Tibagi River Basin Research Articles

DNA barcode shows discordant cases among morphological and molecular species identification in Isbrueckerichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)

Abstract Isbrueckerichthys is a genus of armored catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) with five species in the lowlands from the Ribeira de Iguape basin and in the uplands of the Tibagi River basin. Despite the validation of the morphological species, molecular data to investigate gene flow and species delimitation have not been completed for all species. For this purpose, we compared sequences of COI region associated with barcoding molecular identification, aiming for a species delimitation analysis and generating population data of I. alipionis, I. epakmos, I. duseni, I. cf. duseni, I. saxicola, and I. calvus. The K2P genetic distance, molecular species delimitation analysis, and well-sustained branches in the phylogenetic tree validate I. alipionis, I. epakmos, and I. duseni, and suggest I. cf. duseni as a valid molecular operational taxonomic unit. However, no differences were detected between I. saxicola and I. calvus. The discordance between molecular and morphological species may be due to the recent dispersal of some Isbrueckerichthys representatives at the border between the Ribeira de Iguape and Tibagi basins. The isolation features of the mountainous region of Ribeira de Iguape basin and headwaters captures to uplands are presented to explain the dispersion and the cases of incipient speciation in Isbrueckerichthys lineages.

Genetic diversity of the species Cnesterodon hypselurus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) in Cinzas River basin: new record and headwater capture evidences

Abstract Cnesterodon hypselurus is a small fish that has a restricted distribution in southern Brazil, including headwaters of the Tibagi and Itararé river basins (Upper Paraná River). This study reported C. hypselurus in a headwater of Cinzas River basin, where there were no previous records of this species, and employed microsatellite loci and mitochondrial haplotypes in a population genetic analysis. A total of 57 specimens was analyzed, including 30 from Cinzas River basin, 25 from Itararé River basin and two from Tibagi River basin. Results indicated low genetic diversity levels (HE = 0.334 and h = 0.246) for the sample from Cinzas River, suggesting reflections of a founder effect after the species had dispersed from one watershed to another, possibly by headwater captures. Since different populations were detected between the Cinzas and Itararé rivers (DEST = 0.248, P-value < 0.05) and other occurrence sites are still unknown in the Cinzas River basin, the data herein have great relevance and should be taken into account in future management and conservation actions, as well as in evolutionary studies of C. hypselurus.

Cryptic diversity among populations of Aegla Leach, 1820 (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) from Tibagi River basin, Paraná state, Brazil, with descriptions of three new species

ABSTRACT Freshwater crustaceans of the genus Aegla are endemic to southern South America. In Brazil, the greatest diversity of aeglid species occurs in river basins in the Rio Grande do Sul state. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that the potential for discovering new species of Aegla in the Paraná state is huge. In recent years, for example, seven new species have been described for the state of Paraná. Furthermore, there is a need to solve problems related to cryptic species and refine taxonomic information about the group. Here we expand our current knowledge of the freshwater biodiversity of Aegla in the region by describing three new species. Aegla nanopedis sp. nov., Aegla abrupta sp. nov., and Aegla santosi sp. nov. were discriminated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Particular morphological characters of the carapace, chelipeds, epimeron and uropods distinguished the new taxa. Molecular results also support the separation of the new species from the closely related species A. jacutinga, A. castro and A. lata. The new species have limited distribution and are categorised as endangered (Aegla nanopedis sp. nov.) and vulnerable (Aegla abrupta sp. nov. and Aegla santosi sp. nov.) according to International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria.

Allometric growth, sexual maturity, and life cycle of Aegla lata (Decapoda, Anomura), a critically endangered species

AbstractAegla lata Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 is a critically endangered species, extinct in its type-locality. Its currently known geographical distribution is restricted to small streams of the lower Tibagi River Basin (Paraná state, southern Brazil), where it is vulnerable to the environmental degradation that takes place in these watersheds. Scientific knowledge on the species is limited to the original description and a few occurrence records. No information about its biology is available. Aiming to fill this gap, we investigated the relative growth, sexual maturity, sexual dimorphism, and the reproductive and recruitment periods of A. lata. Monthly sampling occurred from May 2014 through June 2015 in the Bule stream in the southern limit of Mata dos Godoy State Park, Londrina, Paraná state, Brazil (23°27ʹ20.86″S, 51°16ʹ32.44″W). The analysis of allometric growth was used to differentiate juveniles and adults. According to the development stage of the chelae, two sequential groups of adult males were recognized (morphotypes I and II). The estimated average cephalothorax length (CL) at the onset of morphometric maturity of males and females are similar, suggesting puberty molt takes place at nearly the same size in both sexes. Males and females are heterochelous, with a clear predominance of the left chela as the most developed of the pair. Both chelae are larger in adult males than in adult females of similar CL. The reproductive period is markedly seasonal, extending from the austral autumn to winter (May to August), as well as those recorded in other species of Aegla from similar latitudes. A single annual recruitment pulse was detected from October 2014 to February 2015.

Diversity and distribution of ichthyofauna in streams of the middle and lower Tibagi river basin, Paraná, Brazil

Diversity and distribution of ichthyofauna in streams of the middle and lower Tibagi river basin, Paraná, Brazil

Fish fauna from tributaries throughout the Tibagi River basin, upper Paraná basin, Brazil

Fishes were collected at 36 sites in first order streams of Tibagi River basin, Paraná state, Brazil. A total of 2,669 individuals belonging to 47 species of 13 families and six orders were collected. The number of collected species represented 95.9% of the expected number of species for the studied area as estimated by Chao 1, and 93.4% by ACE, indicating an effective sampling. The highest richness was recorded in the tributaries at the lower region (Zone III) of the Tibagi River basin, with 33 species, including 16 species not found in the other regions of the basin. In the streams of the middle and upper regions (Zones II and I) each presented less richness, with 10 (two exclusive) and 25 (11 exclusive) species, respectively. This study shows a high geographic variation in the composition of fish fauna among zones, maybe related to historical and/or ecological influences.

New record and distribution extension of the endangered freshwater fish Cnesterodon hypselurus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) in the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil

Cnesterodon hypselurus is an endangered species from the Upper Paraná River basin, with distribution restricted to three streams with diminished habitat quality. An updated distribution including new locations in the Tibagi River basin is presented, increasing its area of occurrence and providing a new low-elevation record of 728 m. The recognition of these populations suggests that C. hypselurus might have a larger distribution in the east-central Paraná State region, changing to vulnerable the previously endangered status of the species.

Establishment of non-native predator (Pisces, Erythrinidae) in a tributary of the Upper Paraná River basin, south Brazil

Erythrinus erythrinus is an erythrinid native from the basins of the Amazon, Orinoco, coastal rivers of the Guyana and Lower Parana, but allochthonous of Tibagi River region, Paranapanema basin. In the present work, we report the occurrence of E. erythrinus in Agua dos Tigres and Taquari rivers, in the Paranapanema basin, and aim to verify the occurrence of constancy and the condition of health of its specimens in sub-tributaries of the Lower Paranapanema River. The catch-per-unit-effort of the Agua dos Tigres River mouth was about three times higher than the site upstream of the same river, and the Taquari River presented the lowest value. The species presented constancy of catches in tributaries of the basin, where isometric growth and good health condition of the specimens were observed. Its introduction into the Tibagi River basin may have occurred due to an intentional release as remaining live bait discarded in commercial fishery operations or may have dispersed after the flood of the Sete Quedas Falls. The presence of juveniles along with adults indicates that the species is undergoing an establishment stage of the invasion process in the region. Keywords: Tibagi River, biological invasion, fishes, diversity loss.

O Rio Tibagi e suas representações: a polêmica da água e o desenvolvimento do Projeto Tibagi (1970 – 2000)

O rio Tibagi na cidade de Londrina, durante os anos de 1970 e 1980 foi motivo de muita discussão e polêmica devido ao projeto de captação de suas águas para o abastecimento da população das cidades de Londrina e região. Em matérias publicadas em jornais, sobretudo no Jornal Folha de Londrina, nas décadas de 1970 e 1980, foi possível identificar que, neste momento, emergiu a percepção de que o rio estava poluído. Deste modo, o nosso objetivo principal na primeira parte desta pesquisa é investigar como se deu a formação desta imagem. Para tanto foi utilizado a coleção de recortes de jornais sobre a polêmica da captação das águas do Tibagi e entrevistas com o engenheiro civil Nelson Amanthea e com o engenheiro agrônomo Marcos Antonio Castanheira, ambos participaram das discussões sobre o Projeto. Foi neste período, que o ideário da era da ecologia penetrou e começou a circular na cidade no final da década de 1970. Neste contexto, o do surgimento da “era da ecologia”, as denúncias e ações de combate à poluição começavam a se tornar mais efetivas e amplas, assim também, surgiram as associações ambientalistas, órgãos governamentais especializados e legislação específica. Deste modo, o também objetivo dessa pesquisa é investigar a participação de cientistas e instituições na questão ambiental, através da investigação do rio Tibagi que tornou-se evidente no final dos anos de 1980 e início da década seguinte quando a Universidade Estadual de Londrina-PR iniciou pesquisas na bacia do rio Tibagi. Destaca-se a participação dos membros do Departamento de Biologia Animal e Vegetal – UEL, a empresa Klabin Celulose e Papel, de Telêmaco Borba-PR e o COPATI- Consórcio Intermunicipal da Bacia do Tibagi, nos projetos e ações com objetivo de promover a sua recuperação. Uma das principais ações investigadas foi o Projeto “Aspecto da Fauna e Flora do Rio Tibagi” que ficou conhecido como “Projeto Tibagi”. Neste sentido busquei investigar as origens do Projeto, os principais participantes envolvidos, o seu desenvolvimento, os resultados da pesquisa, as motivações que levaram o Projeto a ser encerrado e a relação dos cientistas com o rio. As principais fontes utilizadas foram os jornais Folha de Londrina e Notícias UEL; depoimentos de pesquisadores da UEL e relatórios do projeto Tibagi.

A presença indígena no vale do Rio Tibagi/PR no início do século XX

Com o fim do Império e a instalação da República, as populações indígenas tiveram que reformular suas ações e reinventar novas formas de lidar com o poder do Estado. Esse processo, se por um lado garantiu a sua existência, por outro fez com que eles tivessem que readequar seus modos de vida tradicionais às novas situações. Pretende-se aqui apresentar a situação das populações indígenas presentes na bacia do médio Rio Tibagi no Estado do Paraná. Será destacada a situação histórica da região por volta de 1910, momento da criação do Serviço de Proteção aos Índios e Localização de Trabalhadores Nacionais (SPILTN) e o papel desse órgão na região intermediando as relações entre os indígenas e os nacionais. As populações indígenas envolvidas nesse processo desenvolveram estratégias políticas apropriadas e específicas para contrapor as políticas e as ações de redução de seus territórios. Serão demonstradas as complexas relações históricas e socioculturais que existiram nesse processo, que vão além das explicações oficiais de transformação (aculturação) das populações indígenas em populações rurais, e também evitada a armadilha da história polarizada que simplifica essas relações entre populações diferenciadas.

Cadmium mobility in sediments and soils from a coal mining area on Tibagi River watershed: Environmental risk assessment

The risk of cadmium contamination in the Tibagi River watershed (Parana State, Brazil) affected by past coal mining activities was assessed through sorption–desorption modeling for sediment and soil samples. The acidic character of the samples resulted in more competition between the cadmium ions and protons, thereby influencing the cadmium sorption–desorption. The sorption isotherms were fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich single models and to the dual-site Langmuir–Freundlich (or Sips) model. The single-site models indicated a low-energy character of sorption sites on the sample sorption sites, whereas the dual-site model explained the availability of higher-affinity and lower-affinity non-specific sites. The correlation of the sorption and desorption constants with the physicochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the samples showed that the cadmium sorption behavior was significantly affected by the pH, point of zero charge, and also by the magnesium, aluminum, calcium and manganese amounts. Besides, the desorption rate and hysteresis index suggested a high risk of cadmium mobilization along the Tibagi River basin.

Vascular flora of the Mata dos Godoy State Park, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

The Mata dos Godoy State Park (MGSP) is a remnant of the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in northern Paraná, with an area of 690 hectares. The MGSP flora inventory was produced from a survey of herbarium specimens deposited in the FUEL Herbarium. The result was the catalogue of 508 species, among which we screened 40 specimens of ferns and lycophytes, and the remainder was classified as angiosperms. The two richest families among the ferns were Polypodiaceae and Pteridaceae, whereas among the arboreal angiosperms, Leguminosae and Myrtaceae stood out, confirming the floristic profile of the lower Tibagi River basin. Among the species, 12 can be classified as naturalized and 21 are among the threatened species in the state of Paraná, besides the inclusion of species whose collections were reduced in Brazil. These results indicate the MGSP as an important area for the representation of the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in northern Paraná.

Cytogenetic characterization of three allopatric species of Hypostomus Lacépède (1803) (Teleostei, Loricariidae)

The genus Hypostomus is distributed throughout South America and is one of the most widely studied genera among Loricariidae, with approximately 130 species described. However, correct taxonomic identification is difficult due to subtle morphological differences between species. Thus, cytogenetic data on this genus are fundamental to clarifying the evolutional history of the group. Cytogenetic analyses were carried out on three species of Hypostomus in the state of Paraná, Brazil: one from the Tibagi river basin (Hypostomus aff. ancistroides) and two from the Iguaçu river basin (Hypostomus commersonii and Hypostomus derbyi). Hypostomus aff. ancistroides had 2n = 66 chromosomes (12m; 16sm; 10st; 28a) and number of arms (fundamental number, FN) = 104, with large heterochromatic blocks identified in two chromosome pairs and nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) detected in seven chromosomes of the complement. The H. commersonii population had 2n = 68 chromosomes (12m; 12sm; 8st; 36a) and FN = 100, with low heterochromatin located pericentromerically and NORs detected in only one chromosome pair. The H. derbyi population had 2n = 66 chromosomes (6m; 10sm; 20 st; 30a), with large heterochromatic blocks dispersed throughout the karyotype and multiple sites with NORs. The karyotype markers proved efficient in separating the species studied herein and corroborate the divergent karyotype evolution in the genus Hypostomus.

Crepuscular activity of culicids (Diptera, Culicidae) in the peridomicile and in the remaining riparian forest in Tibagi river, State of Paraná, Brazil

Crepuscular activity of culicids (Diptera, Culicidae) in the peridomicile and in the remaining riparian forest in Tibagi river, State of Paraná, Brazil. Human-attracted mosquitoes were collected for one hour, around sunset time (half hour before and half after), from April to December 2006, in two environments (riparian forest and near houses), in Tibagi river basin, Palmeira municipality, State of Paraná. Seven-hundred forty-nine mosquitoes, belonging to 13 species, were collected. Psorophora champerico Dyar & Knab, 1906 (42.86%) and Psorophora discrucians (Walker, 1856) (40.59%) were the most frequent species. No significant differences between quantities of Ps. champerico (t = -0.792; d.f. = 16; p = 0.43) and Ps. discrucians (t = 0.689; d.f. = 16; p = 0.49) obtained in riparian forest and near houses were observed, indicating similar conditions for crepuscular activity of these species in both environments. Psorophora champerico and Ps. discrucians responded (haematophagic activity) to environmental stimuli associated with the twilight hours differently in distinct habitats studied. The former species is registered for the first time in the Atlantic forest biome.

Vascular grassland plants of Tibagi River Spring, Ponta Grossa, Brazil

A systematic survey was carried out on wet grasslands found over Histosols at Upper Tibagi River basin, between Ponta Grossa and Palmeira municipalities, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, place of high importance because of soil water retention capability and soil carbon pool composition. We provide a checklist containing 146 species, 96 genera and 42 plant families for the area. Families with higher species richness were Asteraceae (27 species; 21 genera), Poaceae (24; 16) and Cyperaceae (18; 6). Four species were classified as endangered or rare, and one as exotic. The specific richness in wet grassland environments at the state of Paraná underlines the need for conservation efforts encompassing these formations.

Anatomy and genetic diversity of two populations of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) from the Tibagi River basin in Paraná, Brazil

Knowledge of the effects of flooding on plant survival is relevant for the efficiency of management and conservation programs. Schinus terebinthifolius is a tree of economic and ecological importance that is common in northeast Brazil. Flooding tolerance and genetic variation were investigated in two riparian populations of S. terebinthifolius distributed along two different ecological regions of the Tibagi River basin. Flooding tolerance was evaluated through the investigation of young plants, submitted to different flooding intensities to examine the morphological and anatomical responses to this stress. The growth rate of S. terebinthifolius was not affected by flooding, but total submersion proved to be lethal for 100% of the plants. Morphological alterations such as hypertrophied lenticels were observed in both populations and lenticel openings were significantly higher in plants from one population. Genetic analysis using DNA samples obtained from both populations showed a moderate degree of genetic variation between populations (13.7%); most of the variation was found within populations (86.3%). These results show that for conservation purposes and management of degraded areas, both populations should be preserved and could be used in programs that intend to recompose riparian forests.

Population genetic structure of the tropical tree species Aegiphila sellowiana (Lamiaceae)

The Tibagi River, located in southern Brazil, is associated with a significant degree of environmental heterogeneity, along its 550 km extension. There is concern about the integrity of this river's ecosystem, as human interference has been increasing. Aegiphila sellowiana (Lamiaceae) is an important pioneer tree species, commonly found near rivers; the fruit is consumed by avifauna. We studied this species along three ecological gradients, comprising the upper, middle, and lower regions of the Tibagi River basin. The genetic structure of nine subpopulations of A. sellowiana distributed along these gradients was investigated using RAPDs. Moderate levels of gene diversity (ranging from 0.091 to 0.132) were identified, inferred by a traditional approach and a Bayesian model-based method. The F-statistic, G(ST) parameters and molecular variance analysis showed high genetic differentiation among the three regions (39.5 to 50.26%). Analysis of molecular variance revealed high levels of genetic variation between populations (50.26%), while lower values of genetic variation (ranging from 9.56 to 16.35%) were seen between subpopulations within the upper, middle, and lower regions of the Tibagi River basin. The validity of these results was confirmed by principal coordinate analysis. Linear regression analysis showed significant correlations (r = 0.621, P = 0.0001) between the genetic and geographical distances. The differences observed in genetic variation between regions are probably due to habitat fragmentation; for conservation purposes, we recommend that at least one subpopulation from each region of the Tibagi River should be maintained.

A ictiofauna da bacia do rio Tibagi e o projeto de construção da UHE Mauá, Paraná, Brasil

The middle stretch of Tibagi river basin in the State of Parana, where the hydroelectric plant of Maua is planned to be constructed, was considered by the Ministerio do Meio Ambiente (MMA) as an area of priority for conservation. The environmental impacts studies for the species of fish were considered incomplete, inconsistent and not valid by researchers from the Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Thus, with the purpose of verifying which species of fish occur in stretches of Tibagi river and an affluent threatened by the project, Barra Grande river, a list of species that appear on the reports (EIA/RIMA) with species collected in this study and in literature, were compared. In the EIA/RIMA reports 125 fish species were registered. This study added 26 species than those recorded in the EIA, totaling 151 species, for the Tibagi river basin. Among those who did not appear in the EIA, five were collected in stretches of Tibagi river and two in Barra Grande river. The others are from current studies carried out in the middle and upper regions of Tibagi river. These results confirmed the errors presented in the EIA, emphasizing that several species can be new for science. Therefore, the studies presented in the by the CNEC S.A., and approved by Instituto Ambiental do Parana (IAP), do not support propositions drawn to weaken the effects of the Maua dam over the fish species that could be attained

Coexistence of cytotypes and chromosomal mosaicism in Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes, Erythrinidae).

Karyotypes of seventeen Hoplias malabaricus specimens, collected in the fish culture station of UNOPAR (University of Northern Paraná), were analyzed. The station is in the Claro River system in the Tibagi River basin. Two distinct and coexistent karyotype forms (cytotypes) were identified, comprising either 42 chromosomes (cytotype A) or 40 chromosomes (cytotype C), both presenting metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. In two specimens, one male and one female, it was not possible to characterize a modal diploid number because different cell lines were observed, with a predominance of 2n=41 and 2n=42 chromosomes at a frequency of 38.24% and 41.12%, respectively. The karyotype with 2n=41 showed some putative monosomic and trisomic chromosomes, while the karyotype with 2n=42 showed 21 chromosomal pairs, similar to cytotype A. RAPD analysis showed that these two specimens have the same band pro file of cytotype A (Nei's genetic identity=92%), discarding a possible hybridization between both cytotypes and supporting the mosaicism hypothesis. These findings corroborate the isolation between cytotypes A and C.

Coexistence of cytotypes and chromosomal mosaicism in Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes, Erythrinidae)

Karyotypes of seventeen Hoplias malabaricus specimens, collected in the fish culture station of UNOPAR (University of Northern Paraná), were analyzed. The station is in the Claro River system in the Tibagi River basin. Two distinct and coexistent karyotype forms (cytotypes) were identified, comprising either 42 chromosomes (cytotype A) or 40 chromosomes (cytotype C), both presenting metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. In two specimens, one male and one female, it was not possible to characterize a modal diploid number because different cell lines were observed, with a predominance of 2n=41 and 2n=42 chromosomes at a frequency of 38.24% and 41.12%, respectively. The karyotype with 2n=41 showed some putative monosomic and trisomic chromosomes, while the karyotype with 2n=42 showed 21 chromosomal pairs, similar to cytotype A. RAPD analysis showed that these two specimens have the same band pro file of cytotype A (Nei's genetic identity=92%), discarding a possible hybridization between both cytotypes and supporting the mosaicism hypothesis. These findings corroborate the isolation between cytotypes A and C.