Hasil untuk "General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution"

Christopher J. Schell, Karen Dyson, T. L. Fuentes et al.

Imprints of racism Cities create challenging environments for many nonhuman species, and the presence of nonhumans in cities influences the health and well-being of the humans with which they share the environment. Distinct urban conditions are created by landscape modification, but the history of this transformation is not equal across urban environments. Schell et al. review how systematic racist practices such as residential segregation, enacted in part through redlining, have led to an unequal distribution of “nature” within cities. These inequities continue to play out in both the ecological processes of cites and the welfare of their residents. Science, this issue p. eaay4497 BACKGROUND Human activity and decisions drive all life in cities. Worldwide, cities are characterized by extensive anthropogenic transformation of the landscape, modification of biogeochemical processes, and alteration of biological communities. Underlying all of these characteristics of urban ecosystems is an extraordinary variability in human agency, culture, power, and identity. Though our understanding of cities as ecological systems with distinctive community assemblages and landscape features has broadened considerably, researchers still rarely consider the full range of social drivers that affect landscape heterogeneity. One of the most characteristic attributes of cities is social inequality—specifically the uneven distribution of resources and wealth primarily underpinned by structural racism and classism. Because structural inequalities form the foundation of city infrastructure, urban development, governance, management, and landscape heterogeneity, inequality among humans defines the ecological setting and evolutionary trajectories for all urban organisms. More broadly, systematic inequities have profound impacts on global biological change and biodiversity loss. Many emergent social inequity patterns are principally driven by systemic racism and white supremacy. Hence, centering racial and economic justice in urban biological research and conservation is imperative. Here, we show how social inequalities shape ecological and evolutionary processes in U.S. cities and highlight the need for research that integrates justice perspectives with ecological and evolutionary dynamics. ADVANCES Although a rich literature demonstrates how historical and contemporary inequities emerge and persist in human systems, a transdisciplinary perspective that integrates social and cultural processes into an urban eco-evolutionary framework remains unexplored. In today’s world, humans often shape the ecological conditions that drive patterns of species distribution and evolution. Distinctive urban landscape features—including reduced habitat patch size, novel plant communities, and increased distance among similar patches—affect key ecological processes such as population dynamics, species interactions, and food web structure. Recent research emphasizes that socioeconomic and demographic factors predict within-city variation in diverse environmental conditions. Humans directly control urban plant, animal, and microbe communities. Further, decisions about urban resource management are often dictated by a subset of individuals and institutions with social or economic capital. These decisions can bias the distribution of societal benefits derived from nature. Dominant social groups also enact and enforce policies and societal norms that exacerbate social and environmental inequities. Wealthier and predominantly white neighborhoods generally have more green space, more trees, and greater plant diversity than less affluent neighborhoods. In addition, synergies among pollution (e.g., light, noise, chemical), resource distribution, subsidized predators, and non-native species present novel challenges to organisms, which must respond by moving elsewhere, acclimatizing, adapting, or facing local extirpation. These stressors are often stratified according to racial and/or ethnic backgrounds and wealth. Further, intraspecific variation in phenotypic and genotypic traits of urban species may reflect human-induced disturbances. These relationships highlight the potential for both adaptive and neutral evolutionary processes in urban subpopulations to vary across neighborhoods within cities. OUTLOOK Stratification of wealth and property ownership shapes the distribution and management of urban spaces, thus constructing the urban ecosystem. Systemic racism and classism drive urban wealth stratification, emphasizing the need to address inequality-driven environmental heterogeneity in urban ecological and evolutionary studies. Residential segregation and colonial annexation (as well as gentrification and displacement) generate predictable ecological patterns in vegetation, air and water quality, microclimate, soils, and the built environment through the rapid influx of resources to specific areas. Accounting for such processes will allow more accurate estimation of the effect of humans on urban organisms. Deconstructing the complex and nuanced attributes of social inequality in affecting biological phenomena can also inform more equitable and sustainable urban planning solutions that implement anti-racist and justice-centered actions. Racial oppression and economic injustice are jeopardizing urban and global ecosystem health and function. Structural racism and classism are further layered with other inequalities, thus necessitating an intersectional approach to urban ecology. Deeper integration across the natural and social sciences is therefore an urgent priority for advancing our understanding of urban ecosystems and developing applied solutions that promote environmental justice, equity, and sustainability. Residential segregation and systemic racism have substantial impacts on ecological and evolutionary dynamics in cities. Government-sponsored policies stratify neighborhoods on the basis of race and class (e.g., through “redlining” in the United States, represented here by the red circle), which results in restricted access to social services and environmental amenities for racial and/or ethnic minorities and low-income communities (red arrows). Habitat quantity and quality tend to be greater in wealthier and predominantly white neighborhoods (green arrows), which leads to variations in ecological and evolutionary processes, underscoring the influence of systemic racism and inequality in driving urban landscape characteristics. Urban areas are dynamic ecological systems defined by interdependent biological, physical, and social components. The emergent structure and heterogeneity of urban landscapes drives biotic outcomes in these areas, and such spatial patterns are often attributed to the unequal stratification of wealth and power in human societies. Despite these patterns, few studies have effectively considered structural inequalities as drivers of ecological and evolutionary outcomes and have instead focused on indicator variables such as neighborhood wealth. In this analysis, we explicitly integrate ecology, evolution, and social processes to emphasize the relationships that bind social inequities—specifically racism—and biological change in urbanized landscapes. We draw on existing research to link racist practices, including residential segregation, to the heterogeneous patterns of flora and fauna observed by urban ecologists. In the future, urban ecology and evolution researchers must consider how systems of racial oppression affect the environmental factors that drive biological change in cities. Conceptual integration of the social and ecological sciences has amassed considerable scholarship in urban ecology over the past few decades, providing a solid foundation for incorporating environmental justice scholarship into urban ecological and evolutionary research. Such an undertaking is necessary to deconstruct urbanization’s biophysical patterns and processes, inform equitable and anti-racist initiatives promoting justice in urban conservation, and strengthen community resilience to global environmental change.

D. Ackerly, S. Loarie, W. Cornwell et al.

Kristin Ludewig, Heather A. Shupe, Lizeth K. Vásconez Navas et al.

Wetlands help to regulate the climate by sequestering and storing carbon from the atmosphere into their biomass and soils. Although wetlands can provide valuable ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, there is a lack of quantifiable data for different types of wetlands. Teal-green carbon in floodplain forests and blue carbon in coastal and marine environments are the focus of this study. We use two contrasting wetland habitats and explore carbon sequestration and storage mechanisms, current evidence and data gaps, and their potential opportunities to contribute to climate change mitigation. Using a case study of hardwood floodplain forests in Germany, we find that age, structure and hydrological conditions are important factors in carbon sequestration while the evidence shows that sequestration is higher in young forests compared to old ones. Soil carbon stocks are found to be larger in the low elevated active floodplain compared to the higher elevated floodplain highlighting the importance of connectivity between the river and the floodplain. In a second case-study exploring carbon storage in Scottish saltmarshes, similar factors driving carbon storage are seen, including, position in the tidal frame, sediment supply, and sediment type. The policy landscape is used to highlight opportunities to increase the potential contribution of Scottish saltmarshes for climate change mitigation. Although data are limited and gaps exist for other greenhouse gas fluxes, overall, we argue that it is crucial to conserve all remaining riverine and coastal wetlands for their biodiversity and carbon storage function. Where possible and practical, these valuable ecosystems should be restored to increase their potential in this regard. Highlights Blue and teal-green carbon habitats can make an important contribution to carbon sequestration and storage. Blue and teal-green carbon habitats offer multiple ecosystem services in addition to carbon sequestration. Protection and restoration of blue and teal-green carbon habitats provide opportunities for improved climate change mitigation potential.

Xiaojing Miao

Establishing a coherent network of area-based management tools (ABMTs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) is critical for the sustainable development of the ocean, which hinges on effective cooperation between the BBNJ Agreement and existing mechanisms. This paper introduces the concept of institutional complementarity as a novel perspective focused on synergistic potential, exploring pathways for such cooperation. It discusses significant gaps in complementarity between the BBNJ Agreement and existing mechanisms across three core dimensions: strategic objectives, operational rules and management practices, posing substantial challenges to effective cooperation. To address these challenges, this paper proposes stepwise pathways for strengthening institutional complementarity: coordinating objectives from dialogue to shared strategic plans, promoting rule compatibility from scientific guidelines to rule coordination, and enhancing management from collaborative capacity-building to joint actions.

H. Ralimanana, Allison L. Perrigo, Rhian J. Smith et al.

Madagascar’s unique biota is heavily affected by human activity and is under intense threat. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the conservation status of Madagascar’s terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by presenting data and analyses on documented and predicted species-level conservation statuses, the most prevalent and relevant threats, ex situ collections and programs, and the coverage and comprehensiveness of protected areas. The existing terrestrial protected area network in Madagascar covers 10.4% of its land area and includes at least part of the range of the majority of described native species of vertebrates with known distributions (97.1% of freshwater fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals combined) and plants (67.7%). The overall figures are higher for threatened species (97.7% of threatened vertebrates and 79.6% of threatened plants occurring within at least one protected area). International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments and Bayesian neural network analyses for plants identify overexploitation of biological resources and unsustainable agriculture as the most prominent threats to biodiversity. We highlight five opportunities for action at multiple levels to ensure that conservation and ecological restoration objectives, programs, and activities take account of complex underlying and interacting factors and produce tangible benefits for the biodiversity and people of Madagascar. Description Protecting Madagascar Madagascar has been isolated from mainland Africa and Asia for more than 80 million years and has developed a distinctive flora and fauna, with more than 90% of its species endemic to the island nation. It is also home to the Malagasy people, with a population of about 30 million, and was first colonized by humans around the first century BCE. The island’s biodiverse wildlife is highly threatened, and much of its human population lives below the poverty line. In Reviews, Antonelli et al. and Ralimanana et al. characterize the biological history and diversity of the island and examine conservation status and actions required to protect biodiversity and improve living standards and well-being for the Malagasy people. —SNV A review of current knowledge on Madagascar’s biodiversity and its decline indicates an urgent need for inclusive actions. BACKGROUND Madagascar is one of the world’s foremost biodiversity hotspots. Its unique assemblage of plants, animals, and fungi—the majority of which evolved on the island and occur nowhere else—is both diverse and threatened. After human arrival, the island’s entire megafauna became extinct, and large portions of the current flora and fauna may be on track for a similar fate. Conditions for the long-term survival of many Malagasy species are not currently met because of multiple anthropogenic threats. ADVANCES We review the extinction risk and threats to biodiversity in Madagascar, using available international assessment data as well as a machine learning analysis to predict the extinction risks and threats to plant species lacking assessments. Our compilation of global International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments shows that overexploitation alongside unsustainable agricultural practices affect 62.1 and 56.8% of vertebrate species, respectively, and each affects nearly 90% of all plant species. Other threats have a relatively minor effect today but are expected to increase in coming decades. Because only one-third (4652) of all Malagasy plant species have been formally assessed, we carried out a neural network analysis to predict the putative status and threats for 5887 unassessed species and to evaluate biases in current assessments. The percentage of plant species currently assessed as under threat is probably representative of actual numbers, except in the case of the ferns and lycophytes, where significantly more species are estimated to be threatened. We find that Madagascar is home to a disproportionately high number of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. This further highlights the urgency for evidence-based and effective in situ and ex situ conservation. Despite these alarming statistics and trends, we find that 10.4% of Madagascar’s land area is protected and that the network of protected areas (PAs) covers at least part of the range of 97.1% of terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates with known distributions (amphibians, freshwater fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammal species combined) and 67.7% of plant species (for threatened species, the percentages are 97.7% for vertebrates and 79.6% for plants). Complementary to this, ex situ collections hold 18% of vertebrate species and 23% of plant species. Nonetheless, there are still many threatened species that do not occur within PAs and are absent from ex situ collections, including one amphibian, three mammals, and seven reptiles, as well as 559 plants and more yet to be assessed. Based on our updated vegetation map, we find that the current PA network provides good coverage of the major habitats, particularly mangroves, spiny forest, humid forest, and tapia, but subhumid forest and grassland-woodland mosaic have very low areas under protection (5.7 and 1.8% respectively). OUTLOOK Madagascar is among the world’s poorest countries, and its biodiversity is a key resource for the sustainable future and well-being of its citizens. Current threats to Madagascar’s biodiversity are deeply rooted in historical and present social contexts, including widespread inequalities. We therefore propose five opportunities for action to further conservation in a just and equitable way. First, investment in conservation and restoration must be based on evidence and effectiveness and be tailored to meet future challenges through inclusive solutions. Second, expanded biodiversity monitoring, including increased dataset production and availability, is key. Third, improving the effectiveness of existing PAs—for example through community engagement, training, and income opportunities—is more important than creating new ones. Fourth, conservation and restoration should not focus solely on the PA network but should also include the surrounding landscapes and communities. And finally, conservation actions must address the root causes of biodiversity loss, including poverty and food insecurity. In the eyes of much of the world, Madagascar’s biodiversity is a unique global asset that needs saving; in the daily lives of many of the Malagasy people, it is a rapidly diminishing source of the most basic needs for subsistence. Protecting Madagascar’s biodiversity while promoting social development for its people is a matter of the utmost urgency Visual representation of five key opportunities for conserving and restoring Madagascar’s rapidly declining biodiversity identified in this Review. The dashed lines point to representative vegetation types where these recommendations could have tangible effects, but the opportunities are applicable across Madagascar. ILLUSTRATION: INESSA VOET

J. Mallet

Yann Fragnière, Lena Dermelj, Nicolas Küffer et al.

B. Pett, Ben Raymond, J. Hackman et al.

There is increasing concern into the decline of insect populations, with corresponding calls for conservation action aimed towards threatened species in particular. However, there is a distinct paucity of knowledge surrounding habitat requirements, microhabitat selection and conservation actions that may be undertaken for the vast majority of invertebrate species. Carabus intricatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Linnaeus, 1761 is a threatened ancient woodland specialist in the United Kingdom with a highly restricted distribution and is listed as a section 41 species of principal importance in England. Despite this, no empirical systematic evidence exists for even basic habitat requirements. Here, we used a patch‐occupancy modelling framework to determine occupancy and detection parameters for C. intricatus and a sympatric generalist species, C. problematicus, which is a potential competitor. Our models showed that decayed deadwood availability and leaf litter covering (an indicator of the availability of mature broadleaved trees) leads to higher occupancy of C. intricatus, whereas decayed dead wood availability and slug abundance are primary determinants of overall abundance. Additionally, detection models showed that higher humidity substantially increased activity of C. intricatus. For C. problematicus, ground moss coverage and overall deadwood volume most strongly influenced occupancy and abundance, whereas there were no humidity related influences on activity. The results support our general predictions about the specialist–generalist nature of the two species in the United Kingdom and indicate that key characteristics of old‐growth temperate rain forests, particularly the availability of deadwood and high humidity, are central to the conservation of these charismatic carabids.

Yunli Feng, Sunwei Li, Daoyi Chen et al.

In order to study the scale effect in wave-structure interactions and the role that structure-related parameters (tension T or bending stiffness EI) plays, riser model tests under regular waves were conducted using the model with multiple geometric scales (1:15, 1:12 and 1:9) in a wave basin. The riser model used is a novel structural design combing the outer polyvinyl chloride pipe with the core steel rod which could be simplified as a cantilever beam. Different initial tension T acting on the riser are tested by adjusting the slotted weight. The results show that the amplitude varies in a cubic fashion with the distance from the fixed end. In addition, the influence of the wave period and top tension T on the amplitude are investigated, which ultimately leads to a dimensionless number π1 = KCd·TL2/EI where KC is the classical Keulegan–Carpenter number (KC), EI shows the bending stiffness of the riser model and L gives the pipe length. With the KC number revised to take the distance from the fixed end into the calculation, this parameter provides a good measure in estimating the amplitudes of the riser vibrations induced by the waves.

Ying Huang, Jiacheng Li, Wanbo Li et al.

Vibrio harveyi is a major pathogen in yellow drum (Nibea albiflora) aquaculture, causing significant mortality and economic losses. In this study, using the latest assembled reference genome of yellow drum by our laboratory, we conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis on 345 individuals (197 susceptible and 148 resistant). The analysis revealed 24 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 24 within a 217 Kb region. The estimated heritability for all genome-wide SNPs was 0.3578, while the heritability for the 24 significant SNPs was 0.0710. Four candidate genes were identified within this region: Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS1), C-type Lectin Domain Family 16A (CLEC16A), Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Transactivator (CIITA), and Protein Kinase Cβ (PRKCB). Subsequently, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis was performed on transcriptome sequencing data from spleen tissues of 78 individuals from the resistant group. On average, each chromosome harbored 49,396 eQTL loci, with an average of one SNP regulate 1.3 genes. Notably, 22.79% of SNPs showed significant associations with the expression of one or more genes. By integrating GWAS and eQTL data, seven SNPs were identified to have significant associations with regulated genes in the eQTL results. All seven SNPs were found to target the same gene, namely Zinc Finger Protein yd23210 in yellow drum. This study provides genetic markers and candidate genes for molecular breeding of yellow drum against V. harveyi infection, offering insights into the molecular immune mechanisms and potential pathways for genetic improvement of disease resistance traits in this species.

Charles A. Emogor, Lauren Coad, Ben Balmford et al.

Abstract There is limited quantitative evidence of the effects of socio‐economic shocks on biological resource use. Focusing on wild meat hunting, a substantial livelihood and food source in tropical regions, we evaluated the impacts of the shock from Nigeria's coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) lockdown on species exploitation around a global biodiversity hotspot. Using a 3‐year quantitative dataset collected during and after the lockdown (covering 1008 hunter‐months) and matching by time of year, we found that successful hunting trip rates were more frequent during the lockdown, with a corresponding increase in the monthly number, mass, and value of animals caught. Moreover, hunters consumed a larger proportion of wild meat and sold less during lockdown, compared to non‐lockdown periods. These results suggest that local communities relied on wild meat to supplement reduced food and income during the lockdown, buffering the COVID‐19's socio‐economic shock. Our findings also indicate that wild species may be especially vulnerable to increased hunting pressure during socio‐economic shocks.

Victor Brun, Laure Thierry deVille d'Avray, Ma. May Saludsod et al.

Abstract Marine protected areas (MPAs) can be a useful tool to manage coastal ecosystems, delivering both social and ecological outcomes. However, in many instances, relevant data is missing to conduct proper impact assessments, which is key to identifying ecological and social synergies and potential trade‐offs, and to adapting management according to local objectives. The ecological effects of an MPA established in Palawan, Philippines, in 2016, were assessed. The most common species targeted by fisheries were identified by local fishers. Species size and number were collected through underwater visual census with n = 288 belt transects assigned in different sites and locations to ensure to provide both protected and control (fished) sites for the MPA assessment, and baseline data for three new MPAs that were created in 2022. 91 coral‐reef fish species belonging to 12 families were recorded. Mixed effect linear regression was used to compare target fish populations in protected and control sites. Compared to control locations, 5 years after its implementation, the MPA showed significantly higher species richness, abundance, mean size, and biomass while no significant difference was found on the average trophic level between MPA and control sites. Monitoring the early effects of an MPA and collecting baseline data prior the implementation of an MPA network is key for adaptive management.

Chaitanya Katharoyan, Anusha Rajkaran, Nasreen Peer

Mangroves are expanding polewards due to global change, often encroaching into adjacent temperate saltmarshes. In both vegetated ecosystems, brachyurans are responsible for ecological processes and functions such as nutrient cycling and sediment bioturbation. South African mangroves occur at a latitudinal limit and are establishing further south due to past planting events and global change, making these ideal study systems for the effects of mangrove expansion and encroachment. Here, we investigated the effect of mangrove encroachment on brachyuran community composition at two saltmarsh sites with planted mangrove stands of different ages. Transects were laid perpendicular to each estuary where three habitat types were demarcated (mangrove, ecotone, saltmarsh). Sediment samples were collected for analyses and quadrats were used to measure pneumatophore density, saltmarsh cover, and brachyuran abundance and diversity. We found that brachyuran community structure at each site has significantly changed over seven years, with two mangrove-associated fiddler crab species, Tubuca urvillei and Paraleptuca chlorophthalmus, now recorded at the younger planted site, indicating a new southern distributional limit. Community structure was also significantly different amongst habitat types (p < 0.05) with Parasesarma catenatum dominating saltmarshes while Danielella edwardsii was more prominent in mangroves. However, community composition did not differ significantly between the two (differently aged) sites (p > 0.05). Pneumatophore density had a proportional relationship with crab abundance, diversity and richness, while saltmarsh cover had an inversely proportional relationship with crab abundance, diversity and richness. It is likely that as mangroves continue to expand into saltmarshes, more mangrove-associated species will move into saltmarshes, potentially altering ecosystem processes in this unique habitat.

Manuel Medina-Amaya, Clara Luz Miceli-Méndez, Miguel A. Pérez-Farrera et al.

Abstract Dalbergia is economically essential for its high-quality rosewood wood in fine furniture. Thus, there is a high demand for wood, which has led to illegal logging. Dalbergia calderonii Standl. is associated with tropical deciduous forests, where there is a high rate of deforestation, leading to the decline of the species' natural populations. The knowledge of its potential areas of presence and associated environments can contribute to species conservation. Here, we modeled the potential distribution of D. calderonii and identified areas with remnants. We found that the potential distribution model for D. calderonii predicts two geographically separate areas, one in southern Mexico and the other in northern Central America; thus, we also modeled them as two independent populations and compared their ecological niches. We transferred all models into the Last Interglacial, the Last Glacial Maximum, and the mid-Holocene climatic scenarios to understand the species' recent biogeographic history. We found that 65% of the species' potential distribution comprises sites with sparse vegetation and bare soil; besides, we found no significant differences between the niches of the Mexican and Central American populations. The transferences to the past scenarios showed that the potential history of the species distribution had been characterized by dynamics of expansions and contractions describing commonly geographical isolations but also including stages of continuum distributions. We suggest that future conservation strategies prioritize both populations independently, based on their disjunct distribution.

Botanical Gazette

A. McKay

Betty K. Guzman, Alexander Cotrina-Sánchez, Cristóbal Torres Guzmán et al.

Charles W. Sanders II, Stephen F. Spear, Kristina Black et al.

Abstract River otters (Lontra canadensis) are key predators in North Carolina's aquatic systems, but they are often seen as competitors by anglers and fish hatcheries. River otter diets typically consist of fish and crayfish, but also include occasional herpetofauna, mammals, and birds. While standard diet studies focus on identification of prey through manual examination of stomach contents and feces, metabarcoding DNA analysis has become more popular to determine the presence or frequency of species that are often missed, misidentified, or underestimated. We collected river otter carcasses from licensed trappers and fur dealers across North Carolina from the 2009–10 trapping season through the 2015–16 season. We conducted necropsies and analyzed the stomach contents using standard observational methods and metabarcoding DNA analysis. We manually examined 522 river otter stomachs, of which 377 contained prey items. Decapods (crustaceans) were identified in 41% of stomachs and made up similar percentages within each Furbearer Management Unit (FMU). The order Perciformes composed the majority (62%) of fish prey across all stomach samples. Coastal Plain river otters primarily consumed crustaceans (50%) and fish (40%). Piedmont and Mountain river otters consumed fish (32% and 42%, respectively) most often followed by crustaceans (62% and 50%, respectively). Prey selection was similar between the sexes. Out of 368 samples, metabarcoding DNA examination was able to reliably match 164 prey items to species, 5 classes, 18 orders, 25 families, and 42 genera. Fishes made up 33% of the identifications, particularly Perciformes (13%), Cypriniformes (7%), and Siluriformes (5%). Twelve percent of identifications was made up by Amphibia, split evenly by Anura and Urodela. No birds or reptiles were detected in the Mountain or Piedmont FMUs, and no mammals were detected in the Coastal Plain or Mountain FMU. Overall, river otters in North Carolina consume a large variety of prey that varied regionally. The manual examination provided identifications that were not provided by the DNA examination (i.e., crayfish, brown snakes), while the DNA examination provided a more accurate identification of the broad array of prey items. To understand the composition of annual river otter diets we encourage managers to expand research to evaluate river otter diets year‐round and incorporate additional noninvasive methods (e.g., scat surveys) throughout the year.

Ismael Pedro, Remigio Nhamussua, Amina Abudo

A altitude é um fator que influência na distribuição e diversidade dos insetos, providenciando dois tipos de padrões de distribuição i) declínio da riqueza e abundância com aumento da altitude; ii) maior riqueza e abundância nas altitudes baixas e intermediárias. Em Moçambique há poucos estudos sobre os efeitos da altitude na distribuição e diversidade de insetos em florestas de miombo. O objetivo da pesquisa foi de avaliar a influência da altitude na distribuição e diversidade de insetos na floresta de miombo do Monte Unango. Para coleta de dados instalou-se transectos em 4 altitudes: 1058, 1108, 1158 e 1208 m respectivamente. As espécies foram capturadas através da combinação de três métodos: armadilhas de interceptação e queda, armadilha luminosa e rede entomológica. A frequência de ocorrência das espécies foi usada para determinar a distribuição dos insetos. Os índices de Margalef (D), Shannon-Wiener (H′), Simpson (S′) e Pielou (J′) foram usados para determinar a diversidade de insetos e o coeficiente de Jaccard (J) foi usado para determinar a similaridade entre as altitudes avaliadas. Usou-se a ANOVA para avaliar a influência da altitude na distribuição dos insetos. As espécies Gyna caffrarum, Messor capensis, Hydrophilus, Gonocephalum simplex, Plonisa plagiata, Eurychora, Trigonopus, Linepithema humile, Polyrhachis gagates, Mutilla Astarte, Notiophygus e Streblognathus aethiopicus foram mais frequentes, representando 79,38% da abundância total. A altitude de 1108 m apresentou maior diversidade (D = 8,811; H' = 2,968; S' = 0,9056 e J' = 2,969) e a menor diversidade foi observada na altitude de 1208 m (D = 5,448; H’ = 2,823; S’ = 0,9075 e J’ =0,8301). Entre as altitudes, houve maior similaridade entre as altitudes de 1058 e 1208 m (J = 0,4310) e baixa entre as altitudes de 1158 e 1208 m (J = 0,3175). A ANOVA mostrou que a altitude não teve influência na distribuição, mas assim na diversidade dos insetos, pois verificou-se um aumento não linear da riqueza com o aumento da altitude.

Megan Mucioki, Jennifer Sowerwine, Daniel Sarna-Wojcicki et al.