| 1. |
- Antonelli, Alexandre, 1978, et al.
(författare)
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Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity : Evolution, distribution, and use
- 2022
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Ingår i: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623, s. 962-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Madagascar's biota is hyperdiverse and includes exceptional levels of endemicity. We review the current state of knowledge on Madagascar's past and current terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by compiling and presenting comprehensive data on species diversity, endemism, and rates of species description and human uses, in addition to presenting an updated and simplified map of vegetation types. We report a substantial increase of records and species new to science in recent years; however, the diversity and evolution of many groups remain practically unknown (e.g., fungi and most invertebrates). Digitization efforts are increasing the resolution of species richness patterns and we highlight the crucial role of field- and collections-based research for advancing biodiversity knowledge and identifying gaps in our understanding, particularly as species richness corresponds closely to collection effort. Phylogenetic diversity patterns mirror that of species richness and endemism in most of the analyzed groups. We highlight humid forests as centers of diversity and endemism because of their role as refugia and centers of recent and rapid radiations. However, the distinct endemism of other areas, such as the grassland-woodland mosaic of the Central Highlands and the spiny forest of the southwest, is also biologically important despite lower species richness. The documented uses of Malagasy biodiversity are manifold, with much potential for the uncovering of new useful traits for food, medicine, and climate mitigation. The data presented here showcase Madagascar as a unique " living laboratory" for our understanding of evolution and the complex interactions between people and nature. The gathering and analysis of biodiversity data must continue and accelerate if we are to fully understand and safeguard this unique subset of Earth's biodiversity.
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| 2. |
- Duque, B. R., et al.
(författare)
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Venomous snakes of medical importance in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro: habitat and taxonomy against ophidism
- 2023
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Ingår i: Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia. - 1678-4375. ; 83
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Snakebite envenoming is a major global health problem that kills or disables half a million people in the world's poorest countries. Identifying the biting snake and its habitat use is key to understanding snakebite eco-epidemiology and optimizing its clinical management. To prevent and combat the neglected snakebite disease, we characterize the morphology, geographic distribution, habitat use, and snakebites of medically important venomous snakes in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Despite Philodryas spp. not being considered of medical importance by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, we also explore their data once the bites may require medical intervention, may cause death, and their consequences are underestimated. Methods: We assessed taxonomy and geographic data from specimens housed in scientific collections, the literature, and the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Our data revealed fragility in the morphological characters recommended to distinguish Bothrops jararaca from B. jararacussu, identify the subspecies of Crotalus durissus and distinguish the species of Philodryas. To help identify these species, we present an identification key to the venomous snake species from Rio de Janeiro based on the morphological data collected. We record the genera Bothrops and Micrurus in all mesoregions of the state. Here, we provide the first record of C. durissus in the Serrana region, supporting the hypothesis of geographic expansion of the species in the state. The crotalic antivenom must not be missing in Médio Paraíba, Centro-Sul Fluminense, and Serrana, where the rattlesnake C. durissus occurs. Bothrops bilineatus and Lachesis muta have historical records presented for the first time herein. However, these species are likely endangered or extinct in the state. There were 7,483 snakebites reported between 2001 and 2019, with an annual average of 393.8 cases. The Bothrops genus is responsible for the majority of accidents. The highest number of cases occurred in the Serrana region, the largest pole of family agriculture in Rio de Janeiro. We improve the identification of venomous snake species, better delimit their distribution, and update the number of cases of snakebites, thus providing greater precision in the attention to this problem in Rio de Janeiro. We emphasize the importance of clinical studies to test using bothropic-crotalic antivenom and heparin in all mesoregions to treat B. jararacussu envenomation; and mechanical ventilation, atropine, and anticholinesterases in the emergency health centers in the Metropolitana and Norte Fluminense regions due to the occurrence of the coral M. lemniscatus in these areas.
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| 3. |
- Kehoe, Laura, et al.
(författare)
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Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable
- 2019
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Ingår i: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 364:6438, s. 341-
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 4. |
- Nogueira, C. C., et al.
(författare)
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Atlas of Brazilian Snakes: Verified Point-Locality Maps to Mitigate the Wallacean Shortfall in a Megadiverse Snake Fauna
- 2019
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Ingår i: South American Journal of Herpetology. - : Brazilian Herpetological Society. - 1808-9798. ; 14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Accurate and detailed species distribution maps are fundamental for documenting and interpreting biological diversity. For snakes, an ecologically diverse group of reptiles, syntheses and detailed data on distribution patterns remain scarce. We present the first comprehensive collection of detailed, voucher-based, point-locality, range maps for all described and documented Brazilian snakes, with the major aim of mitigating the Wallacean shortfall and as a contribution towards a better understanding of this rich, threatened, and poorly studied megadiverse fauna. We recorded a total of 412 snake species in Brazil on the basis of an extensive and verified point-locality database of 163,498 entries and 75,681 unique records (available here as Online Supporting Information). Our results reveal previously undocumented patterns of distribution, sampling effort, richness, and endemism levels, resulting in a more objective view of snake diversity in the Neotropics. Apart from these achievements, we understand that the most relevant and enduring contribution of the present atlas is to stimulate researchers to publish corrections, additions, and new discoveries.
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| 5. |
- Barbosa, D. B. E. S., et al.
(författare)
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First record of thamnodynastes almae franco & ferreira, 2002 (Serpentes, dipsadidae, xenodontinae) in the state of piauí, northeastern brazil, and updated distribution map
- 2020
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Ingår i: Check List. - : Pensoft Publishers. - 1809-127X. ; 16:5, s. 1323-1328
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report for the first time the snake Thamnodynastes almae Franco & Ferreira, 2002 in Piauí, northeastern Brazil. Our record is based on two specimens and comprises the 17th known locality for the species. The new record represents the northernmost and westernmost locality, at the limit between the Caatinga and the Maranhão Babaçu Forest ecoregions, and extends this species’ geographic distribution 495 km from Milagres, state of Ceará. Updated distribution maps and images of preserved specimens are provided. © The authors.
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| 6. |
- Braz, H. B., et al.
(författare)
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Reproductive Biology of the Fossorial Snake Apostolepis gaboi (Elapomorphini): A Threatened and Poorly Known Species from the Caatinga Region
- 2019
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Ingår i: South American Journal of Herpetology. - : Brazilian Herpetological Society. - 1808-9798. ; 14:1, s. 37-47
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Knowledge of reproductive biology is essential to understand the intrinsic traits of any species and to elaborate effective conservation strategies, particularly for threatened species. Despite recent advances, knowledge on the reproductive biology of snakes remains deficient for most species, especially for tropical fossorial taxa. Apostolepis gaboi is a psammophilous, fossorial, and threatened snake endemic of the Quaternary Sand Dunes of the Sao Francisco River, Caatinga domain. Here, we present information on its reproductive biology based on macroscopic and microscopic data obtained from the examination of all specimens preserved in Brazilian museums. Specifically, we addressed sexual maturity, sexual dimorphism, clutch size, timing of gametogenesis, activity of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK), and female sperm storage. Apostolepis gaboi is one of the smallest species of the genus. Females attain sexual maturity at larger body sizes and grow larger than males. However, adult females have relatively shorter tails than males. We found no sexual dimorphism in body circumference and head size. Clutch size is small and averages 4.5 eggs. All males from the wet season showed testes in spermiogenesis, ductus deferentia packed of sperm, and SSK hypertrophied and secretory. Secondary vitellogenesis also occurs in the wet season. Moreover, females in early vitellogenesis from the wet season showed sperm stored in the posterior infundibulum. Mating occurs in the second half of the wet season, as suggested by the finding of aggregations of sperm in the uterine lumen of a female in early secondary vitellogenesis. Mating is associated with gonadal activity in males. Sperm storage confers flexibility for females to ovulate at the most suitable time in an unpredictable habitat such as the Caatinga. Apostolepis gaboi exhibits similarities (association between mating and spermiogenesis, small clutch) and differences (absence of sexual dimorphism in head size and stoutness) compared with another Elapomorphini species. Lastly, we argue that some of the intrinsic traits of A. gaboi (small clutch and small body size) may increase its vulnerability to extinction, raising additional concerns to its conservation.
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| 7. |
- Braz, H. B., et al.
(författare)
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Reproductive Biology of the Fossorial Snake Apostolepis gaboi (Elapomorphini): A Threatened and Poorly Known Species from the Caatinga Region
- 2019
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Ingår i: South America Journal of herpetology. - 1808-9798. ; 14:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Knowledge of reproductive biology is essential to understand the intrinsic traits of any species and to elaborate effective conservation strategies, particularly for threatened species. Despite recent advances, knowledge on the reproductive biology of snakes remains deficient for most species, especially for tropical fossorial taxa. Apostolepis gaboi is a psammophilous, fossorial, and threatened snake endemic of the Quaternary Sand Dunes of the São Francisco River, Caatinga domain. Here, we present information on its reproductive biology based on macroscopic and microscopic data obtained from the examination of all specimens preserved in Brazilian museums. Specifically, we addressed sexual maturity, sexual dimorphism, clutch size, timing of gametogenesis, activity of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK), and female sperm storage. Apostolepis gaboi is one of the smallest species of the genus. Females attain sexual maturity at larger body sizes and grow larger than males. However, adult females have relatively shorter tails than males. We found no sexual dimorphism in body circumference and head size. Clutch size is small and averages 4.5 eggs. All males from the wet season showed testes in spermiogenesis, ductus deferentia packed of sperm, and SSK hypertrophied and secretory. Secondary vitellogenesis also occurs in the wet season. Moreover, females in early vitellogenesis from the wet season showed sperm stored in the posterior infundibulum. Mating occurs in the second half of the wet season, as suggested by the finding of aggregations of sperm in the uterine lumen of a female in early secondary vitellogenesis. Mating is associated with gonadal activity in males. Sperm storage confers flexibility for females to ovulate at the most suitable time in an unpredictable habitat such as the Caatinga. Apostolepis gaboi exhibits similarities (association between mating and spermiogenesis, small clutch) and differences (absence of sexual dimorphism in head size and stoutness) compared with another Elapomorphini species. Lastly, we argue that some of the intrinsic traits of A. gaboi (small clutch and small body size) may increase its vulnerability to extinction, raising additional concerns to its conservation. © 2019 Brazilian Society of Herpetology.
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| 8. |
- Citeli, N., et al.
(författare)
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Snake richness in urban forest fragments from Niterói and surroundings, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil
- 2016
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Ingår i: Biodiversity Data Journal. - 1314-2828. ; 4:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The Atlantic Forest is a hotspot for biodiversity, an area which houses high species richness and endemism, but with high level of threat. With reference to the herpetofauna, until recently there has been no detailed information regarding diversity of snakes recorded in the Atlantic Forest, the number of endemic species and their distribution ranges. While these basic data were missing, large areas of original forest have continued to be lost to increased urbanization and human population, representing a severe threat to the biodiversityNew information We recorded 28 snake species in our study area. Dipsadidae was the richest family with 14 species, followed by Colubridae (eight species), Boidae (two species), Viperidae (two species), and Anomalepididae, Elapidae and Typhlopidae (one species each). Most species were forest inhabitants (61%), of which 13 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest. There were no clearly defined species clusters regarding species composition. None of the species recorded in Niterói are listed as threatened in the Brazilian Redlist. However, most of them are strongly associated with forested areas and, perhaps, are not adapted to live in small fragments. Thus, more initiatives should be implemented to evaluate the true conservation status of these species in order to better protect them. © Citeli N et al.
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| 9. |
- Entiauspe-Neto, O. M., et al.
(författare)
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Redescription of Apostolepis ambiniger (Peters, 1869) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae: Elapomorphini)
- 2021
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Ingår i: Vertebrate Zoology. - : Pensoft Publishers. - 1864-5755 .- 2625-8498. ; 71, s. 231-251
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Apostolepis is a diverse genus of dipsadid snakes, currently comprising 34 species occurring in most cis-Andean South America. The taxonomy of the group is highly unstable. Upon discovering its type series, we redescribe the rare species A. ambiniger (Peters, 1869) and provide an account of its geographic distribution and morphological variation in pholidosis, osteology, and hemipenial characters. We also discuss some aspects of the taxonomy of Apostolepis.
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| 10. |
- Entiauspe-Neto, O. M., et al.
(författare)
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Unveiling an enigma from the Cerrado: taxonomic revision of two sympatric species of Apostolepis Cope, 1862 (Dipsadidae: Xenodontinae: Elapomorphini) from central Brazil
- 2022
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Ingår i: European Journal of Taxonomy. - : Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle. - 2118-9773. ; 817, s. 143-182
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Apostolepis albicollaris and A. cerradoensis are two Elapomorphini snake species, described within a short timespan, from the Cerrado of central Brazil. In their brief descriptions, these two species were diagnosed from congeners largely based on highly variable external morphological characters. Interestingly enough, A. cerradoensis has remained known based on a single specimen since its description. Here, we present a reanalysis of both type specimens, as well as a careful examination of a large series of specimens formerly assigned to these species, based on the comparison of internal and external morphology. We conclude that both species are synonymous, providing evidence for the recognition of A. cerradoensis as a junior synonym of A. albicollaris. Furthermore, an account of its updated diagnosis, morphological variation, geographic distribution, hemipenial morphology, phylogenetic relationships and an osteological description are also provided. We also discuss its conservation status, suggesting that the species is under threat and qualifies to be listed as Vulnerable (VU ab(iii)), considering its rarity, small geographic range, and persistent environmental threats.
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| 11. |
- Guedes, Thaís, et al.
(författare)
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Patterns, biases and prospects in the distribution and diversity of Neotropical snakes
- 2018
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Ingår i: Global Ecology and Biogeography. - : Wiley. - 1466-822X .- 1466-8238. ; 27:1, s. 14-21
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Motivation: We generated a novel database of Neotropical snakes (one of the world's richest herpetofauna) combining the most comprehensive, manually compiled distribution dataset with publicly available data. We assess, for the first time, the diversity patterns for all Neotropical snakes as well as sampling density and sampling biases. Main types of variables contained: We compiled three databases of species occurrences: a dataset downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a verified dataset built through taxonomic work and specialized literature, and a combined dataset comprising a cleaned version of the GBIF dataset merged with the verified dataset. Spatial location and grain: Neotropics, Behrmann projection equivalent to 1 degrees x 1 degrees. Results: The combined dataset provides the most comprehensive distribution database for Neotropical snakes to date. It contains 147,515 records for 886 species across 12 families, representing 74% of all species of snakes, spanning 27 countries in the Americas. Species richness and phylogenetic diversity show overall similar patterns. Amazonia is the least sampled Neotropical region, whereas most well-sampled sites are located near large universities and scientific collections. We provide a list and updated maps of geographical distribution of all snake species surveyed. Main conclusions: The biodiversity metrics of Neotropical snakes reflect patterns previously documented for other vertebrates, suggesting that similar factors may determine the diversity of both ectothermic and endothermic animals. We suggest conservation strategies for high-diversity areas and sampling efforts be directed towards Amazonia and poorly known species.
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| 12. |
- Hamdan, B., et al.
(författare)
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A complex biogeographic history of diversification in Neotropical lancehead pitvipers (Serpentes, Viperidae)
- 2020
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Ingår i: Zoologica Scripta. - : Wiley. - 0300-3256 .- 1463-6409. ; 49:2, s. 145-158
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Based on the literature, we had predicted that the diversification within the Neotropical snake genus Bothrops occurred along a latitudinal gradient from north to south, with diversification into unoccupied niches through ecological opportunity, not correlated with geoclimatic events. Using a dated phylogeny and estimating likelihoods of ancestral states at cladogenesis events, we reconstructed ancestral areas and assessed major events of the diversification of Bothrops clades, and we also discuss systematic implications for this group. Based on the phylogeny we produced, B. lojanus was not considered as part of the genus Bothrops since the results recovered this species nested within the Bothrocophias clade. We infer that the diversification of the Miocene Bothrops pictus and Bothrops alternatus clades may be related to the uplift of the western slopes of the Andes and the Argentinian Patagonian Andes, respectively. The Pliocene Bothrops taeniatus and Bothrops osbornei clades may be related to the uplift of the eastern and northern Andes, respectively. The Plio-Pleistocene Bothrops neuwiedi clade may be related to the habitat transitions from a warmer and forested environment to a cooler and open landscape; the Bothrops jararaca (i.e. island endemic species) and Bothrops lanceolatus clades to over-water dispersal with island speciation; and Bothrops atrox clade to the appearance of the Panamanian land bridge. We found that a multitemporal and multidirectional history of diversification may be correlated with geoclimatic and dispersalist events. We argue that the vacant niche hypothesis by itself does not explain Bothrops diversification.
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| 13. |
- Messas, Y. F., et al.
(författare)
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Integrating citizen nature photography to natural history science: New record of bird-lizard predation
- 2022
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Ingår i: Austral Ecology. - : Wiley. - 1442-9985 .- 1442-9993. ; 47:2, s. 456-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Understanding high biodiverse areas and interactions among organisms requires reciprocal action between scientists and community through citizen science. This paper results from the joint efforts of an amateur nature photographer and scientists to describe the predation behaviour of the heron Ardea cocoi upon the lizard Ameiva ameiva. We also discuss the importance of citizen science and digital photography for natural history studies.
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| 14. |
- Pereira, G. A., et al.
(författare)
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The snake fauna of the most threatened region of the Atlantic Forest: natural history, distribution, species richness and a complement to the Atlas of Brazilian
- 2021
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Ingår i: Ethnobiology and Conservation. - 2238-4782. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Atlantic Forest is one of the richest tropical forests in the world, with a high endemism rate of vertebrates, including several snakes. The snake fauna of the Atlantic Forest is rich and complex, presenting differences in fauna composition along its extension. The existence of at least four endemism centers along this forest is well documented and supported by data of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. The Pernambuco Endemism Center (PEC) is the most septentrional region of the Atlantic Forest, and it contacts areas with transitional forests and arid landscapes (Caatinga) which along with altitudinal variation enable a unique snake fauna for this region. In this study we provide: (i) an updated list of species, detailed information about natural history, as well as a detailed geographic distribution for all species recorded in the PEC; (ii) a comparison between the snake fauna of the PEC with other regions of the Atlantic Forest. The snake fauna of the PEC is composed by 86 species of 8 families. The results showed that most of the species recorded in the PEC are distributed close to the coast, probably due to the proximity of the research centers, but also due to the present distribution of the remnants close to the coast. The forest remnants in the highlands (Brejos de Altitude) harbors a high diversity of species with high similarity with the coastal forests. We found a strong separation between the snake fauna of assemblages located in southwestern and northeastern Brazil, indicating clear characteristics of the snake fauna of the PEC.
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