanist, Traveler, and the “Flora of the Pacific Slope” (1881–1884)

C. G. Pringle: Botanist, Traveler, and the “Flora of the Pacific Slope” (1881–1884)

Late Holocene hydroclimate variability in Costa Rica: Signature of the terminal classic drought and the Medieval Climate Anomaly in the northern tropical Americas

In the northern tropical Americas (Neotropics), notable hydrological variability has been documented in multi-proxy paleoclimate records between ∼600 and 1200 CE. This interval generally overlaps with the Maya Terminal Classic Drought (TCD: ∼770–1100 CE) and the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA: ∼950–1250 CE). There is, however, limited paleoclimate data that provide reliable estimates of terrestrial thermal variability in southern Central America during this time. In this study, we present chironomid-based temperature reconstructions, developed from sediment cores from two lakes: (1) Lago Morrenas 3C, a high-elevation glacial lake located on the crest of the Atlantic slope of the Cordillera Talamanca, Costa Rica, and (2) Laguna Zoncho, a mid-elevation lake located on the Pacific slope in southern Costa Rica. Distinctive shifts in the chironomid assemblages occurred at both sites between ∼610 and 1230 CE. These changes are inferred to reflect an ∼600-year interval characterized by depressed mean annual temperatures at Lago Morrenas 3C and dry conditions and lake level decline at Laguna Zoncho. Taken together, the multi-proxy paleoclimate records from these two lakes, including stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and charcoal data, suggest that middle elevations on the Pacific slope and high elevations on the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica experienced sustained drought, and possible cooling coeval with the TCD-MCA interval. The timing of hydroclimate variability in these records provides support for the hypothesis that cooling and drought in the northern tropical Americas during the TCD and early MCA were linked to thermal changes in the tropical North Atlantic.

Genetic differentiation in the southern population of the Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas Rafinesque (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae).

The North American cyprinid Pimephales promelas is a species with a wide distribution range, occurring in distinct hydrographic basins in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Previous morphological and meristic analyses of P. promelas concluded that at least three subspecies exist in the midwestern and northeast region of the United States. No studies have been carried out on the Mexican population of P. promelas, but the findings of cryptic diversity in United States populations of this species, as well as in other codistributed fish species in Mexico could be an indication that Mexican populations of P. promelas consist of cryptic species. Using the mitochondrial gene cyt b and the first intron of the S7 ribosomal protein-coding nuclear gene we carried out phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of populations of P. promelas across its distribution range in northwestern Mexico. Using this information were analyzed the structure and differentiation level between populations of P. promelas from distinct river basins in the region in identifying cryptic diversity. Twenty-four sequences were obtained for cyt b, and 30 for S7, which included the two heterozygous alleles. The results revealed the existence of four well-differentiated lineages: (1) Yaqui in the Pacific slope; (2) Santa Maria, and (3) Casas Grandes in the Guzman Basin; and (4) Nazas+Conchos in Chihuahua state. This challenges the current taxonomy of P. promelas. Differences in the relationships between markers and the small sample size for the Santa Maria population (n = 1), indicate that our results must be corroborated with more data and morphological analyses. Biogeographic analysis of these findings suggest that the evolutionary history of P. promelas is associated with the fragmentation of the ancestral Rio Grande river system since Miocene in northwestern Mexico consistent with findings for codistributed fish species.

Two New Species of Pristimantis (Amphibia: Anura: Strabomantidae) from Southwestern Colombia

We describe two new species of Pristimantis from southwestern Colombia. The first new species inhabits the humid Pacific slopes of the Cordillera Occidental, Valle del Cauca; it is most similar to three allopatric Ecuadorian species—P. eugeniae (Lynch and Duellman 1997), P. nyctophylax (Lynch 1976), and P. subsigillatus (Boulenger 1902). It is distinguished, however, by having subarticular tubercles beneath the joint between distal phalanges, basal webbing on outer edge of toe IV, papilla at the tip of snout, and uniform cream-brown coloration on the anterior surfaces of thighs and in the groin. The second new species inhabits the high mountains of the Cordillera Central, Cauca, and it is most similar to P. boulengeri (Lynch 1981) and two Peruvian species—P. deyiLehr et al. 2013 and P. schultei (Duellman 1990). However, it differs by having subarticular tubercles beneath the joint between distal phalanges, dorsal skin with low warts, papilla at the tip of snout, and by lacking tympanic membranes, dentigerous processes of the vomer, and vocal slits.

A new glassfrog (Centrolenidae) from the Chocó-Andean Río Manduriacu Reserve, Ecuador, endangered by mining.

We describe a new glassfrog from Río Manduriacu Reserve, Imbabura Province, on the Pacific slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. The new species can be distinguished from most other glassfrogs by having numerous yellow spots on the dorsum and lacking membranes among fingers. Both morphological and molecular data support the placement of the species in the genus Nymphargus. We present a new mitochondrial phylogeny of Nymphargus and discuss the speciation patterns of this genus; most importantly, recent speciation events seem to result from the effect of the linearity of the Andes. Finally, although the new species occurs within a private reserve, it is seriously endangered by mining activities; thus, following IUCN criteria, we consider the new species as Critically Endangered.

Pacífico FL 15 y Golfo FL 16, variedades multiambientales de arroz con grano extra largo para México

Durante 2012-2015 se seleccionaron, evaluaron biométricamente, purificaron y se caracterizaron morfológicamente en planta y grano las líneas de arroz FL07562-7P-3-3P-2P-M-150pZa-250pZa-0Za y FL08224-3P-2-1P-3P-M-150pZa-250pZa-0Za. Por su elevado y estable potencial de rendimiento, tanto en la vertiente del Pacífico como del Golfo de México, en 2016 se propuso su liberación y registro ante el Servicio Nacional de Inspección y Certificación de Semillas (SNICS) como nuevas variedades Pacífico FL15 (registro ARZ-026-010716) y Golfo FL 16 (registro ARZ-025-010716), y en 2018 fueron asignados los números 1871 y 1872 de título de obtentor, respectivamente. Ambas variedades son resistentes al complejo sogata-VHB (virus de la hoja blanca) y a enfermedad endémica ‘quema del arroz’ (Pyricularia oryzae), y son moderadamente resistentes a la enfermedad ‘grano manchado’ causada por Helminthosporium oryzae en asociación con otros patógenos. El grano de ambas variedades es extra largo con excelente calidad molinera y buena calidad culinaria. Se produjo semilla básica y en octubre de 2016 se entregaron al Consejo Mexicano del Arroz, AC., 2.42 t de Pacífico FL 15 y 2.1 t de Golfo FL 16, y en otoño-invierno 2016-2017 se inició un programa de producción de semillas registradas y certificadas, para la siembra en áreas arroceras de la vertiente de océano Pacífico y las planicies del Golfo de México. Con estas variedades los arroceros contribuiran con 300 000 t de arroz de grano extra largo que demanda la población.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Precursors of quasi-decadal dry-spells in the Central America Dry Corridor

Although the hydric stress in Central America is generally low, there is a region relatively drier and prone to drought known as the Central America Dry Corridor (CADC). The area of interest is located mainly in the Pacific slope of Central America, from Chiapas in southern Mexico, to the Nicoya Peninsula in the Costa Rican North Pacific. Most of the region has experienced significant warming trends (1970–1999). On the contrary precipitation and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) have mainly displayed non-significant trends. Analysis using the Standardized Precipitation Index and PDSI in the CADC, suggests a significant periodicity of severe and sustained droughts of around 10 years. The drought response has been associated with tropical heating that drives an atmospheric response through strengthening of the Hadley cell, which in turn produces higher pressure in the subtropical highs, and intensification of the trade winds (indexed by the Caribbean Low Level Jet). It is important to determine the commonness of severe and sustained droughts in the CADC to improve water resources planning, as this is a region that depends on subsistence agriculture and presents high social and economic vulnerabilities.

Drymonia croatii (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the Pacific slopes of the Colombian Andes

Drymonia croatii, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the Pacific slopes of the Colombian Andes (department of Valle del Cauca) is described and illustrated. Drymonia croatii is similar to D. ovatifolia and D. foliacea; it is differentiated by the following characters: indument on stem and leaves composed of a combination of simple (septate and non-septate) and glandular hairs; peltate glandular hairs on the abaxial surfaces of leaf blades, inflorescence bracts and calyx; corolla tube white with purple veins outside and a yellow ventral canal inside, basal third of the corolla tube narrow, corolla lobes purple with fimbriate margins; and a fleshy capsule with reflexed valves that are light yellow with brown dots adaxially.

Essential Oil of Piper oradendron from the Pacific Slope of Guatemala

Essential oils of leaves of the endemic species Piper oradendron Trel. &amp; Standl. (Piperaceae) were obtained from three sites of the Guatemalan Pacific slope. The yields of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation varied from the site of collection (0.4-1.4%). The GC/MS analysis showed that sample A (Samayac) had up to 53 peaks that were identified, B (Popoyá) showed 31 peaks and C (Bulbuxyá) showed 22; major constituents were similar in the three samples, including α- and β-pinene (28.3-46.9%), germacrene D (10.7-22.7%), and iso-spathulenol (10.2-22-3%). This is the first report on the chemical composition of the essential oil of samples of P. oradendron from different provenances of Guatemala, suggesting little variability in its main components.

Phylogeographic study on a cryptic dojo loach species (Misgurnus sp. Type I) in Japan

Event Abstract Back to Event Phylogeographic study on a cryptic dojo loach species (Misgurnus sp. Type I) in Japan Ryuya Okada1*, Keigo Morita1, Taichiro Toyama2, Hiroshi Onozato3, Keisuke Takata4 and Tadao Kitagawa1 1 Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Japan 2 Other, Japan 3 Other, Japan 4 Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, Japan Recent genetic study revealed that the Japanese population of the dojo loach (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus species complex) included a cryptic species distributed in discontinuous restricted areas in certain parts of north-eastern Japan (Misgurnus sp. Type I, hereafter called as Type I loach), and a common dojo loach species widely distributed throughout the Japanese Archipelago (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, hereafter called as Type II loach). Type I loach is considered a relic species of the ancestral dojo loach type and its phylogeographic information can provide crucial perspective on the formation of Japanese archipelago and its fauna. However, its original distribution range is ambiguous due to the recent artificially created species and existence of hybrid populations involving Type II loach. In this study, we conducted comprehensive sample collection throughout the possible species’ range. Furthermore, we performed genetic analysis using the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene sequence of mtDNA to reveal the phylogeographic pattern of Type I loach. Mitochondrial haplotypes originating from Type I loach were detected from 34 populations from an eastern part of Honshu Island and Hokkaido Island. In the phylogenetic tree, the haplotypes of the Type I loach formed two major clades, namely consisting of haplotypes from populations in eastern Honshu’s Pacific slope and those from other areas (averaged sequence divergence was about 9 %). This intimated long-term isolation of the populations between the regions. Furthermore, the eastern Pacific Honshu clade consisted of three subclades, corresponding well with their geographic proximity. Similarly, the other clade consisted of three subclades; however, two subclades were haplotype admixtures detected from geographically distant areas. Since some haplotypes were commonly detected ranging from northern Honshu to Hokkaido even across the major faunal boundary line between the Honshu and Hokkaido Island (Brakiston Line), we found that the current distribution patterns are strongly affected by artificial introductions. No significant geographical genetic structures in Hokkaido Island populations were observed, suggesting that their origin was artificial. The hybrid origin populations’ distribution pattern corresponded with the areas related to artificial introductions. Conclusively, artificial disturbances within natural distribution are likely contributors of hybrid population formation. Keywords: mitochondrial DNA, Relic, Native population, Introduced population, hybridization, Hokkaido Conference: XVI European Congress of Ichthyology, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2 Sep - 6 Sep, 2019. Presentation Type: Poster Topic: TAXONOMY, PHYLOGENY AND ZOOGEOGRAPHY Citation: Okada R, Morita K, Toyama T, Onozato H, Takata K and Kitagawa T (2019). Phylogeographic study on a cryptic dojo loach species (Misgurnus sp. Type I) in Japan. Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: XVI European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2019.07.00118 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 12 May 2019; Published Online: 14 Aug 2019. * Correspondence: Dr. Ryuya Okada, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan, cop1008bz@yahoo.co.jp Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Ryuya Okada Keigo Morita Taichiro Toyama Hiroshi Onozato Keisuke Takata Tadao Kitagawa Google Ryuya Okada Keigo Morita Taichiro Toyama Hiroshi Onozato Keisuke Takata Tadao Kitagawa Google Scholar Ryuya Okada Keigo Morita Taichiro Toyama Hiroshi Onozato Keisuke Takata Tadao Kitagawa PubMed Ryuya Okada Keigo Morita Taichiro Toyama Hiroshi Onozato Keisuke Takata Tadao Kitagawa Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Spatial and temporal patterns, trends and teleconnection of cumulative rainfall deficits across Central America

Central America is a region vulnerable to hydrometeorological threats. Recently, the impacts of droughts caused higher economic losses in comparison to, for example, floods and landslides. This study focuses on the spatio‐temporal behaviour of cumulative rainfall deficits across Central America attempting to provide an historical context to the most recent drought episodes. We developed a long‐term (1950–2014), monthly rainfall data set that merged large‐scale interpolated products with a station observation network to spatially and temporally evaluate the 12‐month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI12) across the region. We found that El Niño cannot always be associated with drier conditions and that severe droughts are likely to spatially develop from localized phenomena to cover the entire region beyond the Central American drought corridor (CADC). Furthermore, there is not always a clear separation into the Pacific and Caribbean domain in terms of drought behaviour, but generally El Niño episodes can be associated with drier conditions on the Pacific slope and wetter conditions in the Caribbean. We could also show that trends in the SPI series are spatially variable and that more localized significant positive and negative trends exist throughout Central America. For example, central pacific Nicaragua was identified as a hot spot for significant drying conditions related to El Niño. We aim at developing this effort into a near‐real time and publicly available drought monitor in the near future to increase resilience and adaption efforts in the region.

Species of Ancistrus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from Ecuador, with the description of a new species from the Amazon River Basin.

To elucidate the species of the genus Ancistrus that inhabit freshwater systems of Ecuador, cataloged lots of the Fish Collection, Museo de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional (MEPN), in Quito, were analyzed. Four species were identified: Ancistrus alga (Cope, 1872), A. malacops (Cope, 1872), A. clementinae Rendahl, 1937, and a new species that herein is described. Ancistrus clementinae inhabits aquatic systems of the Pacific slope, mostly in the Guayas River drainage. The other three species live in freshwater systems that drain to the Amazon River Basin. Ancistrus alga inhabit the northern and central portions of eastern Ecuador. Ancistrus malacops has a broad distribution from north to south, but is absent from the Santiago River. Both species occasionally live in sympatry. The new species is restricted to the Santiago River, in Morona-Santiago province. Each species has unique external morphological features and/or a coloration pattern that allow unambiguous identification, at least of males. This paper provides a description of the new species, and a re-description and images of the other three.

A new Platystele (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from the western mountains of Colombia

A new species of miniature orchid, Platystele riograndense, endemic to the Pacific slope of the western Cordillera, Municipality of Restrepo, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is described and illustrated. Platystele riograndense is similar to P. filamentosa, but the new species has wider leaves, denser and shorter inflorescences and sigmoid (versus convex) lip. Ecological notes are provided. It is the second new species described of Canyon of Rio Grande new protected area in the last four years.

Water quality management through community engagement in Costa Rica

Concerns about stream water quality are increasing in Latin America. Poor sanitation infrastructure coupled with a high demand from agricultural development, recreational use, drinking, and sanitation creates a strong need to balance water quality and quantity to meet these demands. Wastewater from various levels of development combined with changes in climate and rainfall patterns has created unique watershed management challenges. Ecologically, tropical river watersheds with their unique hydrology (wet and dry seasons), steep slopes, characteristically long shape, and rapidly changing life zones present management challenges. Sociologically, weak overall protective legislation, streambed manipulation, withdrawals, minimal wastewater treatment, and beliefs water is abundant have produced a lax attitude for protection. To assess these concerns, we studied three river watersheds within a biological corridor along a northern Pacific slope in Costa Rica. We characterized baseline river water quality and then paired biological and chemical parameters to develop an index of water quality. Results suggest agricultural inputs and withdrawal, greywater urban inputs, community water use, and natural features of the watershed including climate concerns must be managed together to improve water quality and provide adequate water resources. Community involvement, along with a water quality index useable by the general public, was a key to the overall success of the project.

Camelobaetidius guaycara, a new species of Baetidae (Ephemeroptera) from Costa Rica, Central America.

The nymphs of a new species of Camelobaetidius (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) possibly related to the South American species of this genus were found on the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of Costa Rica. Among other characteristics it is distinguished by having the anterodorsal arc of labrum with 1 + 6 setae, the first two frayed, ventrally 4 small setae near the lateral margin, and a minute seta near the anterior margin, on both sides of the cleft; the left mandible incisors with 6 denticles similar in size and the tip of the slender process extended at about the same level as the incisors; the paraglossa and glossa equal in length and a little shorter than segment II of labial palp, and a short triangular distomedial projection on segment II of labial palp; small nipple-like thoracic gills at base of forecoxa; claws with 27-32 denticles; posterior margin of abdominal terga with rounded spines; paraproct with 1-3 sclerotized spines, and cerci approximately 12% longer than the median filament. Both sexes present several different colorations. Some data on microhabitat preferences of nymphs are also given.

Density and population estimates of Rose-bellied Bunting (Passerina rositae), Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow (Peucaea sumichrasti), and Orange-breasted Bunting (Passerina lechlancherii) in the Sierra Tolistoque, Oaxaca, Mexico

Micro-endemic species are at greater risk of extinction because of their small populations and limited distribution. We conducted a breeding population survey of 3 little-known Mexican endemic bird species: Rose-bellied Bunting (Passerina rositae), Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow (Peucaea sumichrasti), and Orange-breasted Bunting (Passerina lechlancherii) in Sierra Tolistoque, Oaxaca. The purpose of the survey was to (a) determine the population density and size of these 3 species in the Sierra Tolistoque, (b) estimate the relative importance of various landscape features for each species, and (c) provide more rigorous scientific information to aid in the conservation and management of these species. In the case of Rose-bellied Bunting, we aimed to assess whether it prefers ravines over other landscape types during the breeding seasons, as stated in previous studies. Between late May and June 2012, we conducted point counts (n = 209) throughout the southern slope of the Sierra Tolistoque on the Pacific slope of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in Oaxaca, Mexico. Overall bird density was 0.98 birds/ha for Rose-bellied Bunting, 0.547 birds/ha for Orange-breasted Bunting, and 0.514 birds/ha for Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow. The estimated population in each landscape category showed that despite the existence of subtle interspecific preferences, hillsides are the major reservoirs for the 3 species. Rose-bellied Bunting did not occur in greater density in ravines compared to hillsides, which comprised more than twice the area of ravines. The importance of the Sierra Tolistoque for the long-term conservation of the 2 micro-endemic species is crucial considering our population estimates suggest that ∼30% of the estimated world population of Rose-bellied Bunting and Cinnamon-tailed Sparrow are found within the range of the Sierra Tolistoque.

Jaguar in the Tepalcatepec basin in central-western Michoacán, México

The international conservation status of the jaguar (Panthera onca) is Near Threatened, reason to seek priority regions for its conservation. Both national and international geographical distribution models assume that in the Mexican Pacific slope, the jaguar is present from Sonora to Chiapas and constitute a single subpopulation. However, the possible connectivity routes between different distributional areas in the Pacific region of Mexico, are still unknown. In August 2015, it was initiated a community participatory monitoring program in the southwest of the municipality of Tocumbo, Michoacan, in the Tepalcatepec basin. Exploratory sampling consisted of the opportunistic placement of five Cuddeback X-Change camera traps on tracks and roads where inhabitants of the area had identified wildlife activity. The cameras were placed at a distance of between 200 and 1,000 m. With a sampling effort of 1,200 days/camera, on January 5th, 2017 three photographs of a jaguar were obtained at 00:52 h. The record site is a dirt trail located 3.5 km from the state limit with Jalisco, on the edges of an agricultural area surrounded by tropical dry deciduous forest at an elevation of 1,287 masl. In addition, potential prey such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), collared peccary (Dicotyles angulatus), coati (Nasua narica), and predators competitors such as puma (Puma concolor) and coyote (Canis latrans) were recorded. The jaguar presence in the Tepalcatepec river basin provides valuable baseline information in two aspects. It incorporates an alternative and suitable route with validating a contact area between Jalisco and Michoacan for the mobility of jaguars. In addition, is supporting evidence for the hypothesis that the state contain key regions for the design of a viable conservation corridor on the central Pacific for the jaguar. Knowing in which areas the jaguars maintain activity facilitates the design of more accurate distribution models and potential corridors for Michoacan and neighboring states. Therefore, survey efforts should continue in these regions, where flora and fauna assemblages include several endangered species.