Relative abundance and habitat selection of the montane guinea pig Cavia tschudii in a wetland at coastal desert with comments on its predators

Relative abundance and habitat selection of the montane guinea pig Cavia tschudii in a wetland at coastal desert with comments on its predators

Spatial Assessment of Drought Features over Different Climates and Seasons Across Iran

Drought is one of the most complex phenomena in the world, so proper management is very important in monitoring and reducing its damage. For this purpose, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) indices were used to analyze the intensity and frequency of drought in the coastal wet, mountain, semi mountain, semi desert, desert and coastal desert climates of Iran in four seasons, separately: autumn, winter, spring and summer. 43 synoptic stations with a common statistical period of 50 years (1969–2019) were selected. The results showed that the trend of drought in winter and summer is increasing in all studied climates. The highest correlation (0.80–0.99) between SPI-RDI and SPEI-RDI indices in coastal desert, mountain and semi mountain climates and the lowest correlation (0.34) between SPI-SPEI and SPEI-RDI indices in semi desert, desert and coastal desert climates were obtained. The comparison of the results in the trend analysis of the drought showed the same trend, but the SPEI index compared to the other indicators showed a quicker response to changes in drier climates. SPI-RDI variations showed similar values in colder climates. The SPEI is based on precipitation and temperature data, and it has the advantage of combining multi-scalar character with the capacity to include the effects of temperature variability in the drought assessment. Thus, SPEI is recommended as a suitable index for studying and identifying the effect of climate change on drought conditions.

Ecology and diagnosis of Enallodiplosis discordis (Diptera:Cecidomyiidae)

The coastal desert of Peru and Chile is home to Prosopis (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) tree species that are exceptionally well-adapted to the hyperarid conditions and keystone in dry-forest ecosystems. From 2001 to 2018, Prosopis in Peru have suffered widespread defoliation and die-back, with consequent deforestation and collapse in pod production. This paper reports a new insect plague species of Prosopis forest in Peru: Enallodiplosis discordis Gagné 1994 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) as a fiercely defoliating agent contributing to widespread Prosopis mortality. An analysis of E. discordis larval taxonomy, life cycle and plague infestation, following El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) 1998/99 is provided. Using distinct lines of evidence, its spread, distribution, and ecology are examined. Over two decades of fieldwork, Prosopis forest die-back and loss was observed devastating rural livelihoods and ecosystem services across lowland regions of southern (Ica), central and northern coastal Peru (Lambayeque, La Libertad, Piura). The collapse in production of Prosopis pods (algarroba, huaranga) and honey was recorded. Supplementary notes provide observations of: (i) plague development, changing land-use and climate, (ii) biological and physical control of E. discordis, (iii) the moth Melipotis aff. indomita (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as a concurrent defoliator of Prosopis.

The fruticose genera in the Ramalinaceae (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes): their diversity and evolutionary history

We present phylogenetic analyses of the fruticose Ramalinaceae based on extensive collections from many parts of the world, with a special focus on the Vizcaíno deserts in north-western Mexico and the coastal desert in Namibia. We generate a four-locus DNA sequence dataset for accessions of Ramalina and two additional loci for Niebla and Vermilacinia. Four genera are strongly supported: the subcosmopolitan Ramalina, the new genus Namibialina endemic to SW Africa, and a duo formed by Niebla and Vermilacinia, endemic to the New World except the sorediate V. zebrina that disjunctly occurs in Namibia. The latter three genera are restricted to coastal desert and chaparral where vegetation depends on moisture from ocean fog. Ramalina is subcosmopolitan and much more diverse in its ecology. We show that Ramalina and its sister genus Namibialina diverged from each other at c. 48 Myrs, whereas Vermilacinia and Niebla split at c. 30 Myrs. The phylogeny of the fruticose genera remains unresolved to their ancestral crustose genera. Species delimitation within Namibialina and Ramalina is rather straightforward. The phylogeny and taxonomy of Vermilacinia are fully resolved, except for the two youngest clades of corticolous taxa, and support current taxonomy, including four new taxa described here. Secondary metabolite variation in Niebla generally coincides with major clades which are comprised of species complexes with still unresolved phylogenetic relationships. A micro-endemism pattern of allopatric species is strongly suspected for both genera, except for the corticolous taxa within Vermilacinia. Both Niebla and saxicolous Vermilacinia have chemotypes unique to species clades that are largely endemic to the Vizcaíno deserts. The following new taxa are described: Namibialinagen. nov. with N. melanothrix (comb. nov.) as type species, a single new species of Ramalina (R. krogiae) and four new species of Vermilacinia (V. breviloba, V. lacunosa, V. pustulata and V. reticulata). The new combination V. granulans is introduced. Two epithets are re-introduced for European Ramalina species: R. crispans (= R. peruviana auct. eur.) and R. rosacea (= R. bourgeana auct. p.p). A lectotype is designated for Vermilacinia procera. A key to saxicolous species of Vermilacinia is presented.

Potential distribution model of Leontochir ovallei using remote sensing data

<p>Predicting the potential distribution of short-lived species with a narrow natural distribution range is a difficult task, especially when there is limited field data. The possible distribution of <em>L. ovallei</em> was modeled using the maximum entropy approach. This species has a very restricted distribution along the hyperarid coastal desert in northern Chile. Our results showed that local and regional environmental factors define its distribution. Changes in altitude and microhabitat related to the landforms are of critical importance at the local scale, whereas cloud cover variations associated with coastal fog was the principal factor determining the presence <em>of L. ovallei</em> at the regional level. This study verified the value of the maximum entropy in understanding the factors that influence the distribution of plant species with restricted distribution ranges.</p>

Diversity of Myxomycetes in arid zones of Peru part II: the cactus belt and transition zones

The results obtained from a second survey for Myxomycetes in the arid areas of Peru are reported. A total of 37 localities from the cactus belt (‘cardonal’), between 1500 and 3000 m a.s.l., were sampled over six years. This survey is based on 601 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, developed in the field under natural conditions or those that were recovered from moist chamber cultures. In total, 84 taxa representing 19 genera were recorded. One new species, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., is described, three species new to South America and 22 additional new species for Peru are reported as well. Endemic plants, expecially cacti, had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales T.Macbr. in arid areas is reinforced. Comments are included on some collections, as well as SEM micrographs of several species. A statistical evaluation of the diversity of myxomycetes in the cardonal area and a comparison of this area with the dry coastal desert of Peru and other Neotropical xeric environments are also included. Results show that the arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique assemblage. The differences appear to be related to the host plants.

Tomopeas ravus (Chiroptera: Molossidae)

Tomopeas ravus Miller, 1900 is a bat commonly called Peruvian crevice-dwelling bat. It is the only representative of the subfamily Tomopeatinae and endemic to the coastal desert of Peru where it is associated with woody savanna ecosystems and narrow rock crevices. Globally, it is considered “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, mostly due to the ongoing population reduction and small and fragmented geographic range.