Populations Of Species Research Articles

Howling shadows: First report of domestic dog attacks on globally threatened mountain tapirs in high Andean cloud forests of Colombia

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are recognised worldwide not only as man’s best friend, but also as a form of anthropogenic edge effect impacting wildlife through predation, competition and disease infection. In the Northern Andes, there is growing evidence of dogs inducing activity shifts or alterations in the habitat use of native mammalian species. However, little information exists on direct attacks of dogs on wildlife, even in the case of species of conservation concern such as the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Here, we used camera traps to report two cases of dogs chasing and attacking mountain tapirs in a protected area of the Central Andes of Colombia. The first event showed a direct physical contact between a living adult mountain tapir and two dogs, but the picture’s angle did not lead to observable signs of wounds or other injuries. The second event showed an adult mountain tapir running while being chased by the same two dogs of the first event, denoting a stressful moment for the tapir. This may have negative consequences on the populations of mountain tapirs through decreased reproductive performance and foraging efficiency, increased potential for disease outbreaks and more. Population management and control of domestic dogs inside and around protected areas must be considered a priority in future conservation actions to support a healthy population of mountain tapirs and other imperilled species in the region.

Distribution and Population Genetic Structure of the Hau Giang Medaka, Oryzias haugiangensis, Along the East Coast of the Indochinese Peninsula.

The east coast of the Indochinese Peninsula is a well-known transition zone from subtropical to tropical systems, yet only a small number of studies have been conducted on the biogeography and phylogeography of aquatic organisms in this region. The Hau Giang medaka, Oryzias haugiangensis, was originally described from the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, and later reported also from southeastern Thailand, west of the Mekong Delta region. However, the species' full geographic range and population genetic structures remain unknown. Field surveys showed a widespread distribution of this species along the east coast of the Indochinese Peninsula, as far as northern Vietnam. A mitochondrial gene phylogeny and population genetic structure analysis using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed that the populations of O. haugiangensis are highly structuralized along the east coast of Vietnam, with the southernmost Mekong Delta population clearly separated from three populations north of central Vietnam. Further field collections are necessary to determine the boundary between the southern and northern populations, and the presence or absence of a hybrid zone.

ADAPTATION OF PHYTOPHAGES AND PHYTOPATHOGENS TO NEOPHYTES OF THE GENUS IMPATIENS L. (BALSAMINACEAE) IN MOSCOW REGION

Results of a five-year study of phytophages and phytopathogens in the Moscow region on two invasive species of the genus Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae): I. parviflora DC. and I. grandi ora Royl. are presented. The damaging complex consists of representatives of herbivorous polyphages, fungal pathogens, phytoviruses and indicates the adaptation of autochthonous phytotrophic organisms. 6 phytophages and 4 pathogens of fungal diseases at I. parvi ora, and 5 phytophages, 4 fungal phytopathogens and 3 phytoviruses at I. glandulifera were found. During the study period, there was no critical increase in the density of populations of harmful arthropod species and the development of epiphytoties.

A critical review of the socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Ghana

ABSTRACT This study aims to critically review the impacts of ecotourism in Ghana by synthesising the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of ecotourism. It relied on databases including Web of Science, EBSCO host, Scopus, Science Direct, Emerald, Google Scholar, University libraries as well as government institutions and personal contacts to gather 23 relevant published papers and nine policy documents and strategic plans for the review. The study found that whereas there are several studies on the positive socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of ecotourism, the absence of quantitative analysis to monitor changes in biodiversity in terms of species population and distribution and economic returns to make an economic case for private sector investment are critical gaps. Advancing research on ecotourism and SDG interlinkages can provide directions for policy choices on maximising synergies and minimising trade-offs. The findings suggest that sustainable financing through public-private partnerships is necessary for catalysing positive sustainability outcomes of ecotourism projects.

A matter of connection: the importance of habitat networks for endangered butterflies in anthropogenic landscapes

Cities are expanding at fast rates across the world, representing one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss due to habitat replacement. Nonetheless, urban and peri-urban areas often feature green spaces that may offer opportunities to wildlife and even represent safe havens for endangered species. Nonetheless, the key drivers that shape wildlife responses to urban landscapes, and in turn their ability to persist within cities, are far from being fully understood. Here we focus on an ecologically specialized butterfly, the endemic Italian festoon Zerynthia cassandra, as a model to assess how endangered species may survive in highly modified urban landscapes. The relatively low mobility and high host plant specialization make Z. cassandra an excellent target for studies in urban ecology, as they make the species able to exploit small suitable patches while at the same time potentially sensitive to habitat fragmentation and loss due to urbanization and land reclamation. We thus first document the relatively widespread occurrence of potentially suitable sites within two highly modified landscapes of central and southern Italy, with 25 and 35% of sites actually occupied by Z. cassandra. By modeling the probability of butterfly occurrence as a function of environmental characteristics, we found that Z. cassandra is strongly influenced by functional connectivity among suitable sites in urban landscapes, as well as by the abundance of Aristolochia host plants, and by the availability of profitable land cover classes in the immediate surroundings of potential oviposition sites. Our results indicate not only that networks of urban and peri-urban green spaces may host populations of protected and endangered species, but that management should also focus on the urban matrix in order to provide connecting corridors, as key assets to guarantee species persistence in cities.

Aftereffects of Hurricanes Irma and Ian on queen conch Aliger gigas in the Florida Keys, USA

Hurricanes can have substantial impacts on shallow-water marine habitats and species. Populations of slow-moving benthic species that are subject to depensation such as the queen conch Aliger gigas may be particularly vulnerable to hurricanes. The species is protected in Florida (USA), which allowed us to investigate the effects of Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Ian (2022) on the population without the confounding effects of fishing. Adult queen conch density had declined over 80% at sites resurveyed immediately after the passage of Hurricane Irma. Additionally, the sites closest to the eye of Hurricane Irma had a significant increase in the percent cover of sand. The sand mobilized by the storm likely buried numerous conch and caused mortality. Subsequent Florida Keys-wide annual monitoring did not show any substantial recovery in adult density prior to Hurricane Ian. Adult density had declined by ~45% at sites resurveyed after Hurricane Ian. Unlike after Irma, we did not detect any significant correlation in the change to the percent cover of sand with distance from Ian. This was probably because the eye of Hurricane Ian was farther away from the main portion of the Keys than that of Hurricane Irma. Nevertheless, after both hurricanes, adult density dropped below the minimum threshold for mating in the Keys, demonstrating the depensatory implications of hurricanes for conch populations. Consequently, fishery managers must consider the synergistic effects of hurricanes and harvest on exploited populations, especially since the intensity, longevity, and frequency of hurricanes are expected to increase due to climate change.

Loss of genetic diversity and isolation by distance and by environment in populations of a keystone ungulate species

Loss of genetic diversity and isolation by distance and by environment in populations of a keystone ungulate species

Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Abstract. Usman Z, Hariyadi DR, Serihollo LGG. 2024. Species diversity and conservation status of ornamental fish traded in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1116-1126. The high demand for ornamental fish native to Indonesia has the potential to be used as a source of foreign exchange income. In addition to increasing the national income, the ornamental fish trade must also be considered to preserve the population of the fish species being sold. The study aimed to determine ornamental fish diversity and conservation status in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara. This research was conducted in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from August to September 2023. The research was conducted using survey (non-experiment) and observation methods. The survey method was carried out using a form to conduct interviews with sellers in 11 ornamental fish shops. At the same time, the observation method was used to identify the types of fish being traded. The study's results recorded 18 families, 39 genera, and 46 fish species (Include 1 species is hybrid fish). The highest species diversity came from the Cichlidae family with 9 species (1 species (Amphilophus citrinellus x Cichlasoma trimaculatum) is hybrid fish), followed by Cyprinidae with 7 species, whereas each species of the Characidae and Poecilidae families were 5 species. Conservation status shows 4 status groupings, namely Least Concern (LC), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), and Not Evaluated (NE). Based on these groupings, there were 32 species in the Least Concern (LC) category, 3 species in the Endangered (EN) category, 2 species in the Vulnerable (VU) category, and 8 species in the Not Evaluated (NE) and 1 unclassified category. There is only 1 species that is included in the Appendix I category, namely Scleropages formosus, and other species are Not evaluated. This is the first study conducted in Kupang City to reveal the types of ornamental fish species sold and their conservation status. The study will be useful information to the government, researchers, and other stakeholders on the potential extinction risk of each type of fish being traded.

A comprehensive framework for vegetation succession

AbstractSuccession is defined as a directional change in species populations, the community, and the ecosystem at a site following a disturbance. Succession is a fundamental concept in ecology as it links different disciplines. An improved understanding of succession is urgently needed in the Anthropocene to predict the widespread effects of global change on succession and ecosystem recovery, but a comprehensive successional framework (CSF) is lacking. A CSF is needed to synthesize results, draw generalizations, advance successional theory, and make improved decisions for ecosystem restoration. We first show that succession is an integral part of socio‐ecological system dynamics and that it is driven by social and ecological factors operating at different spatial scales, ranging from the patch to the globe. We then present a CSF at the local scale (patch and landscape) at which succession takes place and explain the underlying successional processes and mechanisms operating at that scale. The CSF reflects the increasingly broader perspective on succession and includes recent theoretical advances by not only focusing on species replacement but also on ecosystem development, considering succession as part of a socio‐ecological system, and taking the effect of past and current land use, the landscape context, biotic interactions, and feedback loops into account. We discuss how the CSF can be used to integrate and synthesize successional studies, and its implications for ecosystem restoration.

Genetically- and environmentally-dependent processes drive interspecific and intraspecific divergence in the Chinese relict endemic genus Dipteronia

China is a hotspot of relict plant species that were once widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Recent research has demonstrated that the occurrence of long-term stable refugia in the mountainous regions of central and south-western China allowed their persistence through the late Neogene climate fluctuations. One of these relict lineages is Dipteronia, an oligotypic tree genus with a fossil record extending to the Paleocene. Here, we investigated the genetic variability, demographic dynamics and diversification patterns of the two currently recognized Dipteronia species (Dipteroniasinensis and D.dyeriana). Molecular data were obtained from 45 populations of Dipteronia by genotyping three cpDNA regions, two single copy nuclear genes and 15 simple sequence repeat loci. The genetic study was combined with niche comparison analyses on the environmental space, ecological niche modeling, and landscape connectivity analysis. We found that the two Dipteronia species have highly diverged both in genetic and ecological terms. Despite the incipient speciation processes that can be observed in D. sinensis, the occurrence of long-term stable refugia and, particularly, a dispersal corridor along Daba Shan-west Qinling, likely ensured its genetic and ecological integrity to date. Our study will not only help us to understand how populations of Dipteronia species responded to the tectonic and climatic changes of the Cenozoic, but also provide insight into how Arcto-Tertiary relict plants in East Asia survived, evolved, and diversified.

New insights into morphological adaptation in common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) along an aridity gradient.

Morphological adaptation is the change in the form of an organism that benefits the individual in its current habitat. Mole-rats (family Bathyergidae), despite being subterranean, are impacted by both local and broad-scale environmental conditions that occur above ground. Common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) present an ideal mammalian model system for the study of morphological variation in response to ecology, as this species is found along an aridity gradient and thus can be sampled from geographically non-overlapping populations of the same species along an environmental longitudinal cline. Using the mass of five internal organs, ten skeletal measurements and 3D morphometric analyses of skulls, we assessed the morphology of wild non-breeding individuals from five common mole-rat populations in South Africa. We found that the body mass and mean relative mass of the spleen and kidneys in arid populations was larger, and individuals from arid regions possessed shorter legs and larger inter-shoulder widths compared to individuals from mesic regions. Additionally, arid populations demonstrated greater skull depth, and shape change of features such as angular processes of the lower jaw than mesic individuals, indicating that these distinct geographic populations show differences corresponding to the aridity gradient, potentially in response to environmental factors such as the variation in food sources found between different habitats, in addition to different soil compositions found in the different regions. Arid populations potentially require a stronger jaw and neck musculature associated with mastication to chew xeric-adapted plants and to dig through hard soil types, whereas mesic populations excavate through soft, looser soil and may make use of their front limbs to aid the movement of soils when digging. Aridity influences the morphology of this species and could indicate the impact of environmental changes on speciation and mammalian skull morphology.

Global introductions and environmental impacts of freshwater megafish.

Freshwater megafish species, such as sturgeons, salmonids, carps, and catfishes, have a maximum reported weight ≥30 kg. Due to their charisma and economic value, they have been widely introduced outside of their native ranges. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the introduction of freshwater megafish and an assessment of their environmental impacts. Of the 134 extant freshwater megafish species, 46% have been introduced to new environments, and of these, 69% have established self-sustaining alien populations. These introductions affect 59% of the world's main basins, with the USA and western Europe being particular hotspots of megafish introductions. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is the most widely introduced species. Using the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT and EICAT+) frameworks, we assessed the severity and type of negative and positive impacts posed by alien megafish on native species. Alien megafish caused negative impacts through nine different mechanisms, with predation being the most frequently reported mechanism, followed by herbivory and competition. Moreover, 58% of the alien megafish species with sufficient data to evaluate the severity of their impacts caused declining populations of native species, or worse, extirpations of native species populations. The positive environmental impacts of alien megafish were far less frequently documented. They include biotic interactions that benefit native species, and the provision of trophic resources or habitats. Widely introduced or extensively studied species are more likely to have documented severe impacts on native species. There is a clear trade-off between the economic benefits associated with megafish introductions and the severe adverse impacts they have on native biodiversity. Our study highlights the need for comprehensive risk assessments to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of megafish. More research and long-term monitoring schemes are required to inform management actions to protect biodiversity, particularly in the Global South.

Biobanks as a way to conserve biodiversity in the context of the continuing decline in the species diversity of wild flora and fauna

To date, human actions have significantly changed 75% of the Earth's surface. This has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the rate of biodiversity loss in human history. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, over the past 500 years, as a result of direct or indirect influence of the anthropogenic factor, 774 animal species and 123 plant species have become extinct. To prevent further loss of biodiversity, in the context of the ongoing «crisis of biodiversity», all over the world, including Kazakhstan, there is a need for reliable conservation of the available genetic resources of plants and animals, primarily rare and endangered species. In this regard, specialized biobanks of organized collections of living biomaterials are successfully used worldwide for the conservation and restoration of populations of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The article presents information about some of the largest biobanks and their importance in solving this global problem. The experience of scientific centers of Kazakhstan in the field of biobanking of biomaterials of wild flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, is given, and the results of the National Center for Biotechnology in this area are summarized.

Comparative analyses of <i>Agrimonia</i> complete chloroplast genomes with newly assembled chloroplast genomes of <i>A. coreana</i> and <i>A. nipponica</i> (Rosaceae)

The genus <i>Agrimonia</i> L. (1753) is a small group consisting of 19 species and three varieties. We completed two <i>Agrimonia</i> chloroplast genomes, <i>Agrimonia coreana</i> Nakai and <i>Agrimonia nipponica</i> Koidz, collected in Korea and conducted comprehensive analyses of six <i>Agrimonia</i> chloroplast genomes. Two of the <i>Agrimonia</i> chloroplasts genomes have a typical quadripartite structure with lengths ranging from 155,161 bp to 151,362 bp, similar to the remaining A<i>Agrimonia</i> chloroplast genomes. High nucleotide diversity was detected in the <i>ycf1</i> gene, which can serve as a molecular marker. Intraspecific variations of four <i>A. pilosa</i> chloroplast genomes and interspecific variations of three <i>Agrimonia</i> species revealed that KY419942 is distinct to the other three <i>A. pilosa</i> chloroplast genomes. A phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that KY419942 was clustered with <i>A. nipponica</i>, requiring further analyses to understand <i>Agrimonia</i> species in East Asia. A comparison of simple sequence repeats identified from the six <i>Agrimonia</i> chloroplast genomes suggests potential molecular markers to distinguish species or populations of the same species. Our results define the phylogenetic relationship of three <i>Agrimonia</i> species and provide insight into the intraspecific features of <i>Agrimonia</i> chloroplast genomes with which to gain a better understanding of the genetic structure of <i>Agrimonia</i> species.

Cervids as Sentinels for Rickettsia spp. in Portugal

Cervids are highly exposed to ticks, however, their role in the life cycle of these rickettsiae has not been fully elucidated. Given the expanding distribution and growing population of deer species in Portugal, coupled with their direct and indirect interactions with humans during hunting, it becomes crucial to explore their role as sentinels and potential reservoirs of Rickettsia. The present investigation aimed to detect and evaluate exposure to Rickettsia in free-living deer from Portugal. Blood samples (n = 77) were collected from hunted game animals (red deer and fallow deer) from different areas throughout Portugal (Idanha-a-Nova, Monte Fidalgo, Montalvão and Arraiolos) and sera were tested by immunofluorescence assay, to detect antibodies. Additionally, blood DNA samples were screened for SFGR by nested-polymerase chain reaction targeting a fragment of the outer membrane protein B (ompB) gene, as well as for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Thirty-five per cent (25 deer and two fallow deer) tested positive (sera with a titer ≥1:64) for IgG antibodies against Rickettsia conorii. No rickettsial DNA was detected by PCR for the ompB gene, and all DNA samples tested negative for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia.As far as we know, this study is the first screening of cervid species in Portugal for Rickettsia antibodies. The findings suggest that these animals serve as useful sentinel indicators for the circulation of rickettsiae, offering a complementary perspective to studies focused on ticks.The increasing numbers of hunted deer in Portugal and the potential zoonotic features of Rickettsia spp. highlight the importance of continued surveillance directed at tick-borne diseases, especially those involving wild animals.

GENOMIC INSIGHTS INTO SAUDI ARABIAN BIODIVERSITY: A SURVEY OF ANIMALS’ WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING STUDIES

Saudi Arabia has a rich and diverse array of fauna, which faces constant threats from human activities such as habitat destruction and overhunting. This study aimed to provide an overview of the animals in Saudi Arabia that have undergone whole genome sequencing, contributing to their conservation and management efforts. The literature was searched in two databases, Web of Science and Google Scholar, using various combinations of keywords. A total of 14 articles published between 2017 and 2023 were retrieved. These studies covered 13 animal taxa, with mitochondrial genome sequencing being the predominant focus in 78% of the articles, largely facilitated by Illumina technology. Notably, the surveyed literature highlighted a significant gap in genomic coverage, particularly concerning endangered and endemic species. Despite the strides made in understanding species evolution and population genetics, the limited genomic data underscore the urgent need for expanded research efforts, including the incorporation of more local samples. Such endeavors hold immense potential in bolstering conservation and management strategies tailored to Saudi Arabia’s unique biodiversity.

Трематоды рода Apophallus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) в фауне многоклеточных паразитов Perca fluviatilis (Perciformes, Actinopterygii) в дельте Волги

The living conditions of aquatic organisms in the Volga-Caspian Sea Shipping Canal are determined by a high level of complex multifactor anthropogenic load. As a link in a unified international transport system, the canal serves as an invasive corridor for the settlement of alien organisms, including parasites. The fauna of multicellular parasites Perca fluviatilis (Perciformes) in the canal area was studied. 6 taxa of parasitic organisms have been registered. The nematode Eustrongylides excisus occupies a dominant position in the fauna of macroparasites P. fluviatilis. An alien trematode, Apophallus muehlingi, was discovered associated with the invasive mollusk Lithoglyphus naticoides; the parasite has the status of a codominant species. A specific parasite widely distributed in perch fish populations in the Volga delta, Apophallus donicus, has not been registered. The high degree of invasion of perch by A. muehlingi during the three-year study period indicates the stability of the parasitic subsystem “A. muehlingi – P. fluviatilis”, previously uncharacteristic for this host species in the lower reaches of the Volga. Currently, more favorable conditions have developed for the invasion of perch A. muehlingi than A. donicus in certain areas of the Volga delta. Thus, structural changes were found in the host-parasite relationships systems of the trematodes of the genus Apophallus, which appear in the form of a partial restructuring of the species and host structure of the fauna of macroparasites P. fluviatils in the investigated area of the river. This situation is determined by factors that are largely anthropogenic in nature – changes in the living conditions of hosts and parasites, caused by a combination of fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea and the discharge of the Volgograd hydroelectric station, intensive shipping (large volume of cargo transportation) and high fishing pressure. The most likely significant additional factor of changes in the nature of infection of P. fluviatils by trematodes of the genus Apophallus is currently a decrease in the stocks of populations of some massive species of cyprinid fish – the second intermediate hosts of A. muehlingi, for which the parasite is defined as specific.

Species composition of larval mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in bamboo stumps in mid-western Nepal

ABSTRACT Bamboo stumps serve as important phytotelmata in which mosquitoes breed. The physiochemical parameters of water in the bamboo stumps influence the species composition and larval abundance of mosquito species. Bamboo stumps were scanned in monsoon season of 2022 by adopting a larval survey method in mid-western Nepal. Supplementary data such as water volume, temperature and pH were also recorded. The linear relationship between different physiochemical parameters with mosquito larval population and larval abundance of different mosquito species was analysed in RStudio-1.0.44 and Past software version 4.07. Altogether, 120 larval mosquitoes belonging to 7 species and 3 genera were recorded from 26 bamboo stumps. The larval abundance of immature mosquito shows positive correlation with water temperature, pH and volume of the water. The coexistence of larvae of dengue vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) and vector of Lymphatic Filariasis (Culex quinquefasciatus) as well the coexistence of different larval mosquito species were recorded. This established bamboo stumps as important mosquito breeding habitats including vector species in mid-western Nepal.

Strain specific Starmerella bacillaris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae interactions in mixed fermentations.

Yeast interactions have a key role in the definition of the chemical profile of the wines. For this reason, winemakers are increasingly interested in mixed fermentations, employing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces strains. However, the outcome of mixed fermentations is often contradictory because there is a great variability among strains within species. Previously, it was demonstrated that the loss of culturability of Starmerella bacillaris in mixed fermentations with S. cerevisiae was due to the physical contact between cells. Therefore, to further explore previous observations, the interaction mechanisms among different strains of Starm. bacillaris and S. cerevisiae during mixed fermentations were investigated. Fermentations were conducted under conditions that allow physical contact between cells (flasks) but also using a double-compartment fermentation system in which cells of both species were kept separate. The role of competition for nutrients and antimicrobial compounds production on yeast-yeast interaction mechanisms was also investigated. Three Starm. bacillaris and three S. cerevisiae strains were used to investigate if interaction mechanisms are modulated in a strain-specific way. Both species populations were affected by physical contact, particularly Starm. bacillaris that lost its culturability during fermentation. In addition, loss of culturability of Starm. bacillaris strains was observed earlier in flasks than in the double-compartment system. The phenomena observed occurred in a strain couple-dependent way. Starm. bacillaris disappearance seemed to be independent of nutrient depletion or the presence of inhibitory compounds (which were not measured in this study). Overall, the results of the present study reveal that cell-to-cell contact plays a role in the early death of non-Saccharomyces but the extent to which it is observed depends greatly on the Starm. bacillaris/S. cerevisiae strains tested.

Hematological parameters vary with life history stage in the pale‐breasted thrush Turdus leucomelas

The avian life cycle is composed by a progressive sequence of life history stages (LHS). Changes in energy expenditure and exposure to stressors at different LHS require corresponding changes in behavior, physiology, and morphology. Variation in hematological parameters, such hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), can have permissive, stimulatory, and preparative actions to help maintain homeostasis through different LHS. Few studies have examined differences in these parameters among different LHS in free‐living birds, with most of them restricted to temperate zones. We collected blood samples and measured hematological parameters every week for over a year from a population of a common resident bird species in southeastern Brazil, the pale‐breasted thrush Turdus leucomelas. Hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration were highest during the onset of the reproduction and lowest during molt. Furthermore, H/L ratios were higher at the end of the reproduction, indicating that the breeding season could be the most stressful period of the year for this population of thrushes. There was no difference between sexes for any hematological parameter at any LHS. These results show that there is a permissive physiological effect for Hct and Hb to facilitate LHS transitions and that reproduction could be the most stressful event for this species. Lastly, these results mirror those from temperate species despite distinct environmental differences between these regions.