Swamp Habitats Research Articles

Three-dimensional vegetation structure drives patterns of seed dispersal by African hornbills.

Three-dimensional (3D) vegetation structure influences animal movements and, consequently, ecosystem functions. Animals disperse the seeds of 60%-90% of trees in tropical rainforests, which are among the most structurally complex ecosystems on Earth. Here, we investigated how 3D rainforest structure influences the movements of large, frugivorous birds and resulting spatial patterns of seed dispersal. We GPS-tracked white-thighed (Bycanistes albotibialis) and black-casqued hornbills (Ceratogymna atrata) in a study area surveyed by light detection and ranging (LiDAR) in southern Cameroon. We found that both species preferred areas of greater canopy height and white-thighed hornbill preferred areas of greater vertical complexity. In addition, 33% of the hornbills preferred areas close to canopy gaps, while 16.7% and 27.8% avoided large and small gaps, respectively. White-thighed hornbills avoided swamp habitats, while black-casqued increased their preference for swamps during the hottest temperatures. We mapped spatial probabilities of seed dispersal by hornbills, showing that 3D structural attributes shape this ecological process by influencing hornbill behaviour. These results provide evidence of a possible feedback loop between rainforest vegetation structure and seed dispersal by animals. Interactions between seed dispersers and vegetation structure described here are essential for understanding ecosystem functions in tropical rainforests and critical for predicting how rainforests respond to anthropogenic impacts.

Mitochondrial evidence on the phylogenetic position of the Southeast Asian catfish genus Encheloclarias Myers, 1937 (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Clariidae): Evolutionary and conservation implications

The phylogenetic position of the Southeast Asian catfish genus Encheloclarias Myers, 1937 within the family Clariidae is inferred herein using three mitochondrial nucleotide markers: cytochrome b, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and 16S rRNA genes. We found that Encheloclarias is neither exclusively related to the African taxa having extended neural spines posterior to the dorsal fin (Encheloclarias shares with some of these taxa the presence of an adipose fin, as opposed to absent in all other clariid taxa) nor to the Asian species of the genus Clarias Scopoli, 1777. Encheloclarias is hypothesized to be the sister group of all other clariids, except Horaglanis Menon, 1951. The inferred position of Encheloclarias confirms that the adipose fin in this genus has an evolutionary origin independent to that of the adipose fin found in some African clariids. Encheloclarias is not only ecologically remarkable, being adapted to acidic peat swamps in Southeast Asia, but it is also an ancient lineage sheltering in these habitats. However, the precise timing of the colonization of peat swamps by Encheloclarias remains to be investigated. The phylogenetic position of Encheloclarias further underscores the importance of studying and protecting the remaining peat swamp habitats in Southeast Asia and their distinctive aquatic fauna.

Characterisation and depositional pattern of the modern pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, India, and its implications for palaeoecology and palaeoherbivory analysis

This study documents the depositional pattern of modern pollen and fungal spores in relation to the different vegetation types and wildlife activities in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in north-east India. The pollen data accurately matches the extant vegetation types and provides additional evidence on the representation and relative abundance of the major pollen taxa in the pollen assemblages. The forest habitat is characterised by the abundance of Bombax, Lagerstroemia, Barringtonia, and Albizia pollen in the pollen assemblage. The swamp habitat is characterised by Cyperaceae, Onagraceae, Nymphaea, and Potamogeton, while the grassland habitat is characterised by the dominance of non-cereal (Poaceae), Asteroideae, Cyperaceae, and Bombax pollen. Also, coprophilous fungal spores were observed and identified. Their presence varies in relation to the different vegetation types and level of wildlife activity in each habitat in the wildlife sanctuary. Rhododendron pollen in the palynoassemblages is indicative of seasonal flooding during periods of high rainfall in and around the study areas. Principal component analysis applied to the quantitative data obtained from the pollen frequency analyses revealed a significant variation that distinguished the three different vegetation types in the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. This modern pollen and fungal spore data serves as a reliable baseline for the reconstruction of the palaeoecology and palaeoherbivory in the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and to correlate the types of vegetation present in other parts of the tropical region of Indo-Burma.

Mosquito Vector Ecology in Swamp Ecosystems

This study investigates the ecological dynamics of mosquito vectors in the swamp ecosystems of Desa Kebun Raya, Kecamatan Kintap, Kabupaten Tanah Laut, Kalimantan Selatan. An entomological survey was conducted to assess species composition, abundance, and larval indices in relation to the unique swamp habitat. Four mosquito species were identified: Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes albopictus. The dominance of Culex species, particularly C. quinquefasciatus, suggests a strong adaptation to the swamp environment. Larval indices indicated a high risk of vector-borne disease transmission, with a House Index (HI) of 35%, Container Index (CI) of 0.14%, and Breteau Index (BI) of 64%. The study highlights the complex interactions between swamp ecology, mosquito population dynamics, and potential disease transmission risks in this understudied region of Indonesia.

Leaf and twig traits predict habitat adaptation and demographic strategies in tropical freshwater swamp forest trees.

Differences in demographic and environmental niches facilitate plant species coexistence in tropical forests. However, the adaptations that enable species to achieve higher demographic rates (e.g. growth or survival) or occupy unique environmental niches (e.g. waterlogged conditions) remain poorly understood. Anatomical traits may better predict plant environmental and demographic strategies because they are direct measurements of structures involved in these adaptations. We collected 18 leaf and twig traits from 29 tree species in a tropical freshwater swamp forest in Singapore. We estimated demographic parameters of the 29 species from growth and survival models, and degree of association toward swamp habitats. We examined pairwise trait-trait, trait-demography and trait-environment links while controlling for phylogeny. Leaf and twig anatomical traits were better predictors of all demographic parameters than other commonly measured leaf and wood traits. Plants with wider vessels had faster growth rates but lower survival rates. Leaf and spongy mesophyll thickness predicted swamp association. These findings demonstrate the utility of anatomical traits as indicators of plant hydraulic strategies and their links to growth-mortality trade-offs and waterlogging stress tolerance that underlie species coexistence mechanisms in tropical forest trees.

Evaluating the potential for reintroducing the endangered wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) in Kanha National Park, central India

Reintroducing megafauna to their historic range is an effective strategy to halt their extinctions and restore ecosystems. Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is an endangered megaherbivore that is lost from 95% of its range. About 90% of its global population (less than 4000) resides within India, in two isolated populations: northeast and central India. The central Indian population is on the verge of extinction and warrants urgent conservation interventions. We assess the potential and provide a strategy for reintroducing buffaloes in Kanha National Park, India. Habitat suitability using the global occurrence of buffalo revealed low‐lying grasslands with least human pressure found in Kanha (390 km2) to be suitable. Within this suitable range, we evaluated vegetation composition, forage biomass, and potential carrying capacity. Multidimensional ordination classified these suitable sites into moist and dry grassland clusters. Moist grasslands were found to better suit reintroduction due to lower grazing pressure, higher productivity, and availability of perennial water sources. Distinct matriarchal clades of swamp and river buffalo were observed. Within the river buffalo clade, Indian wild buffaloes formed a distinct cluster with close proximity between northeast and central Indian samples, suggesting northeast buffaloes could be sourced for a founding population in Kanha. Following IUCN guidelines, we discuss the reintroduction strategy that could sustain approximately 200 buffaloes in the area and subsequently expand to other suitable habitats in central India. If implemented as proposed, recovery of this lost ecosystem engineer will help to restore grasslands, and swamp habitats, as well as contribute to its global conservation efforts.

Genetic and Phenotypic Consequences of Local Transitions between Sexual and Parthenogenetic Reproduction in the Wild.

AbstractTransitions from sexual to asexual reproduction have occurred in numerous lineages, but it remains unclear why asexual populations rarely persist. In facultatively parthenogenetic animals, all-female populations can arise when males are absent or become extinct, and such populations could help to understand the genetic and phenotypic changes that occur in the initial stages of transitions to asexuality. We investigated a naturally occurring spatial mosaic of mixed-sex and all-female populations of the facultatively parthenogenetic Australian phasmid Megacrania batesii. Analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms indicated multiple independent transitions between reproductive modes. All-female populations had much lower heterozygosity and allelic diversity than mixed-sex populations, but we found few consistent differences in fitness-related traits between population types. All-female populations exhibited more frequent and severe deformities in their (flight-incapable) wings but did not show higher rates of appendage loss. All-female populations also harbored more ectoparasites in swamp (but not beach) habitats. Reproductive mode explained little variation in female body size, fecundity, or egg hatch rate. Our results suggest that transitions to parthenogenetic reproduction can lead to dramatic genetic changes with little immediate effect on performance. All-female M. batesii populations appear to consist of high-fitness genotypes that might be able to thrive for many generations in relatively constant and benign environments but could be vulnerable to environmental challenges, such as increased parasite abundance.

Contrasting genetic and morphological differentiation among geographical lineages of a stenotopic miniature rasborine, Boraras maculatus, in Peninsular Malaysia.

The variability in the stenotopic miniature rasborine Boraras maculatus (Cypriniformes: Danionidae: Rasborinae) across acidic-water habitats of Peninsular Malaysia (PM) was investigated using two molecular markers (the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] gene and the nuclear rhodopsin gene), as well as morphological evidence. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed differentiation among populations of B. maculatus in PM with the distinction of four allopatric lineages. Each of them was recognized as a putative species by automatic species delimitation methods. These lineages diverged from each other between 7.4 and 1.9 million years ago. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the multivariate variation in 11 morphometric measurements among three of these lineages. PCA results showed a significant overlap in morphological characteristics among these lineages. Additionally, a photograph-based machine learning approach failed to fully differentiate these lineages, suggesting limited morphological differentiation. B. maculatus represents a case of morphological stasis in a stenotopic miniature species. Strong habitat preference, coupled with long-term habitat fragmentation, may explain why each lineage of B. maculatus has a restricted distribution and did not disperse to other regions within and outside of PM, despite ample possibilities when the Sunda shelf was emerged and drained by large paleodrainages for most of the past 7 million years. The conservation status of B. maculatus and its peat swamp habitats are discussed, and it is concluded that peat swamps comprise several evolutionary units. Each of these units is considered a conservation unit and deserves appropriate protection.

Diversity, distribution and conservation status of the world’s smallest fish, Paedocypris progenetica

Paedocypris progenetica, the smallest fish in the world and recorded as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List due to a large population declined. This condition caused survival threats on the population of Paedocypris. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine the species of Paedocypris in the selected peat swamp area based on their diversity, distribution, and conservation status. A total of 66 individuals were collected from February 2019 to September 2021 from three out of four selected sampling area, comprising of two species namely Paedocypris progenetica (TL: 6.63-12.50 mm) and Paedocypris mircromegethes (TL: 8.89-10.60 mm). The results displayed that P. progenetica was found at two sampling locations and dsitinguished the greater in local distribution (LD) which is 50% followed by P. micromgethes (25%) represented the lowest distribution. Moreover, parameter measurements (in situ) of water quality in the blackwater peat swamp revealed temperatures ranging from 23°C to 25.3°C while pH between 4.0-6.9. The population trend for Paedocypris genus is declining due to continuing loss and degradation of blackwater peat swamp habitat which is considered to be the greatest threat.

Morphological Variations of Nepenthes mirabilis (Lour.) Druce in the Peat Swamp Habitat

Nepenthes mirabilis is a type of lowland Nepenthes. Nepenthes mirabilis has morphological variations in size and color in its natural habitat. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the morphological variations of Nepenthes mirabilis in peat swamp habitat including stems, leaves and pitchers. This research was carried out in Pulu Beruang Village, Tulung Selapan District, Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatera. The research method used exploration method. Determination of the observation sample using a random plot method selected by purposive sampling. The parameters observed in this study were the morphological characteristics of Nepenthes mirabilis stems, leaves and sacs as well as environmental factors. Research results, Nepenthes mirabilis has a round stem shape (teres), red and green in color. The leaves are lanceolate, stalked, the edges of the leaves are flat and smooth, the upper surface of the leaves is green or reddish. Waist-shaped pouch, yellowish green in color with red striated and green with red spots.

Normoxia exposure reduces hemoglobin concentration and gill size in a hypoxia-tolerant tropical freshwater fish

Hypoxia is a widespread environmental stressor that shapes fish physiology and morphology. Plasticity in traits that improve oxygen uptake and delivery or reduce oxygen requirements may be critical for fish to cope with fluctuating dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions in their natural habitat or adapt to new environments. In this study, we characterized a suite of morpho-physiological respiratory traits of a naturally hypoxia-acclimated weakly electric mormyrid fish, Petrocephalus degeni, and quantified their plasticity in response to long-term normoxia exposure. We captured P. degeni from a hypoxic swamp habitat (PO2 = 2.43 ± 1.85 kPa) surrounding Lake Nabugabo, Uganda, and acclimated them to normoxia (PO2 > 16 kPa) for up to 75 days. At various time points throughout normoxia exposure, we measured blood hemoglobin and lactate concentration, gill size, routine metabolic rate (RMR), regulation index (RI), and critical oxygen tension (Pcrit). We found that 62–75 days of normoxia exposure significantly reduced blood hemoglobin concentration (− 17%), gill filament length (− 14%), and hemibranch area (− 18%), whereas RMR, RI, Pcrit, and blood lactate showed no significant change. Our results support earlier findings that swamp-dwelling P. degeni are well adapted to life in chronic and severe hypoxia and indicate that they possess a limited capacity for phenotypic plasticity in response to a change in their DO environment.

IDENTIFIKASI POTENSI EKONOMI KAWASAN GAMBUT DI DESA PETANANG, KECAMATAN KUMPEH, KABUPATEN MUARO JAMBI

The peatland have holds enormous potential, but also very complex problems. The complexity is caused by the fragile characteristics of peatlands and the many interests of peatland. The management of peatland, which are often drained for use as agricultural land and residential areas, results in land subsidence. Dry peat is a good fuel, so excessive drying of land can cause land and forest fires to easily occur. Management of peat areas requires selection of suitable tree species for planting, knowledge of specific silvicultural techniques in peat areas, less fertile (nutrient-poor) peat swamp habitat and high acidity so that plants generally have slow growth. The purpose of this study was to obtain data on regional potential related to peatland management techniques in Petanang Village, Muaro Jambi. As well as getting a community based management model on the potential in the area. The results of the identification of economic potential in the peat areas of Petanang Village are expected to provide viable alternative livelihood options to gradually reduce pressure on peatlands, as well as build community capacity in developing economic activities from the proper use of peatlands.

Bird Diversity in the Freshwater Swamp of Lake Tangkas Ecosystem, Sekernan District, Muaro Jambi Regency

After Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, Indonesia is the fourth richest country in the world in terms of the number of bird species. Lake Tangkas Nature Tourism is located in two administrative areas, namely Tanjung Terus Village, Sekernan District, Muaro Jambi Regency, and Desa Kaos, Pemayung District, Batanghari Regency, and has an extended form. The region surrounding Tangkas Lake, which is still in its original state, is an ideal habitat for bird species that nest. This study seeks to identify bird species inhabiting freshwater swamp habitats in the Muaro Jambi Tangkas Lake Natural Tourism destination region. This study was conducted in March 2021 at the Lake Tangkas Nature Tourist Area, Tanjung Terus Village, which has 403.11 hectares, Sekernan District, Muaro Jambi Regency. Collecting data on bird species using the point count method. Thirteen observation stations are employed as study locations as counting points. Observations were conducted during peak bird activity, namely in the morning from 6:00 to 10:00 WIB and in the afternoon from 14:00 to 18:00 WIB. According to the results of the study, 36 species of birds from 18 groups (475 individuals) were discovered in the freshwater swamp habitat of Tangkas Lake; the diversity index value is (H'=3.12). The evenness index is 0.87, which places the distribution of bird species in the studied area in the "high" category

KARAKTERISTIK HABITAT TAPIR ASIA (Tapirus indicus) WILAYAH KERJA RESORT LAHAI SPTN II BELILAS TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT TIGA PULUH DAN SEKITARNYA DI PROVINSI RIAU

Tapir is a large endemic mammal on the Sumatra island, this animal is prioritized for conservation because it is categorized as an endangered species. The population is at risk of extinction >20% over a 20 year period, when no conservation efforts are made in accordance with their habitat. Tapirs can live in swamp habitats, lowlands, mountains, hilly forests, secondary forests, shrubs and palm plantations. All of the most important types of habitat are the availability of food, water and shelter. A habitat that is suitable for the survival of the tapirs is needed, such as the availability of sufficient food and an environment that supports tapirs to breed. This research aims to find out the characteristics of Asian tapir habitat (Tapirus indicus) in several types of primary forest vegetation, secondary forests and shrubs in the working area of Resort Lahai SPTN II Belilas Bukit Tiga puluh National Park and surrounding areas in Riau Province. This research was conducted using purposive sampling method by determining the characteristics of tapir habitat. The characteristic of tapir habitats in TNBT and surrounding areas in the three vegetation are the closure of tree headers in the bush 0%, secondary forests 3.63%-54.21% and primary forests 4.37%-85.66%. Availability of feed plants in primary forests 3.03%-83.33%, secondary forests 39.13%-100.00%, shrubs 50.00%-100.00%. The characteristic of tapir habitats in primary forests, Secondary forests and shrubs include low land with topography ramps up to rather steep, distances with natural forests from primary forests are 633.54 m-1,155.00 m, secondary forests 1,253.32 m-1,791.76 m and shrubs 1,539.76 m-1,985.14 m. Distance by river from secondary forest 100.84 m-325.95 m, primary forest 126.58 m-290.99 m and shrub 111.33 m-356.04 m.

Profile of ectoparasites and biometric condition of snakehead (Channa striata Bloch 1793) collected from different habitats

Studies related to the comparison of ectoparasites that infect snakehead from different habitats and their relationship to biometric conditions have not been widely studied. Thus, present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, intensity, dominance, and predilection of ectoparasites on snakehead collected from ditches, paddy fields, and swamps and correlate them with biometric conditions. In total of 90 snakehead fish were collected from ditches, paddy fields, and swamps. The observation of ectoparasites was performed on the gills, fins, and skin. The parameters measured in this study were ectoparasite profiles and biometric condition of fish. Specifically, the parameters of the ectoparasite profile included prevalence, intensity, dominance, and predilection. Meanwhile, the parameters of the biometric conditions were the length-weight relationship, the distribution of length and weight classes, and condition factors. Five species of ectoparasites that have been identified as Tetrahymena sp., Epistylis sp., Trichodina sp., Dactylogyrus sp., and Gyrodactylus sp. Tetrahymena sp. infection in snakehead was reported for the first time. The ditch habitat had the highest prevalence and intensity, which were 76.7% and 15.4 ectoparasites/fish, respectively. Tetrahymena sp. and Epistylis sp. were detected in sneakhead from all habitats, Trichodina sp. was detected at ditch and paddy field habitats, whereas, Gyrodactylus sp. and Dactylogyrus sp. were only found in swamp habitats. The gill was the predilection organ that most vulnerable to ectoparasite infection. Infected Snakehead tend to have lower average weight and length than healthy snakehead. Snakehead with a weight range of 115.2-145.2 g and a length range of 258.5-268.5 mm tend to be more vulnerable to ectoparasite infection compared to other sizes.Keywords:Tetrahymena sp.PrevalenceIntensityPredilectionLength-weight relationship

A Preliminary Study on the Beetle Fauna in Peat Swamp Forest of Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

The largest peatland in Malaysia is in Sarawak with approximately 1.66 million ha (13%) of total area, distributed widely in Sibu division followed by Sri Aman, Miri, Kota Samarahan, Sarikei and Bintulu. Despite being the most diverse animal species, the study of insects in peat swamp forest, particularly beetles, is still in the incipient stage. Therefore, this study aimed to provide recent information on the beetle species composition in a peat swamp forest of Real Living Lab, UNIMAS (RLL) located in Kota Samarahan. Beetles were sampled for five consecutive days and nights within a seven-day sampling trip in August 2020. Three sampling methods were employed in this study, namely handpicking method (HPM), modified Pennsylvanian light trap (MPLT) and pitfall trapping (PFT). A total of 15 families representing 37 species and morphospecies with 185 individuals were successfully collected. The most speciose family from the beetle assemblages in RLL is Scarabaeidae with eight species collected (21.62%), followed by Curculionidae with six species (16.22%) and Staphylinidae with five species (13.51%). The most abundant family was also represented by Scarabaeidae with 64 individuals (34.59%), followed by Scolytidae with 27 individuals (14.59%) and Carabidae with 23 individuals (12.43%), respectively. This suggests that these families are good candidates as biodiversity indicator of peat swamp forests. This study is still in its preliminary stage; hence it is important to conduct further beetle samplings in future to better understand the potential of beetle as a bioindicator in the peat swamp habitat as an effort to conserve and protect the habitat and the biodiversity that came along with it.

Kepadatan dan Pola Persebaran Pauh Kijang (Irvingia malayana Oliv.) pada Habitat Orang Utan di Taman Nasional Gunung Palung Provinsi Kalimantan Barat

Gunung Palung National Park is one of the orangutan habitats on the island of Borneo. Based on previous research, it was reported that the Kijang Pauh plant (Irvingia malayana Oliv.) grows in this conservation area. Currently, research related to plant ecology is still very limited. This study aims to determine the density and distribution pattern of the Kijang Pauh plant. Data collection was carried out from July to August 2021 in three types of orangutan habitat, namely: sandy rock habitat, alluvial habitat, and fresh water habitat. The type of research used is descriptive quantitative, where the data is presented in tabular form. Data collection was carried out by making plots measuring 50 m x 20 m with random sampling method in three types of habitat. The results showed that the density of Irvingia malayana in sandstone, alluvial, and freshwater swamp habitats was 18 individuals/ha, 10 individuals/ha, and 12 individuals/ha, respectively. The distribution pattern of Irvingia malayana in the three habitats is even or uniform. Based on the research results that have been obtained, it can be concluded that the highest density values are found in sandstone habitats, and the lowest density values are found in alluvial areas with an even or uniform distribution pattern.

Aquatic plants as niche for lay eggs and raising juveniles by freshwater fish in three swamp habitats in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Dharmono, Mahrudin, Irianti R, Fajeriadi H. 2022. Aquatic plants as niche for lay eggs and raising juveniles by freshwater fish in three swamp habitats in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1520-1526. Swamp is an area that is almost always waterlogged throughout the year, making it a very unique ecosystem. There is a wide variety of ecosystem services provided by swamp ecosystems, one of those is a habitat of freshwater fish, which is related to the presence of swamp vegetation. This study aimed to investigate swamp plants used as niches for freshwater fish to lay eggs and raise its offspring in three swamp areas in three regencies (i.e., Hulu Sungai Utara Regency, Tanah Laut Regency and Barito Kuala Regency) in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Purposive random sampling was conducted in each swamp by observing and documenting the types of plants where fish eggs and offspring were found. We recorded 26 species of aquatic plants used by 17 species of swamp fish to lay eggs and raise offspring/fry. Eichhornia crassipes was the most widely used aquatic plant species with 100% of all freshwater fish species found (17 fish species), followed by Pistia stratiotes by 70.6% (12 fish species) and Cyperus digitatus, Lemna minor, Nelumbo nucifera, Utricularia aurea and Crinum asiaticum with each used by 52.9% (9 fish species). These plant species favored by fish need to be maintained and controlled to support the population of the fish.

A new species of Volvariella (Pluteaceae, Basidiomycota) from Western Siberia, Russia

Volvariella clavocystidiata sp. nov., collected from Western Siberia, is described based on morphological characters and molecular data. The new species is characterized by silky fibrillose whitish pileus, clavate cheilo- and pleurocystidia, and basidiospores on average 6.6 × 4.8 µm and swamp habitat. Detailed morphological descriptions, drawings of microstructures and comparisons with closely related taxa are provided. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from the internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and 28S nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) showed that novel taxon formed independent phylogenetic lineage within the genus Volvariella.

Seasonal Dynamics of Mosquito-Borne Viruses in the Southwestern Florida Everglades, 2016, 2017.

Mosquitoes were collected for 12 consecutive months beginning June 2016, from 11 locations in the Florida Everglades, Collier County, and tested for viruses by isolation in Vero cells and subsequent identification. One species complex and 31 species of mosquitoes were identified from 668,809 specimens. Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus comprised 72.2% of the collection. Other notable species were Anopheles crucians complex, Culex nigripalpus, Cx. erraticus, and Cx. cedecei. Seven species of virus were identified from 110 isolations: Everglades, Gumbo Limbo, Mahogany Hammock, Pahayokee, Shark River, Tensaw, and West Nile viruses. Everglades, West Nile, Tensaw, and Mahogany Hammock viruses were most frequently isolated. Largest numbers of viruses were identified from Cx. cedecei, Cx. nigripalpus, and An. crucians complex. Five species of virus were isolated from Cx. cedecei. Viruses were isolated from mangrove, cypress swamp, hardwood hammock, and sawgrass habitats. West Nile virus was isolated August through October when Cx. nigripalpus was most abundant. Everglades virus was the most frequently isolated virus from nine species of mosquitoes collected from June through August. Tensaw virus was isolated primarily from Anopheles species. Isolations were made in July, August, January, February, and April, suggesting that this virus may be present in host-seeking mosquitoes throughout the year. Mahogany Hammock, Shark River, Gumbo Limbo, and Pahayokee viruses were isolated primarily from Cx. cedecei from June through December. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to document that seven pools of Cx. cedecei were infected with two arboviruses. As communities expand into the Everglades, more humans will become exposed to arboviruses.