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Although Maya scholars have referenced coastal settlements in the more general discourse on past landscapes, coastal landscapes have only rarely been the explicit focus of research programs. Coastal peoples, however, faced distinct challenges and opportunities not shared by their inland neighbors. These had material ramifications in terms of the specific decisions coastal inhabitants made over time while trying to take advantage of opportunities and manage risks. The north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is a complex physiographic mosaic that is categorically distinct from the inland expanses of the Maya lowlands. No doubt, the physically delimiting aspects of the north coast's diverse environment played a major role in shaping more localized concepts of landscape. Here, we employ an historical ecology framework to integrate the interdisciplinary studies conducted by the Proyecto Costa Escondida along the Yucatan's north coast. Specifically, we focus on the ancient Maya port site of Vista Alegre and what our research has revealed about the dynamic interplay of social and natural processes that shaped life at this ancient Maya port over the past three millennia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Slash-and-burn agriculture generates landscape mosaics composed of different land uses. Ecological theory postulates that in these mosaics, the structure of species assemblages depends on both local- and landscape-scale factors, but their relative role remains poorly known. Objectives: Understanding the relative importance of local and landscape variables for bird assemblages in landscape mosaics of the Mayan tropical forest, Mexico. Methods: We evaluated the effect of two local variables (land use type and tree basal area) and two landscape variables (old-growth forest cover and human proximity) on bird abundance and diversity, separately assessing forest and non-forest birds. As species extirpation may accelerate when forest loss exceeds certain limits (extinction thresholds), we assessed forest loss effects with linear and nonlinear models. Results: We recorded 1867 birds from 118 species in four land-use types (old-growth forest, secondary forest, burned lands, and agricultural lands). Land-use type and surrounding old-growth forest cover better predicted bird abundance and diversity than tree basal area and human proximity. Agricultural lands showed the lowest abundance and diversity of forest species, but the highest abundance and diversity of non-forest species. We found no support for the extinction threshold hypothesis. Yet, independently of the land use, old-growth forest loss decreased the diversity of forest species and increased the abundance and diversity of non-forest species. Human proximity also decreased total bird abundance, especially because of the loss of forest species. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the key role played by old-growth forests for preserving bird assemblages in landscape mosaics exposed to slash-and-burn agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published accounts of the Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) on Isla Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico, date back at least 72 years, yet there exists no evidence in the literature of the species breeding on the island. Here we report the first scientific descriptions of nesting by Common Pauraque on Cozumel. During fieldwork in 2008 and 2009, we opportunistically documented 9 nests, including 4 with eggs and 5 with chicks. Clutch size for all nests with eggs was 2 whereas nests observed with young consisted of 1 (N= 3) or 2 (N= 2) nestlings. To complement our observations, we searched available citizen science data and discovered one additional record of nesting in early June 2017 and a possible second nest in late May 2018. Collectively, these observations indicate that Common Pauraque breeds on Cozumel from at least mid-May into July. However, surveys throughout the year are required to determine whether the population on Cozumel breeds seasonally, breeds year-round, or has a more complex breeding phenology. Additional work is especially needed given that we observed some of the active nests during one of Cozumel's wettest months (June) and previous work has hypothesized that caprimulgids generally are more restricted to nesting at drier times of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Therya is the property of Asociacion Mexicana de Mastozoologia, A. C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Climate change is one of the main factors affecting biodiversity worldwide at an alarming rate. In addition to increases in global extreme weather events, melting of polar ice caps, and subsequent sea level rise, climate change might shift the geographic distribution of species. In recent years, interest in understanding the effects of climate change on species distribution has increased, including species which depend greatly on forest cover for survival, such as strictly arboreal primates. Here, we generate a series of species distribution models (SDMs) to evaluate future projections under different climate change scenarios on the distribution of the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra), an endemic endangered primate species. Using SDMs, we assessed current and future projections of their potential distribution for three Social Economic Paths (SSPs) for the years 2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090. Specifically, we found that precipitation seasonality (BIO15, 30.8%), isothermality (BIO3, 25.4%), and mean diurnal range (BIO2, 19.7.%) are the main factors affecting A. pigra distribution. The future climate change models suggested a decrease in the potential distribution of A. pigra by projected scenarios (from − 1.23 to − 12.66%). The highly suitable area was the most affected above all in the more pessimist scenario most likely related to habitat fragmentation. Our study provides new insights into the potential future distribution and suitable habitats of Alouatta pigra. Such information could be used by local communities, governments, and non-governmental organizations for conservation planning of this primate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish communities of tropical lakes are commonly predicted by local environmental variables, including depth, temperature, oxygen concentration, and substrate composition. Increasingly, however, lacustrine fish communities are being impacted by invasive species. In the state of Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean versant of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, inland aquaculture production has resulted in the widespread establishment of African tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). However, there are still limited quantitative data on their abundance relative to indigenous species, or their influence on native fish diversity. Here, we quantified the ichthyofauna of six lakes from this region, alongside physical and chemical environmental variables. Overall, we observed that greater dissolved oxygen concentration and shallower depths were associated with the highest fish biodiversity across lakes. Moreover, spatial comparisons additionally highlighted the importance of substrate heterogeneity and lake area as influential in determining native fish community structure. Notably, in all lakes, tilapia were relatively uncommon, comprising less than 3% of all fish captured, and their presence was not a significant predictor of indigenous fish biodiversity. Based on these results, we suggest that tilapia may have strong limitations on their population size, plausibly due to the presence of predatory native fish species, or scarce suitable ecological resources (food, breeding habitat). Conservation-focussed lake-wide management of native species via protection of core habitat characteristics may be key to promoting environmental resistance against negative effects of tilapia regional expansions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponge-associated microorganisms are key influencers of nutrient biogeochemistry and important sources of bioactive natural products. This study provides the first insights into the taxonomic diversity of the microbial community associated with the sponge Xestospongia sp. from an anchialine cave in the coastal area of the underground river of the Yucatán Peninsula in Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the potential antimicrobial activity of its cultivable bacteria. High abundances of Sulfurospirillum and Desulfovibrio were detected with 16S rRNA amplicons, suggesting that the microbial community of Xestospongia sp. plays an important role in the geochemical sulfur cycle. Analysis with crude extracts of Nocardiopsis dasonvillei NCA-454 revealed antimicrobial activity against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25913 (MSSA) and methicillin-​resistant ​S. aureus ATCC 43300 (MRSA). Studies of the microbiomes of sponges from the anchialine cave system in the Yucatán Peninsula can help elucidate the biogeochemical cycles of these poorly studied environments. Moreover, the microorganisms of these microbial communities represent an untapped source of secondary metabolites with biotechnological potential.

Recent research in the Maya Lowlands has revealed substantial new evidence for the first pottery producers at about 1000-600 bc, during the early Middle Preclassic period. This comparatively late adoption is a special case in Mesoamerica, where pottery appeared elsewhere up to a millennium earlier. Although archaic lifeways had long been established in the region, and pottery technology was likely known to some archaic communities, these new data reveal the complex set of circumstances that prompted the shift to ceramic production across the Yucatan Peninsula, Peten, and Belize. This article reviews these data from the perspective of the upland region of central and southern Yucatan, known as the Elevated Interior Region (eir). Its rather complex early settlement links the eir to contemporary pottery industries throughout the peninsula, suggesting well-established exchange systems were in place even as the first populations chose to settle more permanently on the landscape. Most significant among these cultural shifts was the increasing dependence on maize foodways as a primary subsistence strategy. Intensive maize agriculture has not been documented in Mesoamerica much before 1000 bc, yet ceramic technology was adopted independently of its use in other areas. Current evidence suggests, however, that the two were linked in the Maya Lowlands, where a relatively rapid transition took place as horticultural communities became more dependent on maize crops, followed waterways to settle more permanently on the landscape, and began producing pottery locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of gastropods are described from the Gulf of Mexico. Theseinclude: Fasciolaria ixchel n.sp. (Fasciolariidae) from near Isla Mujeres on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico; Jaspidiconus forticostatus n.sp. (Conidae) from the Big Bend area of northwestern Florida; and Jaspidiconus hortusensis n.sp. (Conidae) from the West Flower Garden Reef southeast of Galveston, Texas. The eastern Yucatan fasciolariid is the newest member of a previously-overlooked complex that contains four closely-related Fasciolaria s.s. species that are endemic to the Gulf of Mexico. The two new cones are members of a complex containing ten species of Jaspidiconus that are now known to inhabit shallow water areas around the Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate variability poses multifaceted challenges for livestock production. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns impact crop and pasture yields, reduce water availability, and contribute to livestock diseases, particularly affecting small-scale cattle producers dependent on climate-sensitive resources. Sustainable livestock farming promotes integrating best practices to enhance productivity while responsibly managing natural resources, but often overlooks relevant social dynamics. Social factors are excluded when promoting and studying the adoption of practices for sustainable cattle farming. This study aims to understand the factors and interactions between the social, animal and ecological systems within the small-scale cattle socioecosystems in the southern region of the Yucatan Peninsula, exploring cattle farmers' perspectives on climate change, as well as their strategies and responses to extreme events like drought. Using fuzzy cognitive maps and scenario development as participatory and reflection methodologies, we found a conceptual gap between climate change and drought, indicating a lack of sustainable adaptive thinking toward these challenges. Interestingly, we found that local social organization, cultural dynamics, and spiritual practices are equally significant factors than technical and environment-oriented changes to the management of ranches in shaping an optimal cattle farming scenario. Our findings reveal that the management of cattle farms involves complex interplay among technical, environmental, social, political, and cultural elements, highlighting the inherent need to consider social values and preferences as fundamental components of sustainability. This study establishes the initial groundwork for employing participatory modeling with social actors engaged in the small-scale cattle context in Yucatan. The goal is to emphasize the importance of the social dimension in the general management of the small-scale cattle socioecosystem, thus in promoting sustainable cattle farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Cicadellidae (Insecta: Hemiptera) has limited inventories of its fauna in Mexican territory. In the present contribution, records of the leafhopper fauna in the state of Yucatán are provided, where a list of 45 species, 31 genera, 13 tribes and seven subfamilies are disclosed. Of these, five species are new records for Mexico and 15 new state records (14 in Yucatán and 1 in Jalisco). For all species, current known distribution and outside Mexico is provided. In addition, notes on the known host plants and their importance for the agricultural sector in the country are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the endocrine effect in flatfish through vitellogenin (vtg) gene expression and its association with pollutants data obtained from fish muscle and sediment from two regions in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM): Perdido Fold Belt (northwestern) and the Yucatan Peninsula (southeast). The results revealed induction of vtg in male flatfish in both geographical regions with different levels and patterns of distribution per oceanographic campaign (OC). In the Perdido Fold Belt, vtg was observed in male fish during four OC (carried out in 2016 and 2017), positively associated with Pb, V, Cd and bile metabolites (hydroxynaphthalene and hydroxyphenanthrene). In the Yucatan Peninsula, the induction of vtg in males was also detected in three OC (carried out in 2016 and 2018) mainly associated with Ni, Pb, Al, Cd, V and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Ultimately, estrogenic alterations could affect reproductive capacity of male flatfish in the GoM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal karst structures have been recently explored and documented in Chetumal Bay, Mexico, at the southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula. These structures, recognized as blue holes, stand out for their remarkable dimensions within a shallow estuarine environment. Particularly the Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH), revealed a depth of ~274 mbsl based on echo sounder mapping, momentarily positioning it as the world's second-deepest blue hole. However, echo sounding methods face challenges in complex environments like blue holes or inland sinkholes arising from frequency-dependent detection and range limitations due to water density vertical gradients, cross-sectional depth variations, or morphometric deviations in non-strictly vertical caves. Initial exploration could not reach the bottom and confirm its position, prompting ongoing investigation into the geomorphological features of TJBH. Recent CTD profiler records in TJBH surpassed 420 mbsl with no bottom yet reached, establishing the TJBH as the deepest-known blue hole globally. Hydrographic data delineated multiple water layers within TJBH. Comparison with Caribbean water conditions at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, reef lagoons, and estuaries suggests potential subterranean connections. Further research and implementation of underwater navigation technologies are essential to decipher its maximum depth and the possibilities of forming part of an interconnected system of caves and tunnels.

Copyright of Avian Conservation & Ecology is the property of Resilience Alliance and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, twenty-four organic extracts from six marine sponge species, collected at shallows of Yucatan, Mexico, were evaluated against Giardia lamblia trophozoites and Vero cells. The dichloromethane and hexane extracts of Haliclona tubifera exhibited the highest antigiardiasic activity (IC50 = 1.00 and 2.11 µg/mL, respectively), as well as high selectivity (SI = 41.8 and > 47.4, respectively), while ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Cinachyrella alloclada, and methanol extract of Suberites aurantiaca showed moderate activity. Contrastingly, the extracts of Halichondria magniculosa and Oceanapia nodosa were considered non actives. Consequently, the dichloromethane extract of H. tubifera were subject to an exploratory chemical study, isolating cholesterol, two benzaldehyde derivatives, three benzoic acid derivatives, cytosine, and thymine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate variability poses multifaceted challenges for livestock production. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns impact crop and pasture yields, reduce water availability, and contribute to livestock diseases, particularly affecting small-scale cattle producers dependent on climate-sensitive resources. Sustainable livestock farming promotes integrating best practices to enhance productivity while responsibly managing natural resources, but often overlooks relevant social dynamics. Social factors are excluded when promoting and studying the adoption of practices for sustainable cattle farming. This study aims to understand the factors and interactions between the social, animal and ecological systems within the small-scale cattle socioecosystems in the southern region of the Yucatan Peninsula, exploring cattle farmers’ perspectives on climate change, as well as their strategies and responses to extreme events like drought. Using fuzzy cognitive maps and scenario development as participatory and reflection methodologies, we found a conceptual gap between climate change and drought, indicating a lack of sustainable adaptive thinking toward these challenges. Interestingly, we found that local social organization, cultural dynamics, and spiritual practices are equally significant factors than technical and environment-oriented changes to the management of ranches in shaping an optimal cattle farming scenario. Our findings reveal that the management of cattle farms involves complex interplay among technical, environmental, social, political, and cultural elements, highlighting the inherent need to consider social values and preferences as fundamental components of sustainability. This study establishes the initial groundwork for employing participatory modeling with social actors engaged in the small-scale cattle context in Yucatan. The goal is to emphasize the importance of the social dimension in the general management of the small-scale cattle socioecosystem, thus in promoting sustainable cattle farming.

El artículo discute sobre el hallazgo de un cuenco estilo Chocholá con escritura jeroglífica en el trabajo arqueológico del Tren Maya en las Tierras Bajas del norte de la Península de Yucatán.

Our knowledge of sawfishes remains scant for Latin America. Pristis pristis (largetooth sawfish) and Pristis pectinata (smalltooth sawfish) are critically endangered. In the Yucatán Peninsula (YP), P. pristis and P. pectinata inhabit coastal landscapes.A total of 290 surveys of fishers' local ecological knowledge (LEK), including a geospatial component, were collected; 74 literature sources and available archaeological data for the region were reviewed.Interdisciplinary results show the following: the common past presence of sawfishes, their cultural significance for coastal societies, and the contemporary absence of sawfishes in coastal areas where they existed historically; sightings of juveniles were only documented by elder fishers, and only two recent narratives mention sawfishes caught incidentally 5 years ago.Geospatial results provide evidence for 52 geographic sites where sawfishes were common in the YP.Results support the development of research methodologies to study human–nature interactions integrating LEK. This matters in the YP, where sociocultural values and landscapes have changed rapidly through increasing tourism development and human overcrowding.The results can help conservation managers understand the past presence and contemporary loss of sawfishes, and their habitat, and contribute to understanding the defaunation of megafauna in the YP through time. This is critical for tourism and fishery ecosystem services on which communities of the YP rely for their economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caribbean Journal of Science is the property of Caribbean Journal of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new species of True Tulip Shell in the genus Fasciolaria has been discovered in coral reef areas along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. This new Mexican fasciolariid, here named Fasciolaria haleyi new species Berschauer & Petuch 2023, has the most inflated and rotund shell of any member of its genus and can be distinguished by its polished and highly-colorful shell. This new Yucatan endemic is morphologically closest only to the newly-described Fasciolaria bittneri Petuch and Berschauer, 2023 from the Dry Tortugas of Floridaandrepresents the fourth-known Fasciolaria species to occur in the Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Economía (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán) is the property of Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Facultad de Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new species of the genus Acanthocyclops is described from temporal freshwater bodies in the Sian Ka'an and Calakmul Biosphere Reserves in Southeast Mexico. Acanthocyclops fiersi n. sp. represents the third species of the genus described from the Neotropics, only after A. rebecae and A. smithae. Acanthocyclops fiersi n. sp., is recognized as a member of the A. vernalis-robustus species-complex, and its clear divergence with respect to its congeners was supported using comparative morphology and molecular methods. The mtCOI marker revealed a 0.54% K2P divergence within populations of A. fiersi n. sp. and 17.6-22.41% with respect to other members of the A. vernalis-robustus species-complex. Acanthocyclops fiersi n. sp. might be restricted to the Yucatán Peninsula. Comments about the likely underestimated regional diversity of Acanthocyclops and the need of further studies in the Neotropics are provided. An identification key to the species of Acanthocyclops distributed in Mexico is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deviation of expected relationships between taxonomic (TD), phylogenetic (PD), and functional (FD) diversity may inform about some processes (speciation, extinction, competition, and migration) responsible for current biodiversity patterns. We studied the relationship between different dimensions of bird diversity (TD, PD, and FD) of the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) in a context of future climate change. We used ecological niche models to predict the current and future potential distribution of 257 bird species of the YP and estimate their TD, PD, and FD. We calculated a standardized effect size of PD (SES.PD) and FD (SES.FD) to provide an estimation of phylogenetic and functional diversity, independent from species richness. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of the system of PAs comparing the observed diversity values in each PA versus what is expected for a null model. We found a positive correlation between PD and TD, and a negative correlation between FD and TD in the current and future scenarios. Finally, we found that none of the PAs protect more diversity of birds than expected by a null model. Our results suggest that macroevolutionary processes have played an important role in the composition of the current Yucatan Peninsula avian assemblages. Our assessment of the effectiveness of the PAs suggests the need to adopt an integrative approach to biodiversity conservation in the YP.

The Maya milpa is a complex system integrated by the maize, beans, and squash polyculture as well as complementary economic activities, such as growing crops and maintaining livestock in family-owned backyard gardens, forestry, and beekeeping. Although there is evidence that the milpa system has existed for over three centuries, its economic importance has been increasingly questioned. This paper addresses questions regarding the economic value of the milpa system as well as the socioeconomic differences between households with and without milpa polyculture. This is done by means of an analysis of 265 surveys gathered from households located in six different communities in the east and southwest of Yucatan, Mexico. The results show that the economic value of the milpa system can vary from US$360.2 (adjusted to 2019 dollars) to US$2234 (adjusted to 2019 dollars) when on-farm consumption, including the feeding of animals and friends and family transfers, is considered. 73.4% of the surveyed households have a cost–benefit ratio of milpa polyculture lower than 1. However, households with and without milpa polyculture system receive similar annual income, showing that milpa polyculture system is as productive as wage labour in this region.

The eastern Campeche Bank is a region where the composition, distribution and abundance of one of its most promising resources, the teuthid cephalopods (squids), need to be better documented, particularly at the paralarval stage. To contribute to its knowledge, we obtained paralarvae from zooplankton samples collected from May 2016 to November 2017, relating and modeling their distribution to sea surface temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), chlorophyll- a (Chl- a), zooplankton biomass and depth. The results showed that most paralarvae measured <2.0 mm mantle length. Higher abundances were found during upwelling months. Spatiotemporal segregation of teuthid species was observed, with oceanic paralarvae occurring offshore in May–July, and neritic ones appearing nearshore in September–November, Abralia redfieldi and Doryteuthis plei being the most abundant. Statistical generalized additive model for location, scale and shape showed that A. redfieldi was present in the north (offshore), related to warm Caribbean waters, and increased Chl- a and DO concentration. In contrast, D. plei was present in the south (nearshore), related to Yucatan shelf waters and low Chl- a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune con severidad variable, frecuente en individuos hispanos y afroamericanos. Conocer la actividad clínica y el daño acumulado, así como la prevalencia e incidencia, en una cohorte dinámica de pacientes con LES de la península de Yucatán (1995 a 2016). Se analizaron 200 pacientes con LES, beneficiarios del servicio médico del Hospital Regional ISSSTE de Mérida, Yucatán, durante 22 años. Se evaluó la actividad de la enfermedad y el daño acumulado mediante la escala MEX-SLEDAI y SLICC-ACR-DI, respectivamente, y su correlación con variables clínicas y demográficas. Se analizaron 185 pacientes mujeres y 15 hombres. Los índices promedio de actividad y daño acumulado durante el seguimiento fueron de 4,63 y 1,10, respectivamente. El índice de actividad se observó significativamente menor en las mujeres respecto de los hombres (4,36 vs. 7,43), y el daño acumulado no presentó diferencia por sexo. Las manifestaciones asociadas con mayor actividad fueron las mucocutáneas y articulares, y los órganos con mayor daño acumulado el musculoesquelético, el neurológico y el gonadal. Se encontró relación de los índices con el tiempo de evolución, las remisiones/reactivaciones y la actividad persistente. La mortalidad se relacionó con actividad persistente por complicaciones vasculares sistémicas e insuficiencia renal y hepática. La incidencia y prevalencia anual del LES calculada fue de 2,86% y 48,43% en la península de Yucatán. Los pacientes presentaron actividad persistente, con reactivaciones leves a moderadas y daño acumulado más agresivo en hombres. La actividad clínica disminuye e incrementa el daño acumulado a mayor tiempo de evolución, con menor afección renal y mayor sobrevida, lo que sugiere un curso más benigno en la población de la península de Yucatán. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune with variable severity, common in Hispanic and African-American individuals. To know the clinical activity and the accumulated damage, as well as the prevalence and incidence, in a dynamic cohort of patients with SLE from the Yucatan Peninsula (1995-2016). A cohort of 200 patients with SLE, medical service beneficiaries of the ISSSTE Regional Hospital of Mérida, Yucatán, was analyzed for 22 years. Disease activity and accumulated damage were evaluated using the MEX-SLEDAI scale and the SLICC-ACR-DI, respectively, and its correlation with clinical and demographic variables. 185 female and 15 male patients were analyzed. Average accumulated damage and activity indices during follow-up were 4.63 and 1.10, respectively. The activity index was significantly lower in females compared to males (4.36 vs 7.43), and the accumulated damage did not present a difference by sex. The manifestations associated with greater activity were the mucocutaneous and articular ones, and the organs with the greatest accumulated damage were the musculoskeletal, neurological and gonadal. A relationship between the indices was found with the evolution time, remissions / reactivations, and persistent activity. Mortality was related to persistent activity due to systemic vascular complications and kidney and liver failure. The annual incidence and prevalence of SLE calculated was 2.86% and 48.43% in Yucatán Peninsula. The patients presented persistent activity, with mild to moderate reactivations, and accumulated damage more aggressive in men. The clinical activity decreases and increases the accumulated damage at a longer evolution time, with less kidney disease and greater survival, which suggests a more benign course in the population of the Yucatan Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal infections represent a global health threat. They are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, partly due to the ineffectiveness of the available antifungal agents. The rampant increase in infections recalcitrant to the current antifungals has worsened this scenario and made the discovery of new and more effective antifungals a pressing health issue. In this study, 65 extracts from marine organisms of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, were screened for antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, two of the most prevalent fungal species that cause nosocomial invasive fungal infections worldwide. A total of 51 sponges, 13 ascidians and 1 gorgonian were collected from the coral reef and mangrove forest in the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) and extracted with organic solvents. Nine crude extracts showed potent antifungal activity, of which four extracts from the sponge species Aiolochroia crassa, Amphimedon compressa, Monanchora arbuscula and Agelas citrina had promising activity against Candida spp. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the M. arbuscula extract revealed the remarkable fungicidal activity of some fractions. Analysis of the chemical composition of one of the most active fractions by UHPLC-HRMS and NMR indicated the presence of mirabilin B and penaresidin B, and their contribution to the observed antifungal activity is discussed. Overall, this work highlights marine organisms of the Yucatan Peninsula as important reservoirs of natural products with promising fungicidal activity, which may greatly advance the treatment of invasive fungal infections, especially those afflicting immunosuppressed patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Stephanostomum is described for the southeastern Gulf of Mexico based on morphological and nucleotide evidence. Stephanostomum minankisi n. sp. infects the intestine of the dusky flounder Syacium papillosum in the Yucatan Continental Shelf, Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula). Sequences of the 28S ribosomal gene were obtained and compared with available sequences of the other species and genera of the families Acanthocolpidae and Brachycladiidae from GenBank. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted, including 39 sequences, 26 of which represented 21 species and six genera of the family Acanthocolpidae. The new species is characterized by the absence of circumoral spines and spines on the tegument. Nonetheless, scanning electron microscopy consistently revealed the pits of 52 circumoral spines distributed in a double row with 26 spines each, and forebody spined. Other distinctive features of this species are testes in contact (sometimes overlapping), the vitellaria running along the body lateral fields to the mid-level of the cirrus-sac, pars prostatica and ejaculatory duct similar in length, and uroproct present. The phylogenetic tree showed that the three species found as parasites of dusky flounder (the new adult species and two in metacercaria stages) were grouped into two different clades. S. minankisi n. sp. was the sister species of Stephanostomum sp. 1 (Bt = 56) and formed a clade with S. tantabiddii , supported by high bootstrap values (100). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the environmental perspective of the new millennium, indigenous systems of knowledge and use of biodiversity provide valuable input for the construction of natural heritage conservation strategies. Our study aimed to document the morpho-anatomical knowledge of birds by the indigenous Yucatan Maya. From 2010 to 2015, we carried out 240 structured interviews, recording anatomical and morphological terminology recognized for birds in six Maya communities in Campeche: Santa Cruz, Nunkiní, San Antonio Sahcabchen, Villa de Guadalupe, Pich and Chencoh. We found that birds in general were given the name Ch'ijch', with the presence of Koj (beak), Koj (beak), K u uk umel (feathers), and Xiik (wings) being essential characters used to define and classify this animal group. The Mayan system recognizes and names 54 anatomical organs and 16 morphological structures, making it one of the most complete indigenous nomenclatures of the class Aves nationally. This record of a broad mor-pho-anatomical nomenclature is of high importance in the perceptual structure as a differentiator and identifier of an animal domain. Furthermore, it offers a diagnostic of the cognitive level regarding this domain and indicates an ongoing high interaction between Mayan indigenous people and their avifauna, and faunal diversity in general, which has enabled them to generate detailed biological and habitat-related knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically analyzes three key dimensions that have influenced the localization of the UN-2030 Agenda in the Yucatan Peninsula: 1) Rivalry of diverse concepts of sustainable development among stakeholders; 2) Construction and functioning of UN-2030 Agenda institutional architecture and governance, and 3) Public policies through which UN-2030 Agenda has been implemented. A qualitative approach was selected to conduct this research. Data collection and systematization was conducted from February 2021 to February 2022 and includes primary (interviews and survey) and secondary sources (official reports, and other governmental information acceded through transparency law procedures). Analysis was carried out at the state level. The research results shows that, the localization process of the UN-Agenda 2030 in the Yucatan Peninsula is affected by the existing competition of contesting conceptualizations of sustainable development among stakeholders. This situation has contributed to the institutionalization of a sustainable development model characterized for being a green image, which has generated two issues regarding the UN-Agenda 2030 localization in the region. Firstly, the disassociation of public policies and in some cases has raised questions because of the serious incongruences among some governmental decisions. The second place is a failure in the introduction of socioecological structural changes in the pursuit of sustainable development in the region because the government-implemented actions are low in effectiveness, and there is a waste in the usage of resources and missing opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are natural phenomena that occur when colonies of microalgae grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on the surrounding fauna. In August 2022, an HAB, dominated by the diatom, Cylindrotheca closterium (Ehrenberg) Reimann et J.C. Lewin, 1964, occurred on the Yucatan coast, southern Gulf of Mexico. In the presently reported study, two photo transects were established along the coastline, one at the onset of the bloom, at Telchac port, and the other at the final phase of the event, at Chixchulub port. The affected fish species were documented photographically and a taxonomic list, with their abundance, density, and biomass is presented, as well as a summary of the affected ecosystems according to the affinity of these species. A total of 54 species were recorded; 48 in Telchac and 21 in Chicxulub, with 15 species occurring at both sites. The affected species have a greater affinity to reef systems, beaches, and estuaries, in that order, between 3 m and 113 m depth. In the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) nomenclature, the majority of the species are in the "least concern" category, however, species were also recorded in the "near threatened", "vulnerable", and "endangered" categories. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor these events and report the affected species, since the increase in the frequency of these phenomena due to local and global factors can have significant repercussions on species endemic to the coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Length-weight relations (LWRs) were estimated for 44 fish species, representing 23 families, collected from an unprotected coastal biological corridor of the Yucatan Peninsula. The following species were studied (in alphabetical order): Acanthostracion quadricornis (Linnaeus, 1758); Albula vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758); Anchoa hepsetus (Linnaeus, 1758); Anchoa lamprotaenia Hildebrand, 1943, Anchoa lyolepis (Evermann et Marsh, 1900), Anchoa mitchilli (Valenciennes, 1848); Archosargus rhomboidalis (Linnaeus, 1758); Ariopsis felis (Linnaeus, 1766); Bagre marinus (Mitchill, 1815); Bairdiella chrysoura (Lacepède, 1802); Caranx latus Agassiz, 1831; Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet, 1782); Chriodorus atherinoides Goode et Bean, 1882; Cynoscion arenarius Ginsburg, 1930; Elops saurus Linnaeus, 1766; Eucinostomus argenteus Baird et Girard, 1855; Eucinostomus gula (Quoy et Gaimard, 1824); Eucinostomus harengulus Goode et Bean, 1879; Harengula jaguana Poey, 1865; Hyporhamphus unifasciatus (Ranzani, 1841); Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus, 1766); Lutjanus griseus (Linnaeus, 1758); Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus, 1758); Menticirrhus littoralis (Holbrook, 1847); Menticirrhus saxatilis (Bloch et Schneider, 1801); Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836; Mugil trichodon Poey, 1875; Oligoplites saurus (Bloch et Schneider, 1801); Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818); Opsanus beta (Goode et Bean, 1880); Orthopristis chrysoptera (Linnaeus, 1766); Prionotus tribulus Cuvier, 1829; Rypticus maculatus Holbrook, 1855; Selene vomer (Linnaeus, 1758); Sphoeroides spengleri (Bloch, 1785); Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus, 1758); Strongylura notata (Poey, 1860); Strongylura timucu (Walbaum, 1792); Symphurus plagiusa (Linnaeus, 1766); Synodus foetens (Linnaeus, 1766); Trachinotus carolinus (Linnaeus, 1766); Trachinotus falcatus (Linnaeus, 1758); Trachinotus goodei Jordan et Evermann, 1896; Urobatis jamaicensis (Cuvier, 1816). A new maximum standard length (SL) was recorded for Anchoa lamprotaenia. Positive allometric growth was reported in ten species, negative allometric growth in sixteen species, and isometric growth in eighteen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental contaminants with chemical origins, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have major impacts on the health of marine animals, including sea turtles, due to the bioaccumulation of those substances by transference throughout the food chain. The effects of environmental pollution on the health of marine turtles are very important for management strategies and conservation. During recent decades, the south Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula have suffered from increasingly frequent disturbances from continental landmasses, river systems, urban wastewater runoff, port areas, tourism, industrial activities, pesticides from agricultural use, and other pollutants, such as metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and hydrocarbons (from the oil industry activities), which contaminate water and sediments and worsen the environmental quality of the marine ecosystem in this region. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of OCPs in the blood and eggs of 60 hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting at the Punta Xen turtle camp, and their effects on the nesting population's reproductive performance: specifically, maternal transfer and embryonic development were analyzed. Hematologic characteristics, including packed cell volume, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and haemoglobin levels, and plasma chemistry values, including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol and glucose, were also measured. The general health of the turtles in this study, as well as their levels of urea, serum creatinine, glucose, uric, acid, cholesterol, and triglyceride, fell within normal ranges and was similar to other normal values, which could indicate the turtles' good energy levels and body conditions for nest-building activity, with all of the turtles able to successfully come ashore to nest. All the same, the obtained results also indicate that OCPs affect the nesting and reproductive performance of the hawksbill turtles, as well as their fertility and the development of the population of eggs and reproductive performance, specifically in terms of maternal transference and embryonic development. There were significant differences in the concentrations of OCPs (ΣHCHs and ΣDienes) between maternal blood and eggs, indicating that these chemicals are transferred from nesting females to eggs and, ultimately, to hatchlings. OCPs may, therefore, have an effect on the health and reproductive performance of hawksbill turtles, both in terms of their fertility and egg development. Conservation strategies need to be species-specific, due to differences in feeding, and address the reasons for any decline, focusing on regional assessments. Thus, accurate and comparable monitoring data are necessary, which requires the standardization of monitoring protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum is the ancestor of most of the economically important chiles in the world. It is widely distributed throughout Mexico, and currently all indigenous groups interact with this plant species. On the Yucatan Peninsula wild chile is known as maax ik by the Maya. Although this area has been recognized as a domestication and diversification center of chile, ethnobotanical research on this species is still limited. Questions: What ecological knowledge do local people have about maax ik? Where and how is maax ik gathered and managed? What uses does maax ik currently have? Studied species: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum Study site and dates: San Bernardo, Yucatan. Summer-Autumn 2021. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. The management practices were identified, and management intensity was estimated. Results: Informants knew that maax ik reproduces sexually and recognized the role of birds in its seed dispersal. Maax ikwas mainly gathered from homegardens where this species was tolerated and other non-selective incipient management practices such as protection and promotion were also carried out. Fruit was harvested without harming the plant and only a small portion of the available fruit was usually taken. The informants used maax ik essentially as food. The management intensity index was relatively high (5). Conclusions: Maax ik is a sustenance food resource that is sustainably used and non-selectively managed in homegardens by our informants in San Bernardo, Yucatan.

Background: Pavonia (Malvaceae) is a morphologically diverse genus with more than 200 species in America of which 32 have been previously reported in Mexico. In a field trip to the Reserva Estatal de Dzilam de Bravo, in northern Yucatan, a population of a Malvaceae species was detected that could not be unequivocally matched with any species known previously in the country. Questions: What is the identity of the Malvaceae species collected? Is it a taxonomic national or regional novelty? Species of study: Malvaceae, Malvoideae, Pavonia. Study site and dates: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 2021–2022. Methods: Botanical specimens were collected and determined taxonomically through the use of specialized keys, and consulting of botanical collections. The conservation status was assessed using the IUCN methodology. Results: The specimens collected at the study site do not represent an undescribed species but instead Pavonia paludicola Nicolson ex Fryxell, which is a new record for Mexico. The species is assessed as Least Concern (LC) along its full distributional range whereas the Yucatan population is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) at this time. Furthermore, we offer a key to the two species of Pavonia in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula, the second being P. schiedeana Steud., whose conservation status is assessed as Least concerned (LC). Conclusion: With the report of Pavonia paludicola, thirty-three species of the genus are now recognized from Mexico, two of which occur in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Nearctic Neotropical migratory songbirds incur the highest mortality during migration. En-route, songbirds rely on a network of stopover sites to rest, refuel, and/or seek refuge during poor weather. Conservation strategies prioritize protection of sites that best meet these needs. However, the specific function of a stopover site is expected to vary in relation to factors, such as geographic location, surrounding landscape, and weather. To identify sites with the highest conservation value for migratory songbirds, a conceptual framework was independently developed to classify sites into three functional categories based on their geographic and landscape features: fire escapes, convenience stores, and full-service hotels. The few attempts to empirically validate this framework have focused on temperate stopover sites. We evaluated the framework by testing the hypothesis that a site’s geographic and landscape characteristics can predict its function. We used capture and radio-tracking data at an island and mainland site in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico to quantify mean and variance in daily capture rate, body condition, stopover duration, and departure behavior during autumn, with a focus on four species: Swainson’s Thrush ( Catharus ustulatus ), Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo olivaceus ), Gray Catbird ( Dumetella carolinensis ), and Prothonotary Warbler ( Protonotaria citrea ). Our results supported our predictions that the island functions as a fire escape, providing refuge for very high numbers of birds after encountering crosswinds or headwinds over the Gulf of Mexico, and the mainland forest site serves as a full-service hotel. The framework provides valuable insight for strategic conservation planning and management of stopover sites for songbirds. We suggest future studies evaluate the framework’s application to non-forest bird species. Additionally, we encourage collaborative efforts to consolidate and integrate tracking data, capture data from migration banding stations, and radar-based bird density estimates across a broad geography to test the framework’s ability to inform conservation planning across species’ full migratory range.

(1) Background: Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease that has become a serious public health problem in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although more than 60% of cases originate from the state of Quintana Roo, it is one of the least explored areas in terms of incriminating vectors of the Leishmania parasite. Additionally, cases of leishmaniasis have increased substantially in that region in recent years. For this reason, we explored and provided primary evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand fly species from four localities during outbreaks of leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo. We also contributed information on the regional genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites. (2) Methods: Sand flies were collected during several periods from November 2022 to April 2023 using Mosquito Light Circle and Shannon traps, as well as an active entomological search in refuges. For Leishmania detection, we amplified a fragment of 300–350 bp of the internal transcribed spacer subunit 1 (ITS-1). (3) Results: Of the 242 females collected, we detected Leishmania DNA in 25 specimens represented by Bichromomyia olmeca (1), Psathyromyia shannoni (17), Lutzomyia cruciata (4), Psathyromyia undulata (2), and Dampfomyia deleoni (1). The detection of Leishmania in these last two species represents new records for the Yucatan Peninsula and for Mexico. Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana was the only species detected in the Phlebotominae species, with prevalence values that ranked between 7.41% and 33.33% from specimens collected in the sylvatic areas of Cozumel Island and Petcacab. (4) Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of infection of Da. deleoni and Pa. undulata by L. (L.) Mexicana. In addition, the presence of three dominant haplotypes in all the evaluated localities was evidenced using the analysis of genetic diversity, and the locality of Petcacab was the one with the circulation of two new haplotypes not previously described in Mexico or neighboring countries. These results highlight the importance of intensive epidemiological surveillance due to the dynamics of transmission of Leishmania between different species.

Coastal karst formations may remain unexplored by the global marine scientific research community. Knowledge provided by fishermen coupled with scientific research on karstic formations prompted us to explore the geomorphometric and physicochemical features of a submerged blue hole in the large tropical estuary of Chetumal Bay in the southeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Differently from the well-known literature on cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, no references are made to blue holes in the region. Sampling and surveying of the blue hole were conducted in September 2021 by scuba, echosounders, CTD profilers, and the collection of water samples. This study revealed a previously unknown maximum water depth for the Taam ja’ Blue Hole, as it is now named, of 274.4 meters below sea level (mbsl), making it the second deepest known blue hole in the world. The Taam ja’ Blue Hole has a nearly circular shape at its surface, encompassing an area of ~13,690 m2. The sides of the blue hole are steep, with slopes >80° that form a large conic structure covered by biofilms, sediments, limestone, and gypsum ledges. The blue hole mouth locates at ~4.5-5.0 mbsl, at which water properties change significantly with temperature and salinity gradients of 4.9°C/m and 9.8 PSU/m, respectively. Hydrographic profiles show a stratified water column inside the blue hole consisting of a hypoxic layer (5-20 mbsl), a chemocline (50-80 mbsl), and an anoxic layer (>110 mbsl). Evaluation of anions and cations indicated that the water inside corresponds mainly to that of diluted seawater.

The deviation of expected relationships between taxonomic (TD), phylogenetic (PD), and functional (FD) diversity may inform about some processes (speciation, extinction, competition, and migration) responsible for current biodiversity patterns. We studied the relationship between different dimensions of bird diversity (TD, PD, and FD) of the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) in a context of future climate change. We used ecological niche models to predict the current and future potential distribution of 257 bird species of the YP and estimate their TD, PD, and FD. We calculated a standardized effect size of PD (SES.PD) and FD (SES.FD) to provide an estimation of phylogenetic and functional diversity, independent from species richness. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of the system of PAs comparing the observed diversity values in each PA versus what is expected for a null model. We found a positive correlation between PD and TD, and a negative correlation between FD and TD in the current and future scenarios. Finally, we found that none of the PAs protect more diversity of birds than expected by a null model. Our results suggest that macroevolutionary processes have played an important role in the composition of the current Yucatan Peninsula avian assemblages. Our assessment of the effectiveness of the PAs suggests the need to adopt an integrative approach to biodiversity conservation in the YP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable isotopes have been used historically to track food webs. Our approach used a combination of δ13C and radiocarbon (14C) dating to identify carbon sources in cave shrimp within caves of the Karstic Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Three sister species of stygobitic Typhlatya shrimps were collected from the cenote pool (cenote hereafter), cavern and cave hydro regions. New and previously reported 14C and δ13C values of whole tissues from the organisms were determined at the AMS laboratory (LEMA) of the Institute of Physics of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. This new set of isotopic values of biomass and potential sources were incorporated into the Bayesian Mixing Modeling Software SIAR. In two hypothetical scenarios, the contribution from each feeding source among three species of the Typhlatya genus was determined. Slight differences were also observed between isotopic values of two groups of the same species collected in two distant cenote pools, suggesting this species may feed on a wider array of sources than previously found, and that the oligotrophic environment may have a strong influence on cave shrimp diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the spatial variability of landforms and their relationship with the soil geography of the state of Campeche, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Two transects were carried out under the geopedological approach, using soil mapping and geomorphology material at landscape level. Geomatic techniques were used for the correction process, mapping the landforms at scale of 1:100,000. Soil profiles were developed westwards, giving priority to the diversity of landforms, resulting in geopedological transects. Results: Plain landscapes (e.g., P and Lf) feature hydromorphic processes, their soil is deep and rich in organic sediments, and the soil units were classified within the Histosols and Gleysols groups. The transitional EBDe landscape does not have an apparent dissection, presents relatively convex landforms (with a slight slope), and has moderately deep and well-developed soils--classified within the Cambisols group. Finally, the EBPD landscape presents higher elevation and dissection; its soil is mainly shallow with scarce or null pedon development and is related to convex landforms, while the soil units belong to the Leptosols group. For the elevated plains landforms, a relationship with the Luvisols group was determined. Study Limitations/Implications: Understanding the geomorphology-soil relationships of a given region provides the basis for establishing soil distribution models--which will facilitate soil mapping and territorial planning. Findings/Conclusions: Campeche's reliefs have a great complexity at landform level. Developing and updating the cartography of the land will help to improve the planning of productive and conservation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of extra‐pair paternity (EPP) varies widely across socially monogamous birds, but the proximate mechanisms driving this variation remain unclear. In this study, we tested two major factors hypothesized to influence extra‐pair mating – breeding density and genetic diversity – by comparing genetic mating patterns in two populations of black catbirds Melanoptila glabrirostris. This Neotropical songbird is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, including eastern Mexico, and its offshore islands. We sampled one mainland (Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve) and one island (Isla Cozumel) population and used single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to quantify heterozygosity and genetic parentage over two breeding seasons. Moderate levels of EPP occurred in both populations (9.5–35% of offspring and 17–45% of nests). Contrary to predictions, breeding density did not affect EPP: although breeding densities were much higher on the mainland than on the island, EPP rates did not differ between populations, and local breeding density was not correlated with EPP at individual nests. In contrast, partial support emerged for the hypothesis that genetic diversity influences EPP: extra‐pair offspring were more heterozygous than within‐pair offspring. However, the two populations did not differ in genetic diversity, and neither the heterozygosity of social fathers nor within‐pair relatedness predicted EPP. These results are consistent with recent comparative studies suggesting that breeding density is not a critical driver of EPP rates, and that not all tropical songbirds exhibit low rates of EPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]