Synopsis of the terrestrial and freshwater gastropod fauna of southern Bahia, Brazil

The terrestrial and freshwater malacofauna of southern Bahia is little known, especially in comparison to the well-studied eastern portion of the state covered by remnants of Atlantic Forest. We present here a synopsis of all gastropod species known from the central southern region of Bahia state, known as ‘Centro-Sul Baiano’, focusing on four municipalities: Condeúba, Cordeiros, Mortugaba, and Piripá. The list herein contains data from the literature, historical material deposited in museum collections, and two recent expeditions undertaken in the region. The survey resulted in 21 species of gastropods, with nearly 700 voucher specimens (mostly freshwater) deposited in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil). Circa 30% of the species are non-indigenous; previously, the only known exotic in the region was Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774). The family Achatinidae was the most diverse group in number of native species, while the typically diverse superfamily Orthalicoidea was represented by only two species.

Eremitis clarkiae and E. vinacea (Poaceae, Bambusoideae): two new species of herbaceous bamboos endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil increase the diversity of the genus in this hotspot

Background and aims – We here describe two new species of Eremitis from Bahia, Brazil, and compare them with morphologically similar species. We also provide illustrations, photos, a distribution map, and notes on habitat and conservation status of the new species.Material and methods – This study was based on fieldwork, analysis of herbarium specimens, and literature review. Specimens collected were analyzed and photographed during fieldwork and observed in cultivation in a greenhouse. The conservation assessment is based on field observations and spatial analyses, following the IUCN guidelines and criteria.Results – Eremitis clarkiae sp. nov. occurs in southern Bahia and has been collected only twice, in the municipality of Floresta Azul. The new species is similar to E. jardimii and E. robusta, both also endemic to Bahia, but can be distinguished by several vegetative and reproductive structures longer than those observed in these species, such as leafy culms, ligules, decumbent culm inflorescences, and pedicels of the staminate spikelets of the staminate whorls. Eremitis vinacea sp. nov. was collected in three localities in southern Bahia, but only the type population was found during recent field trips, in the municipality of Camacã. It is similar to E. afimbriata, a species endemic to Espírito Santo state, being differentiated by its leaf sheaths with persistent fimbriae (vs absent), leaf blades with green adaxial surface (vs bluish green with a blue iridescence), and a single inflorescence on decumbent culms (vs multiple). Both new species are endemic to the Bahian Coastal Forests subregion and should be considered Critically Endangered (CR), according to the IUCN guidelines and criteria.

Solid waste management and contemporary challenges

In the present study we analyze and discuss socioenvironmental impacts arising from inadequate management of urban solid waste in the Brazilian Discovery Coast, southern Bahia. We also discuss the challenges to be overcome to promote proper management, highlighting the need for social inclusion of waste pickers. Methodological procedures consisted of an applied and exploratory research, through a review of specialized scientific literature. We also used secondary data available at the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and at the National Sanitation Information System, and applied a structured online questionnaire to municipal managers of public sanitation services. The cities under study only transfer the waste generated in urban centers to distant areas, in dumps, negatively affecting the environment and public health. There are neither management units nor incentive practices or support programs aimed at recyclable material collectors. Due to the weaknesses and the socioenvironmental, cultural, and historical importance of the area under study, the creation of public policies with broad popular participation is urgently needed to promote a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable development.

A new species of Pantelodes (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea: Apatelodidae) from Southern Bahia, Brazil

A recent taxonomic study revealed that specimens so far identified as Apatelodes satellitia (Walker, 1855) are in fact representatives of a complex of cryptic species. A new genus was established to hold this complex of species, namely Pantelodes Herbin, 2017. Here we describe a new species of Pantelodes from Southern Bahia Atlantic Forest based on morphological and molecular characters. Pantelodes camacana Orlandin & Carneiro sp. nov. is compared with other Pantelodes species and their phylogenetic relationships are discussed.

Pabstiella hileiaensis (Orchidaceae Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the Atlantic Rainforest in southern Bahia, Brazil

Distributed along the eastern coast of South America and considered one of the world’s biological hotspots, the Atlantic Rainforest harbors outstanding levels of richness and endemism (Myers et al. 2000). Specifically, with 14,847 vascular plant species (Reginato & Michelangeli 2020), including 1,480 (1,100 endemics) belonging to the Orchidaceae (BFG, 2015), this biome is considered a priority for plant and orchid conservation in the Neotropics since more than 88% of its pre-Columbian area is already lost (Peres et al. 2020).

Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in small wild mammals in northeastern Brazil

This study investigated the occurrence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in rodents and marsupials from the Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Two hundred and four fecal samples were collected from different forest areas in the municipalities of Ilhéus, Una, Belmonte, and Mascote. Identifications were performed using PCR and nested PCR followed by sequencing of the gdh and tpi genes for G. duodenalis, and the gp60 and Hsp-70 genes for Cryptosporidium. The total frequency of positive PCR samples for both G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. was 5.4% (11/204). Giardia duodenalis occurred in 2.94% (4/136) of rodents and 2.94% (2/68) of marsupials. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in rodents and marsupials was 1.47% (2/136) and 4.41% (3/68), respectively. In the areas sampled, the frequency of parasitism was 50% (7/14), while the Mascote region alone had no parasitized animals. The G. duodenalis subgenotype AI was identified in the rodent species Hylaeamys laticeps, Oecomys catherinae, Oligoryzomys nigripes and Akodon cursor, and in the marsupials Gracilinanus agilis and Monodelphis americana. In the rodents Rhipidomys mastacalis, H. laticeps and in the marsupial Marmosa murina the protozoa Cryptosporidium fayeri, Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum with subtypes IIa and IVg by the gp60 gene were found. In conclusion, this study provides the genetic characterization of Giardia and Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in rodents and marsupials. And, these findings reinforce that the rodent and marsupial species mentioned above play a role as new hosts for Giardia and Cryptosporidium.