Southern Bahia Research Articles

Cacaueiros cultivados em sistema agroflorestais da Bahia revelam ampla variabilidade genética em caracteres morfoagronômicos

ABSTRACT Cacao fruits are agronomically important and show wide variability for several morphological descriptors. The present study aimed to characterize the genetic distance of 51 genotypes of Theobroma cacao L. in the cocoa-producing region of Southern Bahia (Brazil) based on morpho-agronomic descriptors. The inference of genetic similarity was performed from the phenotypic data derived simultaneously from qualitative and quantitative variables, using the Ward-MLM procedure (Modified Location Model) with the SAS® software. The distance matrix was obtained using the Gower logarithmic function. For this, 28 descriptors were evaluated, five qualitative and 23 quantitative. Furthermore, using the likelihood function procedure, the optimal number of groups was five indicating wide variability. Of 23 quantitative descriptors evaluated by fruits and leaves, 95% showed significant differences. The exception was seed width. Groups 1 and 5 were the most distant, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were closest to each other. The greatest difference between increments was 35.32 for the fifth group. The analysis of the first two canonical axes revealed that both represented 81.88% of the variation, with CAN1 and CAN2 responsible for 53.66% and 28.22% of the variation. The most promising genotypes for breeding programs belong to group 5 due to their superior performance for almost all characteristics analyzed.

Coalescent-Based Species Delimitation in Herbaceous Bamboos (Bambusoideae, Olyreae) from Eastern Brazil: Implications for Taxonomy and Conservation in a Group with Weak Morphological Divergence Coupled with Low Genetic Diversity.

Species delimitation in herbaceous bamboos has been complex and, in some genera, a great part of its diversity has been confirmed only based on genetic information, as is the case of the genus Raddia. It includes nine species, all occurring in Brazil, but only R. portoi predominates in dry forests of the Northeast associated with the Caatinga phytogeographic domain. This species is morphologically close to R. angustifolia, which is known for a single location in the Atlantic Forest in Southern Bahia, and is considered to be threatened by extinction. Besides problems with taxonomic focus, actions for its conservation are complicated because it is not certain if it must be considered an independent species or included in the more widespread R. portoi. In this study, we used coalescent multispecies (MSC) theory approaches combined with genetic structure analyses in an attempt to delimit these two species. Different analyses were congruent and the species delimitation using MSC inferred distinct lineages supporting their recognition as two species. These results solved the taxonomic doubts and also showed the power of these approaches to delimit species as lineages, even in groups with weak morphological divergence and low genetic variability, and also impacting our knowledge for conservation purposes.

Atenção ao pré-natal em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19: um relato de experiência

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência com a atenção ao pré-natal realizada em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) de um município no Sul da Bahia em tempos da pandemia da COVID-19. Síntese dos dados: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo relato de experiência que ocorreu em uma USF localizada em um município no Sul da Bahia, entre os meses de abril a julho de 2020. Com a pandemia, a demanda da unidade se modificou e o fluxo de atendimento passou por reorganização. As gestantes passaram a ser acolhidas pelos ACS, houve várias ações dos residentes, alterou-se a rotina das consultas, a presença do acompanhante precisou ser limitada, bem como se desenvolveram ações de educação em saúde bucal e para o cuidado da mãe do recémnascido. Conclusão: A atenção ao pré-natal sofreu modificações importantes e a atuação dos residentes junto à equipe da unidade possibilitou maior atuação interprofissional, além de ser fundamental para o cuidado integral às grávidas.

Nest density and Nest Predation of sea turtle (Testudines, Chelonidae) by canids in Southern Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT The presence of domestic animals in the wilderness has a negative effect on wildlife populationsor; for instance, in addition to habitat loss, urbanization, and coastal light pollution, sea turtles also suffer from another threat: the predation of their eggs, hatchlings, and even female nesters by domestic, feral, and/or wild animals. Domestic dogs are a considerable concern for turtles in nesting areas, due to their free-ranging lifestyle and the absence of predators. This study sought to evaluate the nest density and rates of sea turtle predation caused mainly by canids: foxes (native predator) and dogs (introduced predator) in the nesting areas of Southern Bahia, Brazil. Predation data was collected during field surveys and by using camera traps and hair traps installed in nests. During the sampling period, an average of 46 nests were laid by three sea turtle species: Caretta caretta, Eretmochelys imbricata, and Lepidochelys olivacea; 46.4% were lost due to predation or inundation caused by the tides. Canine populations on the island have an evident impact on sea turtle nests. Thus, it is crucial to design and implement environmental education programs and management plans with the local community to help reduce human-made and natural loss of nests and safeguard sea turtle populations and their habitat.

Reflections of future natural science teachers on active methodologies

The need to develop new skills and abilities for the contemporary era of knowledge reinforces the importance of changes in the organization of the teaching and learning process. Active methodologies (AMs) can be considered as allies in the construction of knowledge in different educational contexts, owing to the possibilities of integration and appreciation of plural knowledge. Therefore, teacher education is a central issue in these discussions. In this scenario, the aim of present article is to analyze the reflections on AMs of future Natural Sciences teachers studying in a government-owned university in Bahia. This qualitative study was developed by applying ten semi-structured interviews to students of the Interdisciplinary Teaching Degree in Natural Sciences and Technologies (LICNT), at the Federal University of Southern Bahia (UFSB), Paulo Freire campus, located in Teixeira de Freitas, in the far south of Bahia. Bardin’s Content Analysis approach was used for data analysis. Based on the findings, it can be argued that the students recognize AMs as innovative processes that can facilitate learning. In this dimension, they pointed out that learner centeredness is an important characteristic for people’s empowerment.

Cinema Negro de Animação e os Encantos do curta “Ewé de Òsányìn: o segredo das folhas”

We will enter the cinematographic universe of the animated short film “Ewé de Òsányìn: the secret of the leaves” (2021), made by members of the terreiro de Candomblé Abassá of the Goddess Òṣùn de Idjemim and black university students from the Federal University of Southern Bahia, with the participation of the Truká-Tupan Indigenous Community, aiminfg to develop the theoretical construction of what we call Black Animation Cinema (BAC). One of the goals is to understand animation techniques as a possibility to present the world as it is seen by traditional indigenous and Afro-Diasporic peoples: the elements of nature, divinity, spirits and matter inhabit the world as equals in reality. In animation cinema, “giving life” to any element (human or otherwise) requires the same technical procedure, making them exist equally, by recreating a world as it is felt (and not just seen). In this production, the “Encantos” structure an Afro-Indigenous connection, based on the experiences of Candomblé in the Brazilian hinterland, bringing together black and indigenous elements in the constitution of the film universe.

Adaptation and indication of forage crops for agricultural production in sandy soils in western Bahia State, Brazil

The diversity of soils and climate in Brazil imposes the need to evaluate the adaptation of fodder species to soil and climate conditions to guide producers and technicians in choosing the best alternatives for their region. The objective of this study was to evaluate and identify fodder cultivars for pasture and soil cover with tolerance to drought and high production in the sandy soils of southern Bahia, Brazil. The performance of 29 commercial cultivars of perennial and annual tropical forage species was evaluated in six cuts in 2019 and 2020. The green and dry mass yield per cut and the daily dry matter accumulation rate were evaluated considering the periods of water surplus and deficit and the drought tolerance index for each cultivar was estimated. Grass and legume cultivars showed differences in establishment, yield in the water surplus, and in the re-establishment after the water deficit. Based on the values of the drought tolerance index and in the dry mass daily yields before and after the water deficit, the cultivars adapted and indicated for regional continuous grazing were Xaraés, Marandu, Massai, Tanzânia, Paiaguás, and Zuri, in that order. The grasses B. ruziziensis and B. decumbens were indicated for use as cover plants after the harvest due to their high capacity of establishment and short-term production. The annual and perennial legume plants were also indicated for cover, and the combination of cultivars and their potential for straw in direct planting or use in integrated systems still need to be validated.

Land Uses for Pasture and Cacao Cultivation Modify the Odonata Assemblages in Atlantic Forest Areas

Tropical forests such as the Atlantic Forest are under constant threats from the impact of human activities, mostly being caused by the loss of native forest areas for other land uses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of changes in land use for pasture and cacao cultivation on the richness and composition of Odonata assemblages in comparison to native forest areas. We also evaluated the species as possible indicators of these different land uses. In total, 64 streams were sampled in southern Bahia, Brazil. A total of 84 species were recorded. The results indicated that changes in land use modify the richness and composition of Odonata assemblages. Regarding composition, our results indicated a difference among the assemblages in the three land use areas and that the native areas maintain more stable assemblages. According to the indicator species analysis, 13 species were recorded as possible bioindicators for different land uses. Changes in aquatic ecosystems and their surroundings caused by different land uses a select group of different species groups, modifying Odonata diversity among these areas. Notably, land uses that maintain a certain integrity of the environment, as in the case of cacao cultivation, are the best alternatives for conserving Odonata biodiversity in comparison with pasture.

Use of psychoactive substances among nursing and medical students

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances has been a worldwide problem that also affects university students. This study aimed to raise patterns of psychoactive substances used among Nursing and Medical students of a public institution of higher education. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of quantitative approach, conducted between September and November 2020 in the context of a public higher education institution in southern Bahia, Brazil. The sample consisted of 202 university students. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and the scale of screening for the use of Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). The descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Most university students from nursing and medical courses (77.7%, n=156) have already used any of the PAS in lifetime. Among those who have used some substances, the highest frequency of use was alcoholic beverages (nursing 56%; medicine 43.4%), followed by marijuana (nursing 17.6%; medicine 23.6%) and tobacco (nursing 13.7%; medicine 10.4%). There was no use of hallucinogens and cocaine/crack by nursing students. Conclusion: The high incidence of PAS use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and hypnotics/sedatives) among students, in isolation or poly-use, represents risks that should be considered as a warning to the necessity of developing mental and academic health strategies regarding the use of PSA.

Company and the mysteries of a dugout canoe

AbstractThis article examines the mysterious side of ‘company’, a fundamental aspect of human existence, exemplifying it with an ethnographic vignette about a dugout canoe in the mangroves of southern Bahia (Northeast Brazil). Inspired by Kant's proposal concerning aspects of world, the article distinguishes company both from empathy and from community, as distinct registers of human sociality. Being in company necessarily engages more than two persons inhabiting a common space; it involves an intersubjective encounter that has implications not only for what we do, but also for who we are and where we are. As they emerge into personhood from within company, persons necessarily experience the presence of third parties as a possible threat, inevitably giving rise to contradictory emotions: there is as much fear and conflict as peace within company, for it brings together entities with divergent interests and combines persons and objects in the world. The article addresses the way in which companionship engages power relations, by reference both to gender and to control over land.

SOCIAL INNOVATION AND HIGH-QUALITY COCOA PRODUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE "˜CACAU SUL BAHIA' NETWORK

This study aimed to analyze whether the formation of the "˜Cacau Sul Bahia' Network promoted social innovation in southern Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected through participant observation, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 8 institutions and 10 cocoa producers who are members of the Cacau Sul Bahia Association (CSBA). Social network data were analyzed using UCINET. The approaches of social innovation, territorial development and social networks were the basis for the analyzes. The results showed that "˜Cacau Sul Bahia' Network promotes some aspects of social innovation, such as cooperation, social governance, collective efforts and trust building. Although the main goal of Network is to improve the quality of cocoa beans and add value to local chocolate, its effects reach much farther. The "˜Cacau Sul Bahia' Network formation, with the creation of the Cacau Sul Bahia Association leveraged the cultural value and historical importance of cocoa in the region, which has recently been granted geographical indication protection. Actors participating in the "˜Cacau Sul Bahia' Network contribute to territorial development in southern Bahia. Personal and professional ties between actors are strong and play an essential role in the success of the association. However, strengthening the social capital is needed to reinforce the process of social innovation more broadly. This empirical research provides scientific and technical contributions about social innovation, high-quality production systems and geographical indication protection in a developing country, showing that social dialogue, community governance, and collective efforts can stimulate sustainable development and quality improvement in disadvantaged rural areas.

Evaluating the relationship between water quality and water treatment costs with land use change at multiple spatial scales: a case study of watersheds in southern Bahia, Brazil

RESUMO A atual perda global de biodiversidade tem ameaçado a provisão de água potável para abastecimento público, sobretudo por causa da perda de florestas nativas. Assim, uma compreensão dos impactos da redução de cobertura vegetal em paisagens degradadas por atividades humanas é uma ação importante para garantir segurança hídrica. O presente estudo avaliou a relação entre a qualidade da água e os custos de tratamento e a intensificação do uso do solo de seis pontos de captação de água para abastecimento público no sul da Bahia, Brasil. Consideraram-se seis escalas espaciais, o ponto de captação e seu entorno (local), quatro faixas de zona ripária (30, 50, 100 e 200 m) e a microbacia hidrográfica. Uma seleção de modelos foi conduzida para determinar em qual escala a intensificação da paisagem melhor explana os custos de tratamento e a qualidade de água. Usando uma análise de componentes principais em cada escala espacial, um gradiente de substituição de florestas por outros usos não florestais (PC1) foi gerado e usado como uma variável explanatória. Como resultado, a intensificação do uso do solo na zona ripária de 100 m foi o melhor modelo para ambas as variáveis resposta. Portanto, o estudo sugere que ações de conservação e restauração dos recursos hídricos da área de estudo devem considerar uma zona ripária de pelo menos 100 m de cada lado dos corpos d’água para reduzir os custos de tratamento em curto e médio prazo. Adicionalmente, a recuperação da cobertura florestal é uma ação crucial para manejar as zonas ripárias e bacias hidrográficas.

Litter production in successional forests of southern Bahia, Brazil

AbstractLitter production plays an important role in the functioning of the ecosystem, providing several ecosystem services, such as nutrients cycling and carbon storage. We studied litter production patterns and its relationship with forest structure over a chronosequence of secondary forests in southern Bahia, Brazil. In the study area, 15 pairs of mature and secondary forest were used, in a chronological sequence, being 10, 25 and 40-year-old secondary forests and mature forests. Plots were created for the collection of aboveground biomass data, and within these plots, litter collectors were installed and monitored for 1 year. The results showed that litter production was lower in 10-year-old secondary forests when compared with older forests. On the other hand, in the 10-year-old forests, annual litter production represents 47.8% of the stored biomass, while in mature forests annual litter production represents only 4%. We found that structural variables (basal area, number of stems and canopy opening) influence significantly litter production, as well as litter as percentage of forest biomass. The study emphasizes the importance of biomass production through litterfall in regenerating tropical forests, and its importance for carbon storage and for the maintenance of ecosystem services.

Feeding ecology of the maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus): Understanding diet composition and preferences, and prospects for future studies

AbstractAspects of the feeding ecology of the threatened maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus Illiger, 1811) are poorly understood. Here, we evaluate the diet composition and the influence of leaf chemical compounds on the consumption of plant species by 10 radio‐tracked individuals in southern Bahia and construct a list of plants consumed by the species based on our data and the available literature. We confirmed that the maned sloth is a strict folivore and consumes predominantly young leaves. We reported the consumption of 39 species, from 32 genera and 20 families of plants in southern Bahia, and provide an updated list of 68 species so far reported as consumed by maned sloths. The most frequently consumed species in southern Bahia belong to the genera Emmotum, Inga, Ficus and Brosimum, totalling almost half of the maned sloth's diet. Nevertheless, only Ficus spp. were widely consumed by maned sloths elsewhere. The low consumption of Cecropia spp. suggests that maned sloth's diet is not strongly linked to these taxa as reported for other Bradypus. None of the evaluated chemical compounds had a significant effect on the choice of plants consumed. Altogether, the available data indicated that the maned sloth is a generalist at the species level. In addition to morphological and physiological adaptations, it deals with the challenges of a foliage‐based diet by selecting young leaves. Our update on maned sloth's diet may be used to overcome the difficulties of keeping and reproducing them in captivity and support actions that aim to recover their habitat.

Cabruca agroforestry systems reduce vulnerability of cacao plantations to climate change in southern Bahia

Cabruca agroforestry systems reduce vulnerability of cacao plantations to climate change in southern Bahia

Quararibea alversonii (Malvaceae; Malvoideae), a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

We describe Quararibea alversonii, a new species endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, which was found in the course of our review of Quararibea in Brazil. The new taxon is similar to Q. amazonica, mainly in calyx morphology, but it is distinguished by the presence of domatia, pedicel length, petal width, morphology of staminal columns and styles, as well as fruit shape. Here, we present a morphological description, taxonomic comments, photographs, distribution map, assessment of conservation status, and a comparative analysis between the new species and Q. amazonica, the only other member of the genus that also presents a costate calyx.

Evidence of communal nesting in Kentropyx calcarata (Squamata: Teiidae) on canopy bromeliads in the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil

Evidence of communal nesting in Kentropyx calcarata (Squamata: Teiidae) on canopy bromeliads in the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil

Carbon and Nitrogen Occluded in Soil Aggregates Under Cacao-Based Agroforestry Systems in Southern Bahia, Brazil

Carbon and Nitrogen Occluded in Soil Aggregates Under Cacao-Based Agroforestry Systems in Southern Bahia, Brazil

Avian Assemblages in Forest Fragments do not Sum to the Expected Regional Community in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

While bird diversity in the Atlantic Forest can be considered well-known, how the communities have been affected by deforestation and habitat fragmentation is not. We studied birds in 10 forest fragments of distinct sizes (all originally within the Atlantic Forest) in southern Bahia. In 5,391 bird encounters, we found 251 species, with 46 endemics and eight considered globally vulnerable or endangered. We also compiled a list of the 380 species that should comprise the expected regional assemblage, and found that only 66% of these species were present in all the fragments combined. Only 9% of all observed species were found in all fragments. The largest fragment (700 ha) had the greatest number of endemic species (40), and seven threatened species. All fragments had some conservation-important species (some were found in one or a few fragments), but no fragment included them all. Fragments shared 10% of endemic species, but overall, the contingent of endemics was unique in each fragment. Finally, most functional traits of bird assemblages decreased with increasing fragment size. Neither species richness nor similarity correlated with fragment size or distance between fragments, and unknown, non-random factors probably influence the likelihood of species survival in each fragment. Thus, to ensure the persistence of threatened species, as well as maintain the most common species, conservation management decisions should include all fragments together because no single fragment is most representative of the local community.

A importância do cão (Canis lupus familiaris) nas fazendas de cacau como portador de helmintos potencialmente transmissíveis ao homem e à vida selvagem no sul da Bahia, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) can be considered an invasive species as they have been introduced by humans in different parts of the world and represent a risk to wildlife conservation. Large extensions of agroforestry systems, where cocoa is grown under the shade of native trees, contribute to wildlife conservation in southern Bahia, Brazil. However, this system can increase contact between species of the native fauna and domestic dogs, which are frequently taken to the fields by rural workers. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of domestic dogs inside cocoa agroforestry systems and the occurrence of helminths in dogs from cocoa farms near two protected areas: the Una Biological Reserve (REBIO-Una) and the Serra das Lontras National Park in Una, Bahia. We also investigated general characteristics of the dogs such as age, sex, breed, feeding frequency, vaccination, deworming and others, and evaluated possible risks of wildlife and human contamination by the domestic dog parasites. Camera traps were set up on eight cocoa agroforestry systems and three adjacent forest fragments. For parasitological investigation, fecal samples were collected from domestic dogs that lived on the eight cocoa farms. A total of 539 photos of 12 mammals were registered, of which 15% were of domestic dogs. The parasitological research was carried out with fecal samples from 32 of the 39 dogs that lived in the cocoa farms. We found one genus of cestode, Dipylidium sp. (7.7%), and five genera of nematodes, Ancylostoma sp. (80.7%), Strongyloides sp. (38.4%), Toxocara sp. (30.7%), Spirocerca sp. (15.4%) and Trichuris sp. (11.5%). Regarding animal care, all dogs were in poor body condition, 49% were fed twice a day, 90% defecated in the forest or cocoa agroforestry systems, only 33% were periodically dewormed, 64% were vaccinated against rabies in less than 12 months, and only one dog was vaccinated against other viruses. The results showed that domestic dogs share the same environment as wild animals yet lack some basic health care, increasing the possibility of parasitic transmission between domestic dogs, wildlife and humans from environmental contamination. We highlight the need for responsible pet ownership and the monitoring the health of wild animals and the human population living in this region.