Parque Nacional Research Articles

Insect galls of Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil)

The Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO) is an integral protection conservation unit inserted in the domain of the Atlantic forest. This Park was investigated monthly from September to December/2021 and from March to May/2022 for insect galls. Host plants were identified and their exsiccates were deposited in the herbarium (R) of the Museu Nacional. Insects obtained by gall dissection and rearing were deposited in the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional (MNRJ). The conservational status of the host plants and their origin were verified in the site Flora e Funga do Brasil (2023). New records of host plants in Brazil are presented based on comparison with literature data. PARNASO hosts a great richness of galls (290 gall morphotypes on 43 plant families). Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae, Mikania Willd. (Asteraceae), Miconia Ruiz & Pav. (Melastomataceae), and Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae), and Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) were the botanical taxa with the highest number of gall morphotypes, all of them were previously indicated as super hosts in inventories in forest formations of the Atlantic forest, except Rubiaceae. PARNASO includes 148 gall-inducing species native to Brazil, being 69 endemic; among the last 23 are exclusive to the Atlantic forest. Eight gall-inducing species are endangered and four are near threathned. Most galls were found on leaves. The most frequent gall characters were: globoid shape, green color, and glabrous surface. Most galls were induced by Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), however galls of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, and Hymenoptera wera also found. These are the known patterns in Brazil. The secondary fauna was reported in 62 gall morphotypes and included parasitoids (Hymenoptera), successors (Collembola, Hemiptera and Thysanoptera), cecidophagous (Lepidoptera), and predators (spiders). Parasitoids were the most frequent. Seven gall midge species are recorded for the first time in this Park.

Characteristics and spatial identification of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus Sirenia: Trichechidae) strandings in Guatemala

Introduction: Marine mammal strandings can be used to determine the impacts of anthropogenic activity on the species survival, population health, and levels of environmental pollution in ecosystems. In addition, these data can help design conservation and management strategies as well as identify priority areas for the species. The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is listed as endangered throughout its range. In Guatemala, it is distributed along the Caribbean coast. Anthropogenic activities appear to be having a direct pressure on the species, affecting the status of the population.
 Objective: The general purpose of this study was to analyze the 30 years of documented manatee stranding reports available for Guatemala. Two specific objectives were defined to: 1) conduct a spatial analysis of manatee strandings to identify the areas of high stranding concentration, and 2) determine whether there were sex differences in the number of strandings.
 Methods: Characteristics and areas of concentration of manatee strandings were described along the Caribbean coast between 1992 to 2022. Sites with the highest probable density of strandings were identified using a Kernel density analysis. We compared the number of stranding events that occurred in each protected area that included manatees in their management plans and each municipality of Izabal. We determined whether there were sex differences in the number of stranded manatees. We use the potential biological removal to estimate the maximum number of manatees that can be removed from the population due to anthropogenic causes without negatively impacting species survival.
 Results: Forty-three manatee stranding events were recorded throughout the species’ range in Guatemala (48 total individuals). The sites with the highest predicted density of strandings were Santo Tomás de Castilla bay, followed by Lake Izabal (including the limits of the Refugio de Vida Silvestre Bocas del Polochic) and Parque Nacional Río Dulce. The majority of the cases were registered in protected areas (60 %). Estimates of potential biological removal were equivalent to less than one manatee per year, which was exceeded by the annual average of stranded manatees recorded (three manatees).
 Conclusions: Anthropogenic activities cause mortality of manatees in this region, despite the implementation of protected areas. Poaching was identified as the main cause of manatee mortality in Guatemala. The implementation of management strategies focused on minimizing threats to the species, based on the application of environmental legislation and environmental awareness, is essential. The creation and implementation of a protocol for the stranding of marine mammals on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala is necessary, in order to obtain standardized records of these events and conduct rescue efforts and releases when possible.

Análisis de la cobertura boscosa del Parque Nacional Tingo María (Perú) utilizando el algoritmo random forest

The establishment of natural protected areas is one of the most effective strategies to conserve forests and their biodiversity; however, the uncontrolled advance of deforestation resulting from the change of use to expand the agricultural frontier has become a threat to these intangible areas. This research aimed to analyze the dynamics of forest cover in Parque Nacional Tingo María (PNTM) and its buffer zone (ZA) located in the high jungle of the Huánuco region of Peru. The main input was Sentinel-2 images that were classified using the Random Forest algorithm. As a result, coverage maps were obtained for the study area corresponding to the years 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023, achieving considerable thematic accuracy. During the evaluation periods, the rates of change from forest to non-forest within the PNTM presented low values -0.26% (2017 - 2019); -1.24% (2019 - 2021) and -0.02% (2021 - 2023). While the forests in the ZA have undergone a dynamic transition, with rates of change of -2.97%; -4.39% and -1.15% derived from land use change. The landscape metrics suggest that the forests of the PNTM are moderately fragmented, and the forests of the ZA are strongly fragmented, which leads to the conclusion that the protected natural area has fulfilled its objective of maintaining vegetation cover.

Rediscovery of Forcipomyia (Trichohelea) opilionivora (Lane, 1947) (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) in Brazil after 75 years

The species Forcipomyia (Trichohelea) opilionivora (Lane, 1947) (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) was rediscovered in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 75 years after its original description. This study aimed to investigate the ectoparasitic relationship between F. (T.) opilionivora and its host and document its occurrence, which was recorded serendipitously during the collection of Opiliones (harvestmen) specimens in Parque Nacional do Itatiaia in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After the collection, both specimens were subjected to photographic documentation and preserved for further examination. This study presents the first photographic record of the ectoparasitic relationship between F. (T.) opilionivora and a harvestman, shedding light on a poorly studied interaction. The host specimen was identified as a female of Holcobunus nigripalpis Roewer, 1910 (Opiliones, Sclerosomatidae), a gagrelline commonlyfound in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Previous records of ectoparasitism between Ceratopogonidae and harvestmen were limited to the family level (Sclerosomatidae species, specifically Gagrellinae or Leiobuninae). However, no specific host species had been identified until now. The rediscovery of F. (T.) opilionivora, along with the identification of its host, addresses a significant gap in our knowledge regarding the biology and distribution of this species and provides valuable insights into the intricate relationships between biting midges and arachnids. This study emphasizes the need for further investigations into the biology of these ectoparasitic species and underscores the importance of documenting and studying lesser-known interactions within ecosystems.

Clistoabdominalis Skevington, 2001 (Diptera: Pipunculidae) of Colombia, with description of a new species and an updated key to males of the Neotropical species.

Clistoabdominalis Skevington, 2001 has a cosmopolitan distribution and is a poorly studied genus of big-headed flies (Pipunculidae) in the Neotropical Region, completely unknown in Colombia. A new species is described from protected areas and conflict territories of limited access in Colombia, namely Clistoabdominalis lucyae sp. nov. (type-locality: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona). Clistoabdominalis spinitibialis (Hardy, 1954) is recorded for the first time in Colombia, and an amended diagnosis provided. Illustrations and a dichotomic key to the Neotropical species of Clistoabdominalis are also presented.

Morphological and DNA-based description of Trichophoromyia peixotoi n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae), a new sand fly species from the Brazilian Amazon

Background Phlebotomine sand flies of the genus Trichophoromyia Barretto, 1962 are of great relevance to public health as vectors of Leishmania protozoans. A new phlebotomine species named Trichophoromyia peixotoi n. sp. is here described based on both male morphology and COI DNA barcodes.MethodsThe sand fly specimens were collected in the Parque Nacional da Amazônia (PNA), situated in the municipality of Itaituba, state of Pará, Brazil. Morphological description was done based on 10 male specimens. Five specimens were DNA barcoded for the COI gene.ResultsThe morphological and molecular analyses allowed the delimitation of this new species from others of Trichophoromyia. Trichophoromyia peixotoi n. sp. is closely related to other species with aedeagal ducts > 4 times the length of the sperm pump, from which it may be distinguished by the gonocoxite bristles and paramere shape.ConclusionsThe description of T. peixotoi n. sp. brings the number of species of Trichophoromyia to 45, including 24 for Brazil. The integrative taxonomy effort through the analysis of COI barcodes proved to be effective in the species delimitation of some Trichophoromyia spp.Graphical

The structure of zooplankton and its relationship to marine conditions in the northern Colombian Caribbean

During the dry and rainy seasons of 2019, two research cruises were conducted to determine the composition, abundance, biomass, and diversity of the zooplankton assemblage, and its relationship with the water conditions, along the northern Colombian Caribbean coast. The 21 sampling locations were situated in two of the Colombian Caribbean’s physicochemical provinces: Magdalena-Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (Mag-CGSM) and Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona-Guajira (PNNT-Gua). At each location, samples were collected using a bongo net through circular surface tows. Eighty-seven taxa (72 families and 15 morphotypes) were recorded, with the highest number of families found in Mag-CGSM during the dry season. The highest abundance and biomass were observed in PNNT-Gua during the rainy season while the highest species diversity was recorded in PNNT-Gua during the dry season. Conversely, the lowest species diversity was detected in the same province during the rainy season, coinciding with an increase in dominant families. This increase in dominance resulted in a decrease in uniformity. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the assemblage were most closely associated with the dissolved oxygen and salinity, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the structure of the zooplankton community.

Diversity of dinosaur tracks and swim traces in a new site in the Upper Cretaceous El Molino Formation, Torotoro National Park, Bolivia

In January 2021, a new site containing dinosaur trackways was uncovered at kilometer 99 during the Anzaldo to Torotoro highway construction. The trackways were found on two beds of ooid and ostracod-bearing quartz arenites of about 160 m2, each separated by roughly 2 m of calcareous siltstone. In the lower layer, five theropod and five sauropod trackways were identified, three trackways of uncertain identity, and three trackways of didactyl tracks. Due to time constraints, only the upper layer containing a rich assemblage of theropod tracks and traces was thoroughly studied before road construction removed the bed. The upper bed contained 493 tracks in 88 trackways. Of those trackways, 21 consisted of a single, isolated track. In addition to tracks, 73 swim traces from 14 trackways were characterized. We distinguished five track morphotypes based on the morphology of the digits and pedal impression. Swim traces occurred in three distinct morphotypes. Invertebrate burrowing and sediment collapse, after the kick-off phase of track formation, partially modified most tracks. Before substrate stabilization, the water level rose, and dinosaurs swam in the area, leaving characteristic swim trackways with their feet scratching the bottom. This report records abundant theropod tracks and swim traces in a fortuitous exposure that is no longer accessible and comments on behavioral and paleoenvironmental implications. This location adds to the significance of the dinosaur track record of the Parque Nacional Torotoro (Torotoro National Park), Bolivia.

Sex ratio of the coprophagous beetle community (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the Andean Amazon, Caquetá, Colombia.

Objective: Our study aimed to test whether the populations of dung beetle maintain the Fisherian sexes ratio a primary forest of an Andean-Amazonian ecosystems. Scope. Promote knowledge of the diversity of Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae from Caquetá, Colombia. Methodology: Coprophagous beetles were collected using 50 Pitfall traps baited with human feces separated from each other by 10 meters. Each trap was active for 72 continuous hours. Species were classified according to the trophic guilds and three size categories. Sampling effort was explored using an accumulation curve, meanwhile, Hill numbers were calculated to measure diversity. the Fisher test was performed to analyze the sexual ratio. A Chi-Square (X2) goodness test was performed to analyze if there were significant differences between trophic guild, species, sex and sizes. Results: In total, 693 individuals were collected, distributed in 12 genera and 26 species. The most abundant species were Eurysternus cayennensis Castelnau, 1840 and Dichotomius ( ichotomius) quinquelobatus (Felsche, 1910). The dominant trophic guilds were Diggers. The accumulation curve showed that the sampling effort were satisfactory, meanwhile, the Hill index showed that the abundances between species are heterogeneous. Fisher’s test showed a sexual ratio of 1.4:1 male-female. The X2 test showed that there were significant differences between the trophic guild, species, sex and sizes. This study is the first approximation of the sexual ratio of dung beetles in the Colombian Andean-Amazonian region. Conclusions: This study provides relevant information on the sex ratio and habits occurrence for 12 genera and 26 species of Scarabaeidae that occur in the Parque Nacional Natural Alto Fragua Indi Wasi, San José del Fragua, Caquetá, Colombia.

Morphological, geographic and ecological evidence support a new species of Chusquea subg. Swallenochloa (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) from Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Brazil

Specimens from the Serra do Caparaó (border of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states in Brazil) previously treated as Chusquea aff. heterophylla were compared with C. heterophylla. We found differences in macromorphology (including habit, culm leaf persistence and indument, subsidiary branch number, foliage leaf indument on sheath and blades, and spikelet size and bract proportions), abaxial micromorphology of the foliage leaf blades (including silica cell shape, prickle hair shape, bicellular microhair relative size and proportion of its cells, macrohair presence, long cell papillar shape, and subsidiary cell papillar shape and orientation) and in geographic distribution and habitat. These differences were considered enough to describe Chusquea riparia as a new species herein considered as microendemic to the Parque Nacional do Caparaó, growing only in riparian areas of montane Atlantic forest and campos de altitude. We provide illustrations, maps, taxonomic and phenological comments on the new species, and a key to the species of C. subg. Swallenochloa from the Parque Nacional do Caparaó.

Determination of the critical threshold for the occurrence of fires in the Parque Nacional de Brasília (Brazil) through temporal analysis using spectral índices

The Brazilian Savannah is one of the largest biomes in Brazil. Unfortunately, human pressure is aggravating the degradation processes of the biome and, together with the drought processes, fire events are a major concern. Monitoring tools must be designed, especially those involving the concepts of remote sensing, in anticipation of the fire phenomenon, mitigating the devastating effects. Therefore, the present research aims to determine the critical threshold for the occurrence of fires through the diagnosis of the conditions of greenness, humidity and senescence of the vegetation using the temporal analysis of Sentinel-2 images in the Parque Nacional de Brasília. Therefore, it is necessary to quantitatively determine each condition through the analysis of past events, determining the criticality threshold that conditions the region to present conditions that favor the onset of a fire, as well as the construction of an algorithm, in the Google Earth Engine. The study area is the Parque Nacional de Brasília, with the image data collection Harmonized Sentinel-2 MSI: MultiSpectral Instrument, Level-1C inside the Google Earth Engine. The algorithm aims to build a masking system to remove materials from the scenes, as well as the calculation of the NDVI, NDII, PSRI and dNBR indices, extracting the data through the mask of burned pixels. It was possible to identify six periods of fire occurrence, the data extraction allowed the statistical determination of the threshold, which was 0,580 for the NDVI, 0,015 for the NDII and 0,150 for the PSRI.

Unravelling geological controls on groundwater flow and surface water-groundwater interaction in mountain systems: A multi-disciplinary approach

Mountain water resources are considered to be the world’s water towers. Still, despite their importance for downstream societies and ecosystems and their vulnerability to climate change, they remain poorly understood – It is the case in particular of mountain groundwater systems. Their complexity makes them difficult to conceptualize, while their remoteness makes them difficult to study, both observationally and instrumentally. Understanding mountain hydrogeological systems is mostly limited by the lack of characterization of the subsurface geologic framework and by the limited understanding of the role of geological structures on groundwater flow and on surface water-groundwater interaction. Removing methodological barriers is therefore a necessary step for improving the understanding of mountain hydrogeological systems.To tackle this problem, we develop a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach to gain insights into the hydrogeological role of geological structures in ungauged mountain catchments. The methodology consists of several complementary methods: (1) geological mapping at multiple scales; (2) a geophysical study including on-ground Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and, gravimetry transects, and a UAV-based magnetic survey; (3) hydraulic data, including a 9 km long transect of streamflow measurements in the recession period, the long-term Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and varied hydric markers (e.g., a thermal spring and a puddle). The methodology is tested in the Parque Nacional del Río Clarillo, an ungauged catchment in the Andes Mountains (≈130 km2) that is illustrative of the complexity of mountain hydrosystems featuring fault zones, weathered zones, intrusive rocks, and volcano-sedimentary successions.An increase of approximately 50% in the streamflow is observed over a short distance of 1 km. Such a localized and significant increase in the baseflow is not related to any superficial supply and can only be explained by groundwater exfiltration. Based on the multiscale geological mapping and geophysical survey, a regional N-S fault and a secondary set of E-W local faults are identified in the vicinity of the resurgence area, which conjointly are likely to export groundwater from a neighbouring subcatchment up to the resurgence area. Downstream of the resurgence area, no significant change in the baseflow is observed, corresponding to the presence of an impermeable granitic pluton identified by the geological and geophysical mapping. Finally, a fractured zone in the Andean foothills is identified in the volcanic unit, which coincides with a perennial thermal spring, indicating upwelling flow and hydrogeological connectivity between the mountain block and the alluvial basin.The results strongly support the ability of the proposed methodology to identify geological structures that substantially impact the evolution of the baseflow through the catchment. The complementary multi-disciplinary methods are used innovatively to infer the link between geological and hydrogeological structures. The methodology does not aim to fully characterize the geological framework of the catchment but pragmatically focuses on hydrogeologically pertinent structures that may impact baseflow and consequently catchment management.

Metal Contents in Feathers from Birds (Rhynchopsitta terrisi, and Columba livia) with Different Ecological Niches.

The metal contaminants can be utilized as an ecological tool to analyze niche partition in birds. As environmental contamination biological indicators, essential (Zn, Cu, and Cr) and non-essential (Pb and Cd) metals in the flight feathers of the Maroon-fronted Parrot and Pigeon with different ecological niches were assessed. The feathers of the parrot were gathered at a national park (Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey) and the feathers of pigeons were collected at an urban site, that is, the city of Monterrey, Mexico. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to establish the concentration of metals in the feathers. Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd were detected in the two studied samples. The results obtained in this study exhibited an increase in metal concentrations in pigeon feathers with respect to parrot feathers. In conclusion, employing parrot and pigeon feathers comprises an important tool to track trace-metal occurrence in the environment and metal accumulation in birds. This information is crucial to possess in order to minimize exposure to essential metals in species of wild birds with different ecological niches.

Argia koroivarum sp. nov. (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) from Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil.

Argia koroivarum sp. nov. (BRAZIL, Minas Gerais state, São Roque de Minas, Parque Nacional Serra da Canastra, 9.iv.2019, (-20.2323, -46.6084, 1306m asl), D.S. Vilela, R. Guillermo, R. Koroiva leg., Laboratory of Ecological Studies on Ethology and Evolution (LESTES), Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil) is described, illustrated, and diagnosed based on specimens collected in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed from its congeners by the morphology of male ligula, dorsal branch of paraproct, and of female mesostigmal lobes.

ÍNDICE DE RASTROS Y CARACTERÍSTICAS DE LA VEGETACIÓN DEL HÁBITAT DE Mazama temama (KERR 1792) INMERSA EN EL PARQUE NACIONAL CAÑÓN DE RÍO BLANCO, VERACRUZ, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background. </strong>The red temazate deer (<em>Mazama temama</em>, Artiodactyla: Cervidae) is a deer with ecological, cultural and economic importance, but its density and habitat characteristics in National Parks are unknown. <strong>Objective.</strong> To estimate the track index as an indirect measure of density and describe the vegetation characteristics of the habitat of <em>M. temama</em> in the town of Zapoapan, Parque Nacional Cañón del Río (PNCRB), Veracruz, Mexico. <strong>Methodology.</strong> During January to October 2021, eight transects were established to record tracks, phototraps were installed to determine their presence, and Canfield lines were used to describe the vegetation in areas with the presence of the species. <strong>Results.</strong> Twenty-three tracks of <em>M. temama</em> were recorded: nine tracks (39%), six excreta (26%), three foraging tracks (13%), three stalls (13%) and two photocaptures (8%), equivalent to an index tracks of 0.57 individuals/ha or 2.2 ha/individual, low density compared to other reports of the species. The habitat presented a richness of 19 species of plants, the shrubs being more abundant (36%) than the herbaceous and arboreal (represented by 32% each); the tree layer was dominant in terms of height and diameter. <strong>Implications.</strong> These results suggest that the habitat does not have sufficient diversity of resources to maintain a dense population of <em>M. temama</em>. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The population density of <em>M. temama</em> in the PNCRB was low associated with a restricted carrying capacity in the study area, so actions must be taken towards the conservation and sustainable use of the population of this species.</p>

Ancient parasite infections from the main Pampean-Patagonian cemetery of hunter-gatherer of prehistoric times: Archaeological site Chenque I (Parque Nacional Lihué Calel, La Pampa Province, Argentina)

Paleoparasitological studies of human sediment samples from prehistoric times of Argentina are scarce. The objective of the present study is to enhance the knowledge of parasitic infections affecting hunter-gatherer populations inhabiting the Pampean region of Argentina in prehistoric times. A total of 33 samples from 12 inhumation structures of archaeological site Chenque I, the unique cementery studied in Argentina until now from a paleoparasitological point of view, were studied. Chenque I constitute the greater repository of human archaeological remains of La Pampa province. Thirty-one samples came from human burials, and 2 samples from a dog retrieved in a burial, associated with a child. By humans, 11 samples correspond to males, 13 to females, and 7 to undifferentiated individuals. A total of 5 samples corresponds to control samples and were taken under the skull. Paleoparasitological examination revealed that 8 of the 33 sediment samples resulted positive for parasite remains applying the rehydration and spontaneous sedimentation technique with or without addition of HCl (10%). The pre-treatment of samples with HCl as a preliminary step allowed a greater recovery of parasitic remains compared to standard spontaneous sedimentation procedure. The most common parasite species found was Trichuris trichiura being probably one of the parasites that commonly affect human populations inhabiting the region. The low preservation evidenced by the parasite remains recovered indicate a taphonomic interference in the data of parasite assemblages, which probably produce a bias in the recovery of other parasite species that could infect these ancient populations. Proceed in the study of new human samples to improve the knowledge of parasitic infections affecting ancient populations inhabiting the studied region is necessary.

O DIÁLOGO ENTRE AS DIFERENTES CIÊNCIAS NA ORIGEM DO MAIOR PARQUE DE CONSERVAÇÃO DE RESTINGA DO BRASIL

Protected areas are spaces created to protect nature. However, these areas are contradictory because they are designed to protect the nature of the destructive human power, which provides a dichotomous vision between nature and society. Nevertheless, protected areas are not merely places where human presence is unwanted; these areas have social, economic, cultural, educational potential, among others. The protected areas view based on the idea that the human is not part of nature is seen by some authors as reflex the fragmentation of knowledges, which prevents the totality contemplation of the environmental issue. Thereby, the present work searched understand, through the creation historical process of the Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba, the relation between the aspects related to the natural sciences and the political aspects, social and economic.

Amphibians and reptiles encountered during an expedition to Panama

Abstract.—During a recent expedition to five protected areas in Panama (Parque Nacional Volcán Barú andReserva Forestal Fortuna, Chiriquí Province; Parque Nacional Santa Fe, Veraguas Province; Parque Nacional Darien,Rancho Frío, Darien Province; and Mamoni Valley Private Reserve, Panama Province), we observed 95 species ofamphibians and reptiles (51 amphibians and 44 reptiles). We made opportunistic observations of many of them,including noteworthy updates on the conservation status of critically endangered or endangered taxa (Atelopus glyphus,A. limosus, A. varius, Isthmohyla angustilineata, I. tica, Oedipina grandis), the third and fourth distribution records forPanama of Trilepida macrolepis, the second distribution report of Leptophis cupreus for the country, the fourth countryrecord of Bachia blairi, new behavior and maximum size for Oophaga vicentei, and the second known specimen ofNorops triumphalis.

COMPLEMENTING EASTERN PACIFIC GREEN TURTLE POPULATION MONITORING WITH LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE: BASELINE ASSESSMENT OF Chelonia mydas SURROUNDING PARQUE NACIONAL ZONA MARINA FROM THE ARCHIPIÉLAGO ESPÍRITU SANTO, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO

To improve analysis of the current Eastern Pacific Green (EPG) turtle population status, a spatial assessment is needed on their presence and frequency in their frequented habitats. This study aims to develop a framework from which a baseline study could be undertaken focused on EPG turtles surrounding the waters of Parque Nacional Zona Marina from the Archipiélago Espíritu Santo. Two years of data and a research survey focused on Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) from ecotourism guides operating out of La Paz, BCS, México were used. Due to the University of California’s Institutional Review Board’s (IRB) protocol and small sample size of survey participants, survey data may not be used to extrapolate to the population of ecotourism operators in La Paz. Although past studies have integrated LEK from fishers, this is the first study to introduce LEK from the ecotourism sector to inform EPG turtle conservation efforts in México. The results from this project will contribute to a better understanding and further insight of how this species utilizes this area.

A dam, a park, and offsets: Analyzing socio-ecological conflict in Santander, Colombia, through political ecology and Galtung's conflict triangle

Environmental offsets are proposed as a solution to counterbalance the inherent conflict between extractive development and environmental protection. However, with the expansion of offsetting projects across the world, new socio-ecological conflicts are emerging as a direct consequence of these initiatives. This article examines a case study of environmental offsets implemented in Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de los Yariguíes located in Santander, Colombia, to compensate for the impacts of the Hidrosogamoso hydroelectric dam. Based on fieldwork conducted between 2018 and 2019 and adopting an analytical framework that combines Johan Galtung's conflict triangle with political ecology, this study reveals the contradictory goals, values, policies and narratives, and the behaviors and attitudes that have led to tensions. In doing so, it highlights the social impacts of offset projects implemented in a protected area, as well as the practical and ethical challenges of attempting to offset environmental harm.