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Aquatic ecosystems exchange nutrients and organic matter with surrounding terrestrial ecosystems, and floods import allochthonous material from riparian areas into fluvial systems. We surveyed food web components of a wetland and shallow lake in a subtropical coastal region of Brazil to examine how community trophic structure and the entrance of allochthonous material into the food web were affected by floods. Stable isotope analysis was performed for samples of terrestrial and aquatic basal production sources and aquatic animals to trace the origin of organic matter assimilated by aquatic animals and estimate vertical trophic positions and food chain length. Lake and wetland trophic structures were compared for cool/wet and warm/dry seasons. Food web structure was hypothesized to differ based on hydrology, with the more stable lake having greater food web complexity, and seasonal flooding resulting in greater allochthonous inputs to the aquatic food web. We compared spatial and temporal variation in assemblage trophic structure using an adapted isotopic ellipse approach that plots assemblage elements according to δ13C on the x-axis and estimated TP on the y-axis. Lake trophic structure was more complex with longer food chains compared to that of the wetland. A greater contribution from terrestrial resources to animal biomass was observed in the wetland during the cool/wet period, and food chains in both habitats tended to be longer during the cool/wet period. Findings supported the hypothesis of greater assimilation of allochthonous sources during floods and greater trophic complexity in the more hydrologically stable system.

In the Americas, some mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, chikungunya, and dengue circulate among humans in urban transmission cycles, while others, including yellow fever and Mayaro, circulate among monkeys in sylvatic cycles. The intersection of humans and wildlife at forest edges creates risk for zoonotic virus exchange. We built a scaffold tower at the edge of a treefall gap in rainforest bordering Manaus, Brazil, to identify vectors that may bridge transmission between humans and monkeys. We vertically sampled diurnally active, anthropophilic mosquitoes using handheld nets at 0, 5, and 9 m and container-breeding mosquitoes in ovitraps at 0, 5, 10, and 15 m. Haemagogus janthinomys and Psorophora amazonica were present in high relative abundance in nets at each height sampled, while anthropophilic species were uncommon in ovitraps. Hg. janthinomys was more abundant at elevated heights than at ground level, while Ps. amazonica abundance was not significantly stratified across heights. The presence of each species increased with increasing 7-day rainfall lagged at 1 week, and at 1 and 4 weeks prior to collection, respectively. In addition, Hg. janthinomys was most frequently collected at 29.9 °C, irrespective of height. These data provide insight into the potential role of each species as bridge vectors.

In this study, we examine how the Guri catfish Genidens genidens uses estuarine and freshwater habitats along the largest South American coastal lagoon, through the chemical analysis of otoliths and microscopic analysis of gonads. Chemical composition (Sr:Ca) of otolith edges allowed distinguishing between individuals who used the estuarine or freshwater compartments of the lagoon. The analysis of core-to-edge chemical profiles of each individual otolith revealed that the population may present two different patterns of habitat use along the lagoon. The ‘type 1’ pattern (89.5%) includes fish who appear to have been born in estuarine waters, whereas ‘type 2’ (9.5%) includes those fish born in fresh water. Nevertheless, juveniles from both patterns appear to migrate to estuarine waters. The gonad analysis shows G. genidens may reproduce in fresh water, as nearly 57% of all sampled fish were found to spawn in the freshwater portion of the lagoon. Also, the otolith core of many adult fish presented freshwater signatures, thus suggesting consistent fresh water use during early life. Our findings based on otolith and gonadal analyses challenge the previous classification of G. genidens as an estuarine resident. Rather, our results allow the suggestion that this species should be placed in the ‘estuarine and fresh water’ guild, which includes both fish completing their life cycles within the estuary and fish who consistently use freshwater habitats.

Soil ecosystem service (SES) approaches evidence the importance of soil for human well-being, contribute to improving dialogue between science and decision-making and encourage the translation of scientific results into public policies. Herein, through systematic review, we assess the state of the art of SES approaches in tropical regions. Through this review, 41 publications were identified; while most of these studies considered SES, a lack of a consistent framework to define SES was apparent. Most studies measured soil natural capital and processes, while only three studies undertook monetary valuation. Although the number of publications increased (from 1 to 41), between 2001 and 2019, the total number of publications for tropical regions is still small. Countries with the largest number of publications were Brazil (n = 8), Colombia (n = 6) and Mexico (n = 4). This observation emphasizes an important knowledge gap pertaining to SES approaches and their link to tropical regions. With global momentum behind SES approaches, there is an opportunity to integrate SES approaches into policy and practice in tropical regions. The use of SES evaluation tools in tropical regions could transform how land use decisions are informed, mitigating soil degradation and protecting the ecosystems that soil underpins. Made available in DSpace on 2021-04-01T02:26:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Systematic-review-of-soil-ecosystem-services-2021.pdf: 968680 bytes, checksum: c21bd70cec854956f333a7af7e80d711 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

The emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Latin America brought to the fore longstanding concerns that forests bordering urban areas may provide a gateway for arbovirus spillback from humans to wildlife. To bridge urban and sylvatic transmission cycles, mosquitoes must co-occur with both humans and potential wildlife hosts, such as monkeys, in space and time. We deployed BG-Sentinel traps at heights of 0, 5, 10, and 15 m in trees in a rainforest reserve bordering Manaus, Brazil, to characterize the vertical stratification of mosquitoes and their associations with microclimate and to identify potential bridge vectors. Haemagogus janthinomys and Sabethes chloropterus, two known flavivirus vectors, showed significant stratification, occurring most frequently above the ground. Psorophora amazonica, a poorly studied anthropophilic species of unknown vector status, showed no stratification and was the most abundant species at all heights sampled. High temperatures and low humidity are common features of forest edges and microclimate analyses revealed negative associations between minimum relative humidity, which was inversely correlated with maximum temperature, and the occurrence of Haemagogus and Sabethes mosquitoes. In this reserve, human habitations border the forest while tamarin and capuchin monkeys are also common to edge habitats, creating opportunities for the spillback of mosquito-borne viruses.

Laccodytes costae sp. nov., from Brazil, is described and illustrated; the new species is the third known member of the Laccodytes apalodes species-group. New records for Brazil: Laccodytes americanus Peschet, 1919, new for the country and Laccodytes rondonia Toledo, Spangler & Balke, 2010, new for the state of Pará. A modified version of the key from Toledo, Spangler & Balke (2010) is provided with new couplets to allow the identification of the new species as well as L. cobreinae Toledo, Megna & Alarie, 2011.

Accurate mapping is a main challenge for endangered small-sized terrestrial species. Freely available spatio-temporal data at high resolution from multispectral satellite offer excellent opportunities for improving predictive distribution models of such species based on fine-scale habitat features, thus making it easier to achieve comprehensive biodiversity conservation goals. However, there are still few examples showing the utility of remote-sensing-based products in mapping microhabitat suitability for small species of conservation concern. Here, we address this issue using Sentinel-2 sensor-derived habitat variables, used in combination with more commonly used explanatory variables (e.g., topography), to predict the distribution of the endangered Cabrera vole (Microtus cabrerae) in agrosilvopastorial systems. Based on vole surveys conducted in two different seasons over a ~176,000 ha landscape in Southern Portugal, we assessed the significance of each predictor in explaining Cabrera vole occurrence using the Boruta algorithm, a novel Random forest variant for dealing with high dimensionality of explanatory variables. Overall, results showed a strong contribution of Sentinel-2-derived variables for predicting microhabitat suitability of Cabrera voles. In particular, we found that photosynthetic activity (NDI45), specific spectral signal (SWIR1), and landscape heterogeneity (Rao’s Q) were good proxies of Cabrera voles’ microhabitat, mostly during temporally greener and wetter conditions. In addition to remote-sensing-based variables, the presence of road verges was also an important driver of voles’ distribution, highlighting their potential role as refuges and/or corridors. Overall, our study supports the use of remote-sensing data to predict microhabitat suitability for endangered small-sized species in marginal areas that potentially hold most of the biodiversity found in human-dominated landscapes. We believe our approach can be widely applied to other species, for which detailed habitat mapping over large spatial extents is difficult to obtain using traditional descriptors. This would certainly contribute to improving conservation planning, thereby contributing to global conservation efforts in landscapes that are managed for multiple purposes.

The present study comprises the first systematic analysis of the limits of upstream movement by some fish species that use the estuarine area of the Patos Lagoon basin in southern Brazil. The Sinos River sampling program included 86 sites, sampled from 1998 to 2014, covering lowland stretches and headwater streams. The Guaíba sampling program was conducted from February 2011 to March 2013 and comprised 59 independent samples. Six fish species using estuarine areas occur in the upper Patos basin, 250–500 km from the Patos Lagoon outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Parapimelodus nigribarbis specimens ranged from 11.3 to 18.9 cm (median = 13.3 cm) in length, i.e., were adults (Sinos, n = 459; Guaíba, n = 149). The species was captured almost 500 km from the Patos outlet, as far as 180 km upstream in the Sinos main channel. In Guaíba Lake, the species was captured mainly in autumn, although it was more abundant in winter and spring in the Sinos River. Lycengraulis grossidens was captured in the Sinos Basin, restricted to the lower stretches in spring and summer months (n = 7). In Guaíba Lake (n = 134) the species occurred throughout the lake and year-round, and was ten times more abundant in spring. Most specimens were adult (8.2–26.9 cm, median = 20.0 cm). Most Micropogonias furnieri individuals (n = 63) were juveniles (10.7–33.4 cm, median = 14.2 cm). The species was not captured in the Sinos Basin. In Guaíba Lake M. furnieri occurred predominantly in the southernmost part (downstream) and was more abundant (>10×) in winter. Genidens genidens (n = 27) was captured only in summer in the southern part of Guaíba Lake (closest to the outlet). Most individuals were adults (24.5–34.0 cm, median = 27.8 cm). Genidens barbus (n = 7) was restricted to spring and summer months and was captured only in southern (near-outlet) parts of Guaíba Lake, comprising mainly large juveniles and adults (31.5–68.0 cm, median = 37.9). Mugil liza (n = 13) appeared in spring in relatively low abundances but was widespread throughout Guaíba Lake during the summer. The species was not captured in the Sinos sampling program. The size profile comprised specimens nearing maturity (34.3–45.5 cm, median = 38.9 cm). Finally, we suggest possible biological cycles for these species that combine these new distribution data with published information.

Modeling must be considered as an important analytical tool inside the different areas of physical geography. This paper discusses the general usage of models in physical geography, focusing on their theoretical basis, potential applications and major future challenges. Models applied to studies concentrated on prediction, retrodiction and hypothesis testing are presented. Here, main emphasis is on mathematical models, including those based on empirical, deterministic and stochastic relationships, discussing the potentialities and limitations of concentrated and distributed models, as well as those associated with transient and steady-state models. In parallel, the differences related to the steps of parameterization, calibration, validation and verification during the modeling processes are presented. At the end, the main problems and challenges required to achieve an effective usage of the modeling tools in physical geography are discussed, especially those focusing on the relationships between modeling and scientific methodology, the question of equifinality and the determination of the associated uncertainties. In fact, the review presented here shows that models with high prediction success may not necessarily represent “good models” in theoretical aspects. In order to continue its consolidation as an important analytical tool inside the different physical geography fields, model users need to focus on achieve a better understanding both on the mechanisms controlling the system to be modelled and the model itself, in terms of its internal structure and the associated hypotheses. Otherwise, the model user will be only a “software pilot”, wasting the opportunity of turning the beautiful resulting maps in effective tools of scientific analyses.

Mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) was recently introduced into the Americas and now has the potential to spill back into a sylvatic cycle in the region, likely involving non-human primates and Aedes, Haemagogus, and Sabethes species mosquitoes. We investigated potential routes of mosquito-borne virus exchange between urban and sylvatic transmission cycles by characterizing mosquito communities in three urban forest parks that receive heavy traffic from both humans and monkeys in Manaus, Brazil. Parks were stratified by both distance from the urban-forest edge (0, 50, 100, and 500 m) and relative Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (low, medium, or high), and mosquitoes were sampled at randomly selected sites within each stratum using BG-Sentinel traps. Additionally, temperature, relative humidity, and other environmental data were collected at each site. A total of 1,172 mosquitoes were collected from 184 sites sampled in 2018, of which 98 sites were resampled in 2019. Using park as the unit of replication (i.e. 3 replicates per sampling stratum), a two-way ANOVA showed no effect of distance or NDVI on the mean number of identified species (P > 0.05 for both comparisons) or on species diversity as measured by the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (P > 0.10 for both comparisons). However, the Morisita overlap index revealed that mosquito communities changed substantially with increasing distance from edge, with communities at 0 m and 500 m being quite distinct. Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti penetrated at least 100 m into the forest, while forest specialists including Haemagogus janthinomys, Sabethes glaucodaemon, and Sa. tridentatus were detected in low numbers within 100 m from the forest edge. Trichoprosopon digitatum and Psorophora amazonica were among the most abundant species collected, and both showed distributions extending from the forest edge to its interior. Our results show overlapping distributions of urban and forest mosquitoes at park edges, which highlights the risk of arbovirus exchange via multiple bridge vectors in Brazilian urban forest parks. These parks may also provide refugia for both Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti from mosquito control programs.

Six new species of the genus Desmopachria Babington, 1841 are described and illustrated from Brazil: D. anauine sp. nov., D. carranca sp. nov., D. francischettii sp. nov., D. nigrasphera sp. nov., D. nigricoxa sp. nov. and D. yanomami sp. nov. Desmopachria varians is redescribed and illustrated from syntypes photos and material identified by Dr. Frank Young. New records for eight other species from Brazilian states are presented here: D. amyae Miller, 2001 has a new record from Minas Gerais State, D. grammosticta Braga & Ferreira‑Jr., 2015 have new records from Minas Gerais and São Paulo States, D. granoides Young, 1986 has a new record from Espirito Santo State, D. laevis Sharp, 1882 have new records from Espírito Santo and Parana States, D. leptophallica Braga & Ferreira‑Jr., 2014 has a new record from Paraná State, D. sioli Young, 1980 has a new record from Minas Gerais State, D. striola Sharp, 1887 have new records from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo States and D. volatidisca Miller, 2001 has a new record from Paraíba States and an unpublished record of D. challeti Miller, 2001 from Brazil.

This study aimed to describe the growth parameters of Anchoa tricolor in a subtropical estuary. From August 2010 to July 2011, 10.009 specimens of the anchovy Anchoa tricolor, mean total length 4.2 cm (±1.45), were captured in the intertidal region of the Estuarine Complex of Paranaguá (25º 15’ - 25° 35’ S and 48° 20’ - 48° 45’ W). Species´s weight/length relationship for grouped genders was described as follow: W = 0.0000591.Lt3.282 (length in centimeters; weight in grams) showing a positive allometric growth pattern (b>3; P=0.000). Significant differences concerning weight/length relationship for males, females and unsexed individuals were identified. Parameters of the length to age growth curve were estimated by adjusting a von Bertalanffy growth equation from aged individuals from a length-frequency distribution: L∞ = 10.06 (1-e-17715(t + 0.205)) (length in centimeters, age in years). The age to attain 95% of the asymptotic length ( A95 ; longevity sensu Taylor) was estimated at 1.7 years. Size frequency distributions indicate that A. tricolor uses the estuarine area as reproductive and growing grounds, especially during the first year of the life cycle, where the species represent a key element for ecosystem functioning due to relatively high abundance and energy transference from plankton to top predators.

The hillslopes of the Serra do Mar, a system of escarpments and mountains that extend more than 1500 km along the southern and southeastern Brazilian coast, are regularly affected by heavy rainfall that generates widespread mass movements, causing large numbers of casualties and economic losses. This paper evaluates the efficiency of susceptibility mapping for shallow translational landslides in one basin in the Serra do Mar, using the physically based landslide susceptibility models SHALSTAB and TRIGRS. Two groups of scenarios were simulated using different geotechnical and hydrological soil parameters, and for each group of scenarios (A and B), three subgroups were created using soil thickness values of 1, 2, and 3 m. Simulation results were compared to the locations of 356 landslide scars from the 1985 event. The susceptibility maps for scenarios A1, A2, and A3 were similar between the models regarding the spatial distribution of susceptibility classes. Changes in soil cohesion and specific weight parameters caused changes in the area of predicted instability in the B scenarios. Both models were effective in predicting areas susceptible to shallow landslides through comparison of areas predicted to be unstable and locations of mapped landslides. Such models can be used to reduce costs or to define potentially unstable areas in regions like the Serra do Mar where field data are costly and difficult to obtain.

Specimens of Brazilian silverside (Atherinella brasiliensis, n=9672) with a length range of 1.5 to 14.2 cm were captured in the intertidal areas of the Estuarine Complex of Paranaguá, Brazil, between August 2010 and July 2011. The species’ weight-length relationship was represented by the equation W=0.00533 L3.136 with a slightly positive allometry (b>3) and could be divided into two growth stanzas: W = W1 + W2; Stanza 1: W1= SW. (0.005239 L3.152); Stanza 2: W2= (1 - SW). (0.000699 L3.913); Switch-Function: SW = [1 + e1.204 (L - 11.66)]-1. The breakpoint between the first and second stanza (11.66 cm) matches published values for the estimated size at first maturity of adult females. Frequency distributions indicate that the species is present in the shallow areas of the Estuarine Complex of Paranaguá during all phases of its ontogenetic development, with the recruitment of juveniles taking place between October and November. Modal displacement was monitored throughout 12 months. The von Bertalanffy growth model and longevity was estimated as follow: asymptotic length (L∞) of 17.5 cm, growth coefficient (K) of 0.89 (year-1) and longevity (A95) of 3.33 years. We present some considerations with regard to the general methodology for adjusting weight-length relationships.

© 2016 Elsevier B.V.In comparison to humid temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, less is known about the long-term (millennial scale) background rates of erosion in Southern Hemisphere tropical watersheds. In order to better understand the rate at which watersheds in southern and southeastern Brazil erode, and the relationship of that erosion to climate and landscape characteristics, we made new measurements of in situ produced 10Be in river sediments and we compiled all extant measurements from this part of the country. New data from 14 watersheds in the states of Santa Catarina (n = 7) and Rio de Janeiro (n = 7) show that erosion rates vary there from 13 to 90 m/My (mean = 32 m/My; median = 23 m/My) and that the difference between erosion rates of basins we sampled in the two states is not significant. Sampled basin area ranges between 3 and 14,987 km2, mean basin elevation between 235 and 1606 m, and mean basin slope between 11 and 29°. Basins sampled in Rio de Janeiro, including three that drain the Serra do Mar escarpment, have an average basin slope of 19°, whereas the average slope for the Santa Catarina basins is 14°. Mean basin slope (R2 = 0.73) and annual precipitation (R2 = 0.57) are most strongly correlated with erosion in the basins we studied. At three sites where we sampled river sand and cobbles, the 10Be concentration in river sand was greater than in the cobbles, suggesting that these grain sizes are sourced from different parts of the landscape. Compiling all cosmogenic 10Be-derived erosion rates previously published for southern and southeastern Brazil watersheds to date (n = 76) with our 14 sampled basins, we find that regional erosion rates (though low) are higher than those of watersheds also located on other passive margins including Namibia and the southeastern North America. Brazilian basins erode at a pace similar to escarpments in southeastern North America. Erosion rates in southern and southeastern Brazil are directly and positively related to mean basin slope (R2 = 0.33) and weakly but significantly to mean annual precipitation (R2 = 0.05). These relationships are weaker when considering all southern and southeastern Brazil samples than they are in our smaller, localized data set. We find that smaller, steeper headwater catchments (many on escarpments) erode faster than the larger, higher-order but lower slope catchments. Erosion in southern and southeastern Brazil appears to be controlled largely by mean basin slope with lesser influence by climate and lithology.

Summary 1. The objective of this study was to identify longitudinal distribution patterns of large migratory fish species in the Uruguay River basin, southern Brazil, and construct statistical distribution models for Salminus brasiliensis, Prochilodus lineatus, Leporinus obtusidens and Pseudoplatystoma corruscans. 2. The sampling programme resulted in 202 interviews with old residents and fishermen at 167 different sampling sites in the major rivers of the basin. Interviewees were asked whether these fish species were present in the nearby river segment, recently or in the past. The average age of respondents was 56 years, and the great majority had resided for more than 30 years in the area where they were interviewed. 3. Fish distribution patterns were modelled using altitude and basin area as environmental descriptors. Distributional patterns were estimated using logistic equations (LOGIT): , where Al is the altitude and BA is the basin area. 4. Accuracies of the distribution models were between 77 and 85%. These accuracies are similar to those of published distribution models for other fishes based on larger numbers of environmental descriptors. 5. The historical distributional ranges make clear that all operating or planned large hydropower dams in the Uruguay River basin, with one exception, limit or will limit the distribution of migratory fishes.

Introduction: This study investigated scorpionism profile in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Methods: Data referring to stinging incidents were obtained from the National Databank of Major Causes of Morbidity. Information on the scorpion species involved was obtained from the Amazonas State health units. Results: Amazonas has a scorpionism rate of 8.14 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Some municipalities (e.g., Apuí) presented higher rates (273 cases/100,000 inhabitants). Most species involved in envenomation belonged to the genus Tityus. Conclusions: Our results reaffirm the notion of scorpionism being a public health hazard and provide data that can guide public policy aimed at scorpionism prevention and treatment. © 2016, Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. All rights reserved.

Various methods are currently used in order to predict shallow landslides within the catchment scale. Among them, physically based models present advantages associated with the physical description of processes by means of mathematical equations. The main objective of this research is the prediction of shallow landslides using TRIGRS model, in a pilot catchment located at Serra do Mar mountain range, São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. Susceptibility scenarios have been simulated taking into account different mechanical and hydrological values. These scenarios were analysed based on a landslide scars map from the January 1985 event, upon which two indexes were applied: Scars Concentration (SC – ratio between the number of cells with scars, in each class, and the total number of cells with scars within the catchment) and Landslide Potential (LP – ratio between the number of cells with scars, in each class, and the total number of cells in that same class). The results showed a significant agreement between the simulated scenarios and the scar's map. In unstable areas (SF≤1), the SC values exceeded 50% in all scenarios. Based on the results, the use of this model should be considered an important tool for shallow landslide prediction, especially in areas where mechanical and hydrological properties of the materials are not well known.

Imposex levels in Nassarius reticulatus (L.) were determined in 44 sites along the Portuguese coast in 2006 in order to describe spatial and temporal trends of TBT pollution in the area. The percentage of females with imposex across sites varied between 20 and 100, denoting the extent of this phenomenon throughout the Portuguese coast. The mean female penis length per site varied between 0.0-8.0 mm and the relative penis length index (mean female penis length x 100/mean male penis length) attained a maximum value of 92%, i.e., female penis never surpasses the size of the male penis but nevertheless it can almost approach the male dimensions. The vas deferens sequence index ranged from 0.2 to 4.5 and the oviduct convolution index varied between 0.0 and 1.3 across stations. The penis growth, the vas deferens development and the oviduct convolution were all correlated and constitute visible signs of a global virilisation progression in females in response to the proximity of harbours that constitute the main TBT pollution sources. The results indicate that about 95% of the surveyed sites were still exposed to TBT water concentrations above the OSPAR Environmental Assessment Criteria. Nevertheless, signs of recovery are shown by the significant reduction of VDSI levels in 2006 in comparison to 2003, which points to the efficacy of the EC Regulation 782/2003 in reducing TBT pollution levels in the Portuguese coast.

The growth of Atherinella brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) was studied through monthly samples taken at Tramandai Lagoon, Imbe County, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Animals were captured using a beach seine net. Length-weight relationships and age- growth curves for males and females were adjusted. The growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth formulae are L inf =16.0 and k=0.883 for males and L inf =17.0 and k=0.825 for females. First reproduction occurred one year after recruitment. Once reaching maturity, adults of A. brasiliensis reproduced once more in the next spring with two-year-olds and disappeared soon after from size frequency distributions. A few captured animals showed a size compatible with an age of three years. O crescimento de Atherinella brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) foi estudado atraves de amostras mensais na laguna de Tramandai, Imbe, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os animais foram capturados com uma rede de arrasto de praia (picare) de 15 m de comprimento, 3 m de altura e malha de 5 mm entre nos adjacentes. Relacoes peso/comprimento e curvas de crescimento em comprimento sao ajustadas para machos e femeas. Os parâmetros da curva de crescimento de von Bertalanffy sao L inf =16,0 e k=0,883 para machos e L inf =17,0 e k=0,825 para femeas. A primeira maturacao ocorre um ano apos o recrutamento. Uma vez atingida a maturidade, adultos de A. brasiliensis reproduzem mais uma vez na proxima primavera (com dois anos de idade) e desaparecem logo apos nas distribuicoes de frequencias de comprimento. Poucos animais capturados apresentam tamanhos compativeis com idade de tres anos.

Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic infection that originated in the Americas and is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. In the last few years, the disease has spread to countries in North America, Asia and Europe due to the migration of Latin Americans. In the Brazilian Amazon, CD has an endemic transmission, especially in the Rio Negro region, where an occupational hazard was described for piacaveiros (piassaba gatherers). In the State of Amazonas, the first chagasic infection was reported in 1977, and the first acute CD case was recorded in 1980. After initiatives to integrate acute CD diagnostics with the malaria laboratories network, reports of acute CD cases have increased. Most of these cases are associated with oral transmission by the consumption of contaminated food. Chronic cases have also been diagnosed, mostly in the indeterminate form. These cases were detected by serological surveys in cardiologic outpatient clinics and during blood donor screening. Considering that the control mechanisms adopted in Brazil's classic transmission areas are not fully applicable in the Amazon, it is important to understand the disease behavior in this region, both in the acute and chronic cases. Therefore, the pursuit of control measures for the Amazon region should be a priority given that CD represents a challenge to preserving the way of life of the Amazon's inhabitants.

The Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most important Brazilian morphological features, both in terms of its geological and geomorphological evolution as well as considering its historical importance to the development of Brazil. The existing morphological contrast, varying from mountain escarpments , hills, fluvial, and marine coastal plain s, beaches, and lagoons, results from a complex evolution that imprinted in the landscape an intriguing diverse morphology which constitutes a highly attractive touristic natural scenario that is well known internationally. Its geological and geomorphological history is related to the Paleogene extensional faults and alkaline magmatism within the Guanabara Graben that was filled by Cenozoic continental and/or fluviomarine sediments. In this landscape, the use of natural resources has constrained human occupation for more than 500 years. It was only in the 2000s that improved environmental consciousness promoted measures toward minimizing environmental degradation processes.

Two new species of Helobata Bergroth, 1888 (Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae) from Brazil are described and illustrated. Helobata amazonensis sp. nov. is described based on an adult male specimen from the Amazon River floodplains, Amazonas State. Helobata pantaneira sp. nov. is described based on an adult male specimen collected from swamps in the Pantanal biome, in Mato Grosso State. Helobata corumbaensis Fernandez & Bachmann, 1987, H. larvalis (Horn, 1873) and H. quatipuru Fernandez & Bachmann, 1987 are recorded for the first time from Mato Grosso; Amazonas, Ceara and Mato Grosso; and Rio de Janeiro States respectively. Diagnosis, illustrations, a checklist and a key to Brazilian species of Helobata are provided.

Nucella lapillus (dog whelk) imposex levels were assessed along the mainland Portuguese coast in 2006 and 2008 and were compared with available data from 2003 for the same area. Given that specimen size has been described as a factor inducing variation in some of the imposex assessment indices, and thus resulting in less reliable results, new monitoring and data analysis procedures are described and applied to study change of imposex levels from 2003 to 2008. A significant decline in imposex intensity was observed in the study area during the study period, and the Portuguese coast ecological status (under the terms defined by the OSPAR Commission) notably improved after 2003, confirming the effectiveness of the Regulation (EC) No. 782/2003 in reducing TBT pollution. Nevertheless, N. lapillus populations are still extensively affected by imposex, and fresh TBT inputs were detected in seawater throughout the coast in 2006. These recent inputs are attributed to vessels still carrying TBT antifoulants applied before 2003, as their presence in vessels was only forbidden in 2008. Considering that Regulation (EC) No. 782/2003 is an anticipation of the IMO global ban entered into force in September 2008, a worldwide-scale decrease in TBT pollution can be expected in the near future.

Fish conservation in South America is a pressing issue. The biodiversity of fishes, just as with all other groups of plants and animals, is far from fully known. Continuing habitat loss may result in biodiversity losses before full species diversity is known. In this review, the main river basins of South America (Magdalena, Orinoco, Amazon and Parana–La Plata system), together with key aquatic habitats (mangrove-fringed estuaries of the tropical humid, tropical semi-arid and subtropical regions) are analysed in terms of their characteristics and main concerns. Habitat loss was the main concern identified for all South American ecosystems. It may be caused by damming of rivers, deforestation, water pollution, mining, poor agricultural practice or inadequate management practice. Habitat loss has a direct consequence, which is a decrease in the availability of living resources, a serious social and economic issue, especially for South American nations which are all developing countries. The introduction of exotic species and overfishing were also identified as widespread across the continent and its main freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems. Finally, suggestions are made to find ways to overcome these problems. The main suggestion is a change of paradigm and a new design for conservation actions, starting with integrated research and aiming at the co-ordinated and harmonized management of the main transboundary waters of the continent. The actions would be focused on habitat conservation and social rescue of the less well-off populations of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. Energy and freshwater demands will also have to be rescaled in order to control habitat loss.

O trabalho verificou a aplicação do Código Florestal Brasileiro (CFB) na bacia do Córrego Santa Maria, na região Noroeste Fluminense (RJ), como subsídio para o planejamento ambiental. Essa bacia localiza-se inteiramente no Município de São José de Ubá e vem sendo submetida a diferentes processos de uso e ocupação do solo, culminando com problemas erosivos e hídricos. Para realização do trabalho foi elaborado o mapa de uso e ocupação do solo atual por meio de classificação automática supervisionada, utilizando-se fotos aéreas da Companhia de Energia do Rio de Janeiro (CERJ) e do Departamento de Recursos Minerais - DRM/RJ. Para elaboração do mapa de uso e ocupação do solo com o cenário estabelecido no artigo 2º do CFB foi criada uma faixa de entorno. Os resultados indicam que ocorreria conflito entre a utilização do CFB e o uso atual para ás áreas a agricultura e pecuária, solo exposto e área urbana. No caso da agricultura e pecuária, o uso conflitante poderia ser amenizado com práticas de manejo e conservação adequadas. A aplicação do CFB contribuiria significativamente para aumento das APP (floresta), promovendo aumento da infiltração de água no solo e recarga do sistema aquífero, diminuição do escoamento superficial e da erosão dos solos. This studied verified the application of the Brazilian Forest Code (CFB) in the Santa Maria creek basin, in northwestern Rio de Janeiro, as a support to environmental planning. This basin is fully located in the county of São José de Ubá, and it has been subject to different processes of soil use and occupation, resulting in water and erosion problems. In order to perform the study, a map of current soil use and occupation was designed through automatic supervised classification, using air photos of Companhia de Energia do Rio de Janeiro -CERJ (Rio de Janeiro Power Company) and Mineral Resources Department -DRM/RJ. In order to design the map of soil use and occupation in compliance with the scenario established in article 2 of the CFB, a surrounding belt (buffer zone) was created. The results show that there would be conflicts between the CFB application and the current use of areas for agriculture, animal husbandry, exposed soil and urban area. In agriculture and animal husbandry, the conflicting use could be softened with adequate handling and conservation practices. Applying the CFB would significantly contribute to increasing APP (forest), promoting increased water seepage in soil and water system recharge, and decreasing overland runoff and soil erosion.

Three new species of Bidessodes (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) are described and illustrated from the Amazon river floodplain (“varzea”): B. nessimiani sp. nov., B. hamadae sp. nov., and B. demarcoi sp. nov. Bidessodes evanidus Young is recorded for the first time from Amazonas and Para states, Brazil. All species are included in the subgenus Bidessodes s. str. An identification key of Bidessodes s. str. species, modified from Young (1986), is provided.

Malaria in Brazil is virtually restricted to the Amazon Region, where it has a heterogeneous geographic distribution. We reviewed secondary data in order to describe the regional and temporal distribution of 8018 malaria cases seen between 2003 and 2007 in Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, a municipality in the northwest Brazilian Amazon. A significant rise in malaria incidence, mainly in the Yanomami Indian reservation, was observed during this time. Anopheline breeding sites were also mapped and entomological data were obtained through the capture of larval and adult mosquitoes. Thirty-three potential breeding sites were identified in the urban and periurban areas, 28 of which were positive for anopheline larvae. Anopheles darlingi specimens were captured in both intra- and peridomicile locations in the urban areas. Demographic data were also assessed via a sectional survey, revealing that the majority of dwellings were vulnerable to mosquitoes. This study suggests that urban and periurban areas of this municipality are highly susceptible to epidemic malaria, which is endemic in the Yanomami Indian reservation near the city. In addition, transmission can be perpetuated autochthonously in the urban area, drawing attention to the continuous need for preventative measures such as controlling adult and aquatic stages of mosquitoes and improving housing.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its outstanding landscape, particularly the several steep rocky domes that emerge close to the coast. Such a wonderful scene results from a combination of differential weathering controlled by the presence of a variety of Neoproterozoic gneisses and Cambrian granites and strong valley incision along subvertical faults and fractures. In this chapter we present the geological and geomorphological aspects that influence the daily life of more than 12 million inhabitants of the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region, in two areas around Guanabara Bay: Coastal Massifs and the Serra dos Orgaos escarpment. The combination of such topographic constraints, intense summer rainstorms, and dense occupation frequently creates a scenario with a high potential for landslide-derived hazards.

Are relationed the species of sand flies collected in the State of Roraima, Brasil.

Neste trabalho são reportadas pela primeira vez, as espécies de flebotomíneos acha dos no norte do Estado de Roraima, Brasil; coletadas com armadilhas CDC e Malaise. São reportadas vinte, e oito espécies na região elevando o total para cinquenta e seis conhe cidas para o Estado. In this, paper. are reported by the first time, the species of sand flies founded at north of the state of Roraima, Brasil, colected with CDC - light traps, and malaise thapis. Twenty seven species in the region have been reported increasing the number, of known species for. the state to fifty five.

The biodiversity of the Amazon region includes many species of arthropod vectors in different ecotopes, thus enabling occurrences of diseases like malaria, filariasis and arbovirosis. From August 2001 to July 2002, we gathered culicids from inside homes, from areas surrounding these homes and from forested areas of the Sao Joao Community, in the rural zone of Manaus, State of Amazonas. 1240 specimens were collected, belonging to the Culicinae (99%) and Anophelinae (1%) subfamilies, with 50 species. The Culicini tribe clearly predominated, with 904 specimens (72.9%), and the species Culex usquatus (22.6%) and Culex quinquefasciatus (17.7%) were prominent. Out of the total number of culicids, 1,077 (86.9%) were caught in the forests, 101 (8.1%) in the areas surrounding homes and 62 (5%) inside homes. Forests were the ecotope that presented the highest species diversity. The presence of Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles triannulatus, Aedes aegypti, Haemagogus janthinomys and other proven or potential vectors was recorded.

From August 2001 to July 2002, sand flies were collected from the bases of trees and, using CDC and Disney traps, from areas surrounding homes and forested areas in the Sao Joao community, on the urban periphery of Manaus, State of Amazonas. 4,104 specimens belonging to four subtribes, 13 genera and 49 species of the Phlebotominae subfamily were collected. The subtribe Psychodopygina predominated, with 3,403 (83%) specimens, especially of Nyssomyia umbratilis, Nyssomyia anduzei, Trichophoromyia eurypyga, Bichromomyia olmeca nociva and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata. The occurrences of Nyssomyia umbratilis and Nyssomyia anduzei, which have been incriminated as vectors for Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis, and of Bichromomyia flaviscutellata and Bichromomyia olmeca nociva, for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, indicate that there is a risk of infection for people living in this area. Most (98.5%) of the sand flies were caught in the forested area. Nyssomyia anduzei and Bichromomyia olmeca nociva were collected from areas surrounding homes. The richness of vector species for Leishmania in this area shows the need for constant entomological surveillance.

A study of crepuscular and night-biting mosquitoes was conducted at remote settlements along the Padauiri River, middle Negro River, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Collections were performed with human bait and a CDC-light trap on three consecutive days per month from June 2003-May 2004. In total, 1,203 h of collection were performed, of which 384 were outside and 819 were inside houses. At total of 11,612 specimens were captured, and Anophelinae (6.01%) were much less frequent than Culicinae (93.94%). Anopheles darlingi was the most frequent Anophelinae collected. Among the culicines, 2,666 Culex (Ae.) clastrieri Casal & Garcia, 2,394 Culex. (Mel.) vomerifer Komp, and 1,252 Culex (Mel.) eastor Dyar were the most frequent species collected. The diversity of insects found reveals the receptivity of the area towards a variety of diseases facilitated by the presence of vectors involved in the transmission of Plasmodium, arboviruses and other infectious agents.

A área de contribuição ou área drenada à montante de cada célula de uma matriz está relacionada ao valor da área correspondente à bacia de cada célula específica. Portanto, para a determinação do mapa de área de contribuição calcula-se o valor da bacia de drenagem de cada célula que compõe a área que será mapeada. Tendo como objetivo a obtenção de um mapa de área de contribuição o mais confiável possível, determinou-se esse parâmetro a partir de duas metodologias distintas. A primeira, TU - Transferência de fluxo para uma única célula, determina a área de contribuição em função da célula que apresentam maior valor de declividade. A Segunda, TD - Transferência de fluxo distribuída, calcula a área de contribuição distribuindo o fluxo proporcionalmente entre as células localizadas à jusante, de acordo com a declividade local. A metodologia de transferência de fluxo distribuída (TD) mostrou-se mais eficiente, pois sugeriu com exatidão a rede de drenagem, localizando as maiores áreas de contribuição de montante para jusante exatamente na calha, não só da drenagem, mas de todos os caminhos preferenciais de fluxo. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The contribution area or upward drained area of each grid cell is related to the value of the corresponding area to the basin of each specific pixel. Therefore, for the determination of the contribution area map it is calculated the value of the drainage basin of each pixel that comprises the area that will be mapped. In order to obtain the most reliable contribution area map, this parameter was determined from two distinct methodologies. The first determines the calculation of contribution area based on the cell that has the largest gradient value (this methodology is used by Arcinfo, ArcView software, among others). The second uses an algorithm, which in this work was written in C language, which makes the calculation of contribution area distributing proportionally the flow among located cells for downslope, according to the local gradient. The methodology that determines the contribution area for one given cell distributing the flow proportionally between those located to downward showed more efficient, because it suggested with accuracy the drainage network, locating the biggest contribution areas from upward to downward exactly in the gutter, not only of the drainage, but also of all the preferential flow ways.

Deslizamentos são episódios de extrema importância, resultantes da atuação de processos geomorfológicos nas mais diversas escalas temporais causando, em geral, enormes prejuízos à sociedade. Dentre os diversos fatores condicionantes destacam-se os parâmetros morfológicos do terreno, os quais controlam diretamente o equilíbrio das forças e, indiretamente, a dinâmica hidrológica dos solos. Embora muitos estudos tenham voltado a atenção para a descrição de eventos e para o monitoramento de campo, pouco ainda se sabe sobre a previsão de ocorrência destes fenômenos. Acredita-se aqui que a combinação de mapeamentos e monitoramentos de campo, através de modelos matemáticos baseados em processos, tenha muito a contribuir nessa direção. Neste sentido, diversos estudos de campo vêm sendo realizados nas bacias dos rios Quitite e Papagaio no sentido de caracterizar o papel desempenhado pelos diversos parâmetros topográficos no condicionamento dos deslizamentos ali ocorridos em 1996. A partir do modelo digital de terreno das bacias, com uma resolução de 4m2, combinado com vários mapeamentos ali realizados, foi definido o potencial de deslizamento para as diversas classes de cada atributo topográfico. Paralelamente, foram realizados ensaios de campo com o permeâmetro de Guelph e simulações com o modelo matemático SHALSTAB, voltado para a previsão de áreas instáveis, de modo a englobar os mais diferentes cenários. Os resultados atestam o importante papel desempenhado pelos parâmetros topográficos forma da encosta e área de contribuição, geralmente desprezados pelas metodologias de previsão de áreas susceptíveis a deslizamentos. ______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Landslides are important geomorphological processes, acting along different temporal scales and generally causing huge problems to society. Between the different controlling factors an important role is played by the morphological parameters which directly affect the equilibrium between the forces and indirectly control hillslope hydrology. Although many studies have focused on the description of previous events and field monitoring, little is known about landslide prediction, defining where and when these processes will happen in the near future. It is believed that the combination of field mapping and monitoring with process-based mathematical models is an important tool to landslide investigation. A variety of studies have been carried out in Quitite and Papagaio river basins in order to investigate the role played by the topographic parameters in the landslides triggered by 1996 intense rainstorms. Based on the digital terrain model of the basins, with a 4m2 resolution, together with the different maps obtained, a landslide potential index for the many classes of each topographic attribute was defined. At the same time, field experiments with the Guelph permeameter were carried out and a variety of scenarios were simulated with the SHALSTAB model, a mathematical model for the topographic control on shallow landslides. The results attest the important role played by the topographic parameters hillslope form and contribution area on landsliding in the studied area. However, these topographic attributes are not considered by most of the procedures used to predict landslide generation

Resumo

A partir de exemplares de Aedes albopictus coletados em área urbana no município de Manaus, AM, Brasil, e das informações sobre a presença desse mosquito em vários municípios do Estado do Amazonas, registra-se pela primeira vez a introdução dessa espécie nesse Estado. Information is available regarding the presence of Aedes albopictus in several municipalities of the State of Amazonas. Specimens of this mosquito species have now, for the first time, been collected from an urban area of the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

Four new species of Desmopachria from the Amazon river floodplain (varzea) are described and illustrated, D. manus sp. nov., D. varzeana sp. nov., D. cavia sp. nov. and D. nigrocapitata sp. nov., together with new distributional records of D. balionata Miller, D. draco Miller, D. subnotata Sharp and D. striola Zimmermann for Amazonas and Para states in Brazil.