Showing papers by "Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources published in 2007"

Rapid spread of an invasive snail in South America: the giant African snail, Achatina fulica , in Brasil

Abstract: Beginning around 1800, but primarily since the early and mid-twentieth century, the giant African snail, Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica Bowdich, 1822, has been introduced throughout the tropics and subtropics and has been considered the most important snail pest in these regions In Brasil, specimens probably brought from Indonesia were introduced into the state of Parana in the 1980s for commercial purposes (“escargot” farming) that were not successful Achatina fulica is now widespread in at least 23 out of 26 Brasilian states and the Federal District, including the Amazonian region and natural reserves Among the reasons for the species’ rapid invasion are its high reproductive capacity and the tendency for people to release the snails into the wild Achatina fulica occurs in dense populations in urban areas where it is a pest in ornamental gardens, vegetable gardens, and small-scale agriculture Also of concern is the damage caused to the environment, and potential competition with native terrestrial mollusks It can also act as an intermediate host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a nematode that can cause meningoencephalitis in people, and it may be a potential host of A costaricensis, which causes abdominal angiostrongylosis, a zoonosis that occurs from the southern United States to northern Argentina Management and control measures for A fulica are under way in Brasil through a national plan implemented by the Brasilian government

Does Restoration Enhance Regeneration of Seasonal Deciduous Forests in Pastures in Central Brazil

Abstract: The goal of restoration is to accelerate ecosystem recovery, but in ecosystems that naturally regenerate rapidly restoration techniques need to be selected carefully to facilitate rather than impede natural recovery. We compared the effects of five restoration techniques, such as plowing the soil, removing grasses, adding forest litter, seeding, and planting nursery-growing seedlings, on the regeneration of seasonal deciduous forest trees in four abandoned pastures in central Brazil. We monitored all woody stems immediately prior to treatments and again 14 months after the treatments. We recorded an average of 16,663 tree stems per hectare and a total of 83 species before implementing treatments. Planting strongly increased species richness; adding litter and seeding had weaker positive effects on richness; and plowing and grass removal had no effect. Plowing substantially reduced the density of naturally established stems. Despite the high survival of planted seedlings, stem density in planting treatments did not change because the tractor and digging holes to plant seedlings caused mortality of naturally regenerating seedlings. Tree stems grew more in the grass release plots than in the control plots. Our results suggest that early succession of seasonal deciduous forest in pastures in the region studied does not need to be stimulated once the perturbation is stopped and that intensive restoration efforts may actually slow recovery. We recommend only enrichment planting of seedlings that are not able to resprout.

Species composition and biogeographic relations of the rock outcrop flora on the high plateau of Itatiaia, SE-Brazil

Abstract: We studied the flora of vegetation islands on rock outcrops on the Itatiaia Plateau (22°21'S and 44°40'W), at 2,400 m.a.s.l. A total of 114 vascular plant species, which correspond to ca. 20%-25% of the currently inventoried flora of the plateau, were sampled in 197 small vegetation islands (total area of 0.034 ha). Xerophytes and hydrophytes were often found side by side due to environmental heterogeneity at a small scale, explaining in part the high species diversity. Rock outcrops may support floras quite distinct from those in neighbouring habitats, due to the action of strong environmental filters, but in Itatiaia the geographic distribution patterns among rupicolous plants appear to mimic those described for the whole flora around it, with 15.1% of narrow endemic species and six strictly rupicolous plants. Underlining the "temperate" nature of the high elevation climate in Itatiaia, the sampled flora was dominated by species of the families Asteraceae and Poaceae, and the number of CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) species was very low. A few endemic species of tropical origin - Pleurostima gounelleana (Beauv.) Men. (Velloziaceae) and Fernseea itatiaiae (Wawra) Baker (Bromeliaceae) - play a crucial role in this vegetation, as pioneer mat-formers facilitating later establishment of numerous other species. Hemicryptophytes prevail in the sampled flora, while therophytes are exceptionally rare and mainly consist of opportunistic species associated with disturbances. Numerous microhabitats and strong environmental gradients in these high elevation rock outcrops afford opportunities for establishment of a highly diversified flora. These island-like environments may represent an important refuge for grassland species from fire and other disturbances in the surrounding grasslands.

Nesting biology and conservation of the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Brazil, 1991/1992 to 2002/2003

Abstract: This article presents biological data and an assessment of the conservation of the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) population nesting in the States of Sergipe and Bahia, north-eastern Brazil, between 1991/1992 and 2002/2003. Projeto TAMAR-IBAMA (the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme) maintains seven field stations in that region to monitor nesting activity over 339 km of beach. An increasing trend was observed in the estimated number of nests per nesting season: from 252 nests in 1991/1992 to 2606 in 2002/2003, an approximately 10-fold increase in 11 years. The available data and biological knowledge suggest that TAMAR's conservation efforts may have contributed to the significant increase in olive ridley nesting in Sergipe and Bahia; that increase is not only of regional importance, but also of significance at the western Atlantic level.

Mamíferos de médio e grande porte atropelados em rodovias do Estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

Abstract: Running over of mammals on roads of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Road deaths represent a factor of great impact on fauna. This is probably one of the main causes of mortality, even for threatened species. However, studies on this subject are unknown in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Considering this lack, the present study presents records of medium to large-sized mammals killed by vehicles on the roads of this state between August 2000 and November 2005. In total, 257 records were made from 20 mammal species, most of which were obtained from the BR 116, BR 282 and BR 470 highways. Cerdocyon thous was the commonest species (82 records; 31.9%), followed by Didelphis albiventris (44; 17.1%), Procyon cancrivorus (21; 8.2%), Conepatus chinga (19; 7.4%), Dasypus novemcinctus (14; 5.4%), Tamandua tetradactyla (14; 5.4%) and Sphiggurus villosus (13; 5.1%). Leopardus tigrinus (5; 1.9%), L. wiedii (1; 0.4%) and one unidentified Leopardus individual were recorded as threatened species. This indicates a high number of mammals run over on the roads

Nesting Biology and Conservation of the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988–1989 to 2003–2004

Abstract: In Brazil, the only area where regular leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting is known to occur is located on the northern coast of the state of Espirito Santo, around latitude 19°S. In this study, we present the field methods used by Projeto TAMAR-IBAMA (the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Program) in the state of Espirito Santo and analyze data on leatherback nesting from 1988–1989 to 2003–2004. In that period, 527 nests were observed in the study area. The annual number of nests varied between 6 (in 1993–1994) and 92 (in 2002–2003). Between 1995–1996 and 2003–2004, the annual number of nests increased at about 20.4% per year on average. Among the 527 clutches observed, 358 (67.9%) were left in situ, 50 (9.5%) were relocated to another spot on the beach, 88 (16.7%) were relocated to open-air beach hatcheries, and 31 clutches (5.9%) did not have their management decision recorded. Curved carapace length of nesting females was in the range of 139–182 cm (mean = 159.8 cm). At pres...

Efeitos de solos e topografia sobre a distribuição de espécies arbóreas em um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual, em Luminárias,MG

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to analyze the correlations between tree species distribution and environmental variables in a fragment of tropical seasonal forest in Luminarias, SE Brazil The fragment, locally known as "Mata do Galego", has an area of c 77ha, and is located on the margin of the Ingai River at the coordinates 21°29'S and 44°55'WG The survey of the tree community, soils and topography was carried out through systematic sampling with 32 sample plots with 20 x 20m distributed on three transects which extended from the river margin to the forest edge In these plots, all living individual trees with circumference at breast height (cbh) > 155cm were recorded Soil chemical and physical variables were obtained from the analysis of topsoil samples (0-20cm) taken from the center of each plot Topographic variables were obtained from a topographic survey of the plots and adjacent areas The survey recorded 2343 individuals belonging to 159 species, 109 genera, and 50 families The gradient analysis; performed through principal components analysis (PCA), canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA); indicated that the plots located near the forest edge and transitional to the montane grasslands are the most differentiated Variables related to soil pH and texture produced the strongest correlations with the distribution of tree species

Substâncias tóxicas persistentes (STP) no Brasil

Abstract: The present article presents an assessment of PTS in Brazil including polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene hexachloride, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, p,p,-DDT, p,p,DDE, p,p,-DDD, hexachlorocyclohexanes (a-HCH, b-HCH, g-HCH and d-HCH), endossulfan, heptachlor and pentachlorophenol. The data presented here are related to a survey of PTS levels in different environmental matrixes (soil, sediment, water, air, biota) and human tissues (milk, blood, human hair), according to the scope of the UNEP-GEF Regionally Based Assessment of PTSs. Potential sources were evaluated considering national products and imports, since most of the literature does not allow source identification. Finally, Brazilian legislation was updated.

Post-thermal treatment of oriented strandboard (osb) made from cypress (cupressus glauca lam.)

Abstract: The objective of this research was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of oriented strandboard (OSB) using strands of Cupressus glauca Lam., before and after a thermal treatment, as well as to evaluate the susceptibility of the boards to fungi attack. Boards with nominal density of 0.70 g/cm 3 were produced with 5% and 8% of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. Physical and mechanical properties were evaluated according to ASTM D 1037 (1991) standard and compared with CSA O437.0 and ANSI A.208.1 standards. All mechanical properties were higher than those values required by both standards, except the modulus of elasticity in parallel axis. The thermal treatment slightly reduced the modulus of elasticity and stress at proportional limit, both in perpendicular axis, however improved significantly dimensional stability. Dimensional stability of the treated OSB was improved at the lower resin level but did not reach the maximum value required by the Canadian standard. Biological assay showed that heat-treated cypress OSB exposed to P. sanguineus reduced mass loss from 39% to 50%, while for G. trabeum the reduction was from 40% to 49%. Post thermal treatment of manufactured OSB (190oC, 720 s) can be the recommended method to reduce the hygroscopicity without great effect on mechanical properties and to protect panels against these fungi.

Use of forest fragments by blue-winged macaws ( Primolius maracana ) within a fragmented landscape

Abstract: Parrots are the most threatened group of birds in the world, mainly because of the reduction and fragmentation of their natural habitats. However, few studies have investigated the dynamics of parrot populations in disturbed landscapes on a broad scale. In this paper, we studied the ecological interactions of the vulnerable blue-winged macaw (Primolius maracana) in a fragmented landscape surrounding a large protected park in southeastern Brazil. We sampled 36 forest fragments that varied in size, characteristics, degree of isolation and type of surrounding matrix in order to assess the importance of habitat features on the maintenance of these birds. Blue-winged macaws were recorded in 70% of the satellite remnants that were sampled, which included large and small blocks of forest. These areas were used as sites for feeding, nesting or overnight rests, and also provided connectivity for birds’ displacements. However, the frequency of macaw visits varied among the remnants, and this was related to habitat features such as patch size, human use of surrounding land, and the proximity to the protected park, to urban areas and to the birds’ roosting areas. In general, landscape-scale parameters explained more of the variation in the frequency of visits by macaws than did patch-scale parameters. These results demonstrate the importance of landscape mosaics for the survival of blue-winged macaws.

Are large-scale distributional shifts of the blue-winged macaw (Primolius maracana) related to climate change?

Abstract: Aim To evaluate whether observed geographical shifts in the distribution of the blue-winged macaw (Primolius maracana) are related to ongoing processes of global climate change. This species is vulnerable to extinction and has shown striking range retractions in recent decades, withdrawing broadly from southern portions of its historical distribution. Its range reduction has generally been attributed to the effects of habitat loss; however, as this species has also disappeared from large forested areas, consideration of other factors that may act in concert is merited. Location Historical distribution of the blue-winged macaw in Brazil, eastern Paraguay and northern Argentina. Methods We used a correlative approach to test a hypothesis of causation of observed shifts by reduction of habitable areas mediated by climate change. We developed models of the ecological niche requirements of the blue-winged macaw, based on point-occurrence data and climate scenarios for pre-1950 and post-1950 periods, and tested model predictivity for anticipating geographical distributions within time periods. Then we projected each model to the other time period and compared distributions predicted under both climate scenarios to assess shifts of habitable areas across decades and to evaluate an explanation for observed range retractions. Results Differences between predicted distributions of the blue-winged macaw over the twentieth century were, in general, minor and no change in suitability of landscapes was predicted across large areas of the species’ original range in different time periods. No tendency towards range retraction in the south was predicted, rather conditions in the southern part of the species’ range tended to show improvement for the species. Main conclusions Our test permitted elimination of climate change as a likely explanation for the observed shifts in the distribution of the blue-winged macaw, and points rather to other causal explanations (e.g. changing regional land use, emerging diseases).

Estimate of Trade Traffic of Podocnemis (Testudines, Pedocnemididae) from the Middle Purus River, Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract: The trade traffic estimate was made by using real data from 2 years of seizures (2000 and 2001), combined with river stage-level data. Abufari Reserve is located about 600 km south of Manaus, where the largest stretch of the Amazonian floodplain is protected by a federal conservation unit. In the minds of the local people, the chelonian populations are still abundant and inexhaustible. However, records show that in 2000 and 2001, 3992 chelonians and 122 Podocnemis nets were confiscated, which represent only a small part of the total catch from this river. Consequently, these natural stocks could be decreasing because of trafficking by animal peddlers who invade the area and escape with animals to the detriment of the ecosystem and the local people.

Temporal and spatial variations in tidepool fish assemblages of the northeast coast of Brazil

Abstract: Cunha, F.E.A., Monteiro-Neto, C. & Nottingham, M.C. Temporal and spatial variations in tidepool fish assemblages of the northeast coast of Brazil. Biota Neotrop . Jan/Apr 2007 vol. 7, no. 1 http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v7n1/pt/abstract?article+bn03307012007 ISSN 1676-0603.Temporal and spatial variations and environmental factors influencing the structure of tidepool fish assemblages were quantitatively investigated at Iparana beach, northeast Brazilian coast. The majority of the tidepool fishes sampled were suprabenthic juvenile individuals of great mobility. We recorded during monthly diurnal underwater visual censuses a total of 4,750 fish from 26 species, represented mainly by partial residents from the families Scaridae, Haemulidae, Gerreidae and Pomacentridae. The number of species and individuals showed significant variability among tidepools as a response to variations in their volume and type of substrate cover. The greatest species abundance and richness associated with rocks covered with algae suggested that substrate complexity is one of the main factors defining the spatial structure of the tidepool ichthyofauna. Temporal variability in species abundance and richness was associated with changes in salinity levels due to seasonal rainfalls. A higher number of juvenile fishes from December to May in our samples corroborate the hypothesis that the tidepools act as nursery sites. Therefore, the species associations found in this study and their relation to seasonal and spatial discontinuities may be partly explained according to their habitat requirements and reproductive cycles.

Alterações nas propriedades químicas e físicas de um chernossolo com diferentes coberturas vegetais

Abstract: Cattle ranching is one of the main economic activities in the agrosystem of Itapetinga, state of Bahia, Brazil. This activity is known to cause direct impacts on soil, subsoil and vegetation. This study aimed at verifying changes in soil chemical characteristics and texture under different vegetation covers in the cattle ranching region of Itapetinga by sampling soils in a primary forest-secondary forest-pasture sequence. Soil samples were collected along a transect with 36 small trenches, 60 cm deep, spaced 5 m apart (12 samples taken from soil under primary forest, 12 from soil under secondary forest and 12 from soil under pasture) in the 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil layers. Every three sampling points along the transect were grouped to a composite sample. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and the averages were compared by the Tukey's test at 5 % significance. Differences were observed in the chemical properties and organic matter concentration of the soils under study. Changes in the original vegetation cover, from the primary forest to pasture, led to a reduction in the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, hydrogen, sum of bases, base saturation and cation exchange capacity, indicating that, in general, these parameters were affected by the introduction and use of pastures. Significant differences were observed in the soil texture according to the vegetation type; clay content increased in the across the primary forest-secondary forest-pasture sequence, and the greater proportion of sand was found for soils under pasture.

Fragmentation causes rarity in common marmosets in the Atlantic forest of northeastern Brazil

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the population status of the common marmosets, Callithrix jacchus, in one of their main habitats, the northeastern Atlantic forest of Brazil, where only 2% of its original area remains as small and isolated forest fragments, to determine long-term viable populations. The study was carried out in 15 forest fragments, measuring from 3,478.3 ha (the largest) to 6 ha, which were invariably subjected to high human impact. Line transect surveys were carried out between January 2002 and December 2004, along transects measuring from 350 to 4,000 m, between 0500 h and 0900 h. Common marmosets were registered in 73% (n = 11) of the forest fragments, were not recorded in the largest one, the Coimbra Forest, and group sizes varied from 1 to 4 individuals. A negative significant relationship was detected between the size of the fragment and the number of sightings of common marmosets. It is shown that the number of groups of common marmosets dwelling in this highly impacted landscape is nowadays lower than necessary for long-term survival. Additionally, smaller fragments having more groups suggests that they live in total association with humans, which assure their subsistence through the supply of introduced and exotic foods.

Fertilização e desenvolvimento embrionário: Morfometria e análise estereomicroscópica dos ovos dos híbridos de surubins (pintado, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans x cachara, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the morphometry of hybrids’ eggs under stereomicroscopy. The induced reproduction was carried out in specimens of pintado’s females (P. corruscans) and cachara’s males (P. fasciatum) from Cepta - Ibama, Pirassununga, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Samples were collected in extrusion moment, during the fertilization, in times of 10 and 30 seconds, 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 45 minutes, 1 hour, at every 15 minutes until completing 2 hours, and afterwards, at every hour until the larval hatching. Oocytes and eggs’ external morphology were observed, photographed and 30 samples from each moment were measured in stereomicroscopy. Oocytes, in the time of extrusion, and the eggs presented a spherical form and yellowish color. Characteristics such as wide perivitelinic space, somites, presence of optical vesicle and the main phases of embryonic development as egg-cell (blastodisc), 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 blastomeres, morula, blastula, gastrula, epiboly movements, formation and larvae hatching were verified.

Embarcações motorizadas: uma ameaça aos peixes-boi marinhos (Trichechus manatus) no Brasil

Abstract: Borges, J.C.G., Vergara-Parente, J.E., Alvite, C.M.C., Marcondes, M.C.C & Lima, R.P. Motorboat: a threat to Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) in Brazil. Biota Neotrop. Sep/Dez 2007 vol. 7, no. 3 http://www. biotaneotropica.org.br/v7n3/pt/abstract?article+bn03607032007. ISSN 1676-0603. The increasing traffic of motorboats on feeding, resting and reproduction areas used by manatees causing serious problems for these animals, so scaring them away and leading to potential collisions. The purpose of this study was to describe cases interaction between boat and Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) living in the Northeastern coast of Brazil. These interactions took place in the State of Ceara, Paraiba and Sergipe, involving three specimens, one of them with four records. Clinical alterations were observed, such as edema in the frontal part of the body, ocular proptosis, weight loss and multiple cuts all over the body. Therefore, the increasing traffic of motorboats, allied to the lack of normative rules and effective law enforcement assuring the protection of specific areas, represent a direct risk to the conservation of Antillean manatees living in the Northeastern coast of Brazil.

Área de uso e utilização de habitat de cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766) no cerrado da região central do Tocantins, Brasil

Abstract: Home range and habitat use of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766), in the Cerrado of the central region of Tocantins, Brazil. Cerdocyon thous is a species widely distributed in Brazil, in a variety of habitats ranging from open area to forests and in the central region of Tocantins (Brazil) is relatively abundant. Nevertheless, literature related to habitat use and home range of this canid in the Cerrado biome is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of habitat and home range of this species in the Cerrado of the central region of Tocantins. After capturing and monitoring three animals by radiotracking, we concluded that all animals spent most of their time in cerrado latu sensu and strictu sensu. Their home range varied from 2.50 to 6.72 for the MCP (Minimum Convex Polygon) and from 5.33 to 7.23 for HM (95% Harmonic Mean). The core area (area with greatest concentration of localization 75% HM) was 44% of the home range calculated for 95% HM. Thus, the present study contributes to the ecology of this canid with valuable information in one of the most threatened biomes in the world.

Avaliação das condições de segurança do trabalho na colheita e transporte florestal em propriedades rurais fomentadas no Estado do Espírito Santo

Abstract: This research was developed with data obtained from 70 fomented farm owners in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, who were responsible for 90 forest contracts distributed in 22 cities of the State. The area fomented per contract ranged from 1.5 to 100 hectares, being 84.8% of contracts up to 30 ha and 59.8% with mountainous relief. Timber harvesting and log transport were outsourced and carried out by a subcontractor in 70% and 80% of the contracts respectively, whereas in the remaining contracts, they were carried out by the farm owners themselves. Most of the subcontractors were not formally hired with a signed contract. The workers of most contracts with timber harvesting carried out by farm owners were not formally hired and not qualified for the job. Great part of the workers used their own means of transport to the work place. Work accidents occurred in 16.3% of the contracts, with 60% of them taking place during timber harvesting and log transport by the farm owners. Most accidents took place in logging activities and causing injuries mainly to workers' inferior and superior limbs. The workers did not use personal protective equipment in 62.1% of the contracts with timber harvesting carried out by the farm owner and in 23% of outsourced contracts. It was verified lack of first aid materials and training to help injured workers during timber harvesting.

Temporal niche of acoustic activity in anurans: interspecific and seasonal variation in a neotropical assemblage from south-eastern Brazil

Abstract: Sympatric anuran species tend to differ in their temporal niche breadth and may also have considerable seasonal variation in diel activity patterns. We studied the temporal niche breadths of six anuran species during 24 consecutive months in an area of secondary forest at the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Along hourly intervals, at each of three observation points along a stream, the number of calling males of Adenomera marmorata , Eleutherodactylus parvus , Physalaemus signifer , Aplastodiscus eugenioi , Scinax hayii and S. trapicheiroi was recorded. The influence of rainfall, air humidity and temperature on the variation in the niche breadth of each species was analysed. Mean niche breadth differed for all species. Scinax trapicheiroi had the broadest niche and S. hayii had the smallest. Temporal niche breadth varied seasonally for all species. Two species ( E. parvus and S. hayii ) showed strong variation in the temporal niche when compared to the other species. Eleutherodactylus parvus , A. eugenioi and S. hayii were significantly affected by rainfall, air humidity and temperature. Niche overlap among species pairs also varied annually with mean temporal niche overlap being greater during the rainy season than during the dry season.

Corals and calcified hydroids of the Manuel Luiz Marine State Park (State of Maranhão, Northeast Brazil)

Abstract: Amaral, F.D., Hudson, M.M., Steiner, A.Q. & Ramos, C.A.C. Corals and calcified hydroids of the Manuel Luiz Marine State Park (State of Maranhao, Northeast Brazil). Biota Neotrop. Sep/Dez 2007 vol. 7, no. 3 http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v7n3/en/abstract?article+bn00907032007. ISSN 1676-0603. This study aimed to collect information on the diversity of corals and calcified hydroids of the Manuel Luiz Marine State Park (state of Maranhao, Northeast Brazil) to aid in the development of a management plan for the park. A total of 21 cnidarian species were identified, of which 16 were corals and calcified hydroids. The bathymetric and geographic distribution of each of these species was extended. This area has a rich coral fauna in relation to other parts of Brazil and is comparable in diversity to the Abrolhos Islands (Bahia State) - an unexpected result considering the region's proximity to the Amazon River Basin. Most of the specimens of corals and calcified hydroids observed were bleached.

Avaliacao fitossociologica da sucessao autogenica em areas mineradas no Distrito Federal

Abstract: Approximately 0.6% of the Brazilian Federal District´s territory have been degraded by mining. The evaluation of plant succession on such sites can be a useful tool to define strategies for reclamation. Thus, woody species of fifteen exploited sites, abandoned to succession for 20 - 47 years, were surveyed. All woody plants present on the sites were identified and counted for the evaluation of frequency, density and dominance of plant species naturally established on the mined spoils. Results show a plant density below 5% and a species density below 15% compared to values measured in native areas. Ten out 98 species found on the mined areas accounted for 52.9% of woody plants dominance. Capacity of re-growing from roots of some Savanna species is shaping the communities and the succession on exploited sites. About ¾ of native species found on the mined areas are able to re-grow from roots, and they made up to 89% of dominance and 96% of plant s density. Results point out to the need of boosting ecological succession through revegetation works on mined areas in the Brazilian Federal District

Reacao de progenies de maracujazeiro-azedo ao virus do endurecimento do fruto ( Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus – CABMV), em casa de vegetacao

Abstract: Apesar da grande importância economica e da rusticidade do maracujazeiro azedo, tal cultura vem enfrentando varios problemas fitossanitarios, entre os quais o virus do endurecimento do fruto (Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus - CABMV). O trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar-se a reacao de 63 progenies de maracujazeiro azedo ao virus do endurecimento do fruto (CABMV) e selecionar plantas resistentes, em casa de vegetacao da Universidade de Brasilia. Foi utilizado o delineamento de blocos casualizados, com 63 tratamentos e quatro repeticoes. Procedeu-se a inoculacao mecânica do virus, com o extrato de material foliar sintomatico macerado em solucao tampao fosfato de sodio e o abrasivo celite, em mudas com 40 dias de idade. A avaliacao dos sintomas foi feita aos 30 dias apos a inoculacao, utilizando-se uma escala de notas de 1 a 3, onde 1 significou uma planta resistente, 2 uma planta medianamente resistente e 3 uma planta suscetivel. As progenies mais resistentes foram MAR 20-54 e MAR 20-55, e as mais suscetiveis foram MAR 20-02, MAR 20-03, MAR 20-04, MAR 20-14, MAR 20-20, MAR 20-25, MAR 20-30, MAR 20-37 e Porto Rico. Foram selecionadas as plantas resistentes, para posterior inoculacao e selecao, dando-se continuidade ao programa de melhoramento genetico.

Avaliação dos impactos ambientais no Parque Nacional Serra de Itabaiana – SE

Abstract: O Parque Nacional Serra de Itabaiana e uma das unidades de conservacao de protecao integral, com serios problemas para a sua implementacao. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar os principais impactos ambientais existentes no interior desta unidade, visando indicar metodos que minimizem esses impactos. Foi realizada a identificacao e caracterizacao dos impactos com dados qualitativos baseados na frequencia, duracao, extensao, reversibilidade, origem, sentido e o grau que o impacto se manifesta sobre o meio e dispostos numa matriz de Leopoldo. Na avaliacao dos impactos verificaram-se as acoes que geram alteracoes, como queimadas, caca, presenca de especies exoticas, retirada de argila e areia, presenca de torres e linhas de transmissao de energia, retirada de lenha e madeira, deposito de lixo, praticas agricolas e trilhas. Estas acoes repercutem no ambiente gerando depreciacao da qualidade quimica da agua subterrânea, aumento da concentracao de gases e dos processos erosivos, diminuicao da base genetica, reducao da capacidade de sustentacao e afugentamento da fauna, entre outros. O plano de manejo para o parque e essencial. Regras de comportamento de visitantes devem ser estabelecidos visando a protecao dos ecossistemas e a sustentabilidade do parque.

Fitase em rações para tilápia-do-nilo na fase de crescimento

Abstract: This research was carried out to compare the effect of phytase on performance, in the incorporation and excretion phosphorus in Nile tilapia. Four diets were used: one standard (contol), composed by 3,200 DE kcal ED/kg of ration and 30.0% CP and supplemented with phosphorus (4.0% of dicalcium phosphate), considering the treatment control, and others three, without phosphorus supplementation, with different phytase levels (1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 uf/kg), with four replication, per a period of 82 days. Circular tanks of fiber glass, with constant flow and aeration were used. The results demonstrated that the use of phytase in diets for fish production can reduce the levels of inorganic phosphorus in the diets and minimizing the impacts caused by phosphorus in the production system and in the natural environment and also can improve the productivity, increasing the amount of feed to be supplied and, consequently, facilitating the increase of biomass of fish to be used per production area.

Aporte de nutrientes e biomassa via serrapilheira em sistemas agroflorestais em paraty (rj)

Abstract: The aim of this project was to evaluate the Regenerative and Analogous Agroforestry Systems (SAFRA) on environmental sustainability, using as indicators the biomass increase or accumulation and nutrients deposition through litter arboreal species. This work is part of PRODETAB/EMBRAPA - 39th Project – and was developed in Goura Vrindavna Farm, Paraty - RJ. 28 multipurpose arboreal species were cultivated in three agroforestry treatments, Minimum SAFRA (simplified system of the banana culture enrichment), Absolute SAFRA (dense and diversified system) and Modified SAFRA (the same composition of the latter SAFRA plus soil fertilization). For evaluating nutrients deposition through litter fifteen months after planting, samples of three Safra and two control treatments, banana culture and area in fallow, were collected with 625cm 2 collectors. Macro and micronutrients determinations were done in the samples. The Minimum SAFRA was the system that deposited the greatest weight in litter (32.4 t.ha -1 ) and the greatest content of micro and macronutrients. Excepting C and H, N was the one which presented greatest content in the five treatments, and Fe was the micronutrients of major deposition. The vegetation pruning in the SAFRA benefited the nutrients cycling and contributed to its content elevation in litter. Considering the nutrients deposition through litter, the SAFRAs were the most promissory systems in the re-establishing of these ecological functions, when compared to area in fallow and banana monoculture.