Geobiology of Andean Microbial Ecosystems Discovered in Salar de Atacama, Chile

The Salar de Atacama in the Chilean Central Andes harbors unique microbial ecosystems due to extreme environmental conditions, such as high altitude, low oxygen pressure, high solar radiation, and high salinity. Combining X-ray diffraction analyses, scanning electron microscopy and molecular diversity studies, we have characterized twenty previously unexplored Andean microbial ecosystems in eight different lakes and wetlands from the middle-east and south-east regions of this salt flat. The mats and microbialites studied are mainly formed by calcium carbonate (aragonite and calcite) and halite, whereas the endoevaporites are composed predominantly of gypsum and halite. The carbonate-rich mats and microbialites are dominated by Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla. Within the phylum Proteobacteria, the most abundant classes are Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria. While in the phylum Bacteroidetes, the most abundant classes are Bacteroidia and Rhodothermia. Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes, and Verrucomicrobia phyla are also well-represented in the majority of these systems. Gypsum endoevaporites, on the contrary, are dominated by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Euryarchaeota phyla. The Cyanobacteria phylum is also abundant in these systems, but it is less represented in comparison to mats and microbialites. Regarding the eukaryotic taxa, diatoms are key structural components in most of the microbial ecosystems studied. The genera of diatoms identified were Achnanthes, Fallacia, Halamphora, Mastogloia, Navicula, Nitzschia, and Surirella. Normally, in the mats and microbialites, diatoms form nano-globular carbonate aggregates with filamentous cyanobacteria and other prokaryotic cells, suggesting their participation in the mineral precipitation process. This work expands our knowledge of the microbial ecosystems inhabiting the extreme environments from the Central Andes region, which is important to ensure their protection and conservation.

Determination of Sites of Special Importance for the Conservation of Threatened Orchid Species in Colombia

Colombia is the country with the highest number of orchid species (4270), whose optimal habitat is cold and humid forests. However, the outlook for conservation is alarming, considering that deforestation is causing the loss of millions of hectares of forests. This situation has led to the existence of 206 endangered orchid species. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine Sites of Special Importance for the Conservation of Threatened Orchid Species in Colombia (SSICO), through an analysis of their spatial and altitudinal distribution using various databases, to make a selection of nature reserves on a municipality scale, using Marxan software, and employing relevant parameters (richness, rarity, and IUCN category). Furthermore, the results were later compared with the Protected Areas System, determining their coverage to propose SSICOs. 674 records of the presence of threatened orchids in 277 municipalities were obtained. Urrao, Abrego, and Frontino were the areas with the greatest richness and rarity. Marxan selected 47 municipalities located mostly in the Andes region, and four SSICOs were prioritized, which are located in the Antioquia, Norte de Santander, Nariño and Putumayo provinces. These SSICOs, in addition to being points of great biodiversity, are areas with special socio-economic characteristics that influence the management of natural resources. These areas require timely attention, research, and intervention by environmental authorities because of their importance for conserving orchids and Andes Forests.

Globodera rostochiensis (yellow potato cyst nematode).

G. rostochiensis is a world wide pest of temperate areas, including both temperate countries and temperate regions of tropical countries, for example India's Nigrilis region. Distribution is linked to that of the potato crop. Potato cyst nematode is considered to have originated from the Andes region of South America, from where it spread to Europe with potatoes. The ease with which it has been transported across continents proves what a resilient pest it is. The cyst form which adheres to host roots, stolons and tubers and to soil particles during transportation gives rise to new infestations where climate and food source are both available and favourable. Secondary means of dispersal is through the movement of contaminated farm machinery, farming implements and contaminated footwear. Cysts are also successfully spread by wind dispersal, during winter storms or sand storms where top soil is redistributed. Rain which causes flooding and water to run off fields into trenches or irrigation channels also redistributes cysts into adjoining areas.

Natural infrastructure interventions and their effect on soil erosion mitigation in the Andes

<p>The Andes region is prone to soil erosion because of its steep topographic relief, high spatio-temporal variability in precipitation and heterogeneity in lithological strength. Soil erosion by water is affecting natural and anthropogenic environments through its impacts on water quality and availability, loss of soil nutrients, flood risk, sedimentation in rivers and streams, and damage to civil infrastructure. Sustainable land and water management, referred here as natural infrastructure interventions, aims to avoid, reduce and reverse soil erosion and can provide multiple benefits for the environment, population and livelihoods. In this study, we present a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature involving more than 120 local case-studies from the Andes. Three major categories of natural infrastructure interventions were considered: protective vegetation, soil and water conservation measures, and adaptation measures that regulate the flow and transport of water. The analysis was designed to answer the following research questions: (1) Which soil erosion indicators allow us to assess the effectiveness of natural infrastructure interventions across the Andean range? (2) What is the overall impact of implementing natural infrastructure interventions for on-site and off-site erosion mitigation?</p><p>The systematic review shows that the effectiveness of protective vegetation on soil erosion mitigation is the most commonly studied characteristic, accounting for more than half of the empirical studies. From the suite of physical, chemical and biological indicators that were commonly used in soil erosion research, our review identified two indicators to be particularly suitable for the analyses of the effectiveness of natural infrastructure interventions: soil organic carbon (SOC) of the topsoil, and soil loss rates at plot scale. The implementation of soil and water conservation measures in areas under traditional agriculture had positive effects on SOC (1.28 to 1.29 times higher SOC than in agricultural land). Soil loss rates were 54% lower when implementing SWC than on cropland. When implementing SWC in rangeland, the data indicated an increase in soil loss rate by 1.54 times. Untreated degraded land is reported to have significantly higher soil loss and specific sediment yield compared to cropland.</p><p>The results of this systematic review allows to assess the overall effectiveness of commonly used natural infrastructure interventions, which can guide policy and decision making in the Andes. Similarly, the review identified critical gaps in knowledge that must be attended by more comprehensive research to consider the high spatiotemporal variability of the Andes region.</p>

Predation By the Nonnative Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus Mykiss (Walbaum, 1792), on the Native Biota from Freshwater Environment of the Central Andes (Argentina)

This study aimed to examine the impact of the nonnative rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss on the native biota that inhabits freshwater environments of the central Andes, Argentina. To assess the predation pressure on native Andean vertebrates and invertebrates, the stomach contents were taken from rainbow trout caught at three Andean sites. Results showed that the major prey items were the native torrent catfish Hatcheria macraei (100% in diet), Elmidae coleopterans (23%), and the native crab Aegla affinis (38%) in the rainbow trout stomachs collected from Cipolletti Dam (North zone), Yaucha River (Middle zone), and Vaina Stream (South zone), respectively. This preliminary study exhibits the predation pressure of the rainbow trout on native Andean species and suggests that policies are necessary to control the release of fry of this exotic salmonid in the Andes region.

Socioeconomic Conditions and Landowners’ Perception Affect the Intention to Restore Polylepis Forests in the Central Andes of Peru

Research Highlights: Families more dependent on crops as the main source of income of properties have a greater intention of restoring Polylepis forest areas. However, this intention reduces with the increase of family dependence on subsistence products supplied by Polylepis forests. Properties where the chances of restoration of Polylepis forests are greater are those where the educational and technical level is better. Objectives: We aimed to comprehend which socioeconomic factors of rural properties and families’ perception were determinant for the intention to restore Polylepis forests in the Central Andes region of Peru. Material and Methods: We collected data through visits and the application of questionnaires. We selected 13 rural communities in the Tulumayo River Basin. We randomly sampled 10 to 20 families in each community, depending on its size, totaling 200 families. We used generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to test which variables affect the intention to restore the forest. Results: When crops are the main source of income in the property, the families have more intention to restore Polylepis areas, on the other hand, when Polylepis forests are an important source of products for the family subsistence, the intention to restore forests reduces, indicating that higher technological status has a positive impact on restoration. The perception that Polylepis forests are important for the existence of water sources had a positive impact on the families’ intention to restore the areas. However, the perception that Polylepis forests are important for native flora persistence had a negative impact on the intention to restore their areas. Conclusions: Our results showed that investment in improving the productivity of the properties and in the education of their landowners should increase the success of eventual programs for restoration of Polylepis forests.

EL ARTE DE LOS ANDES

El caso muestra la historia del Ugo de Censi y la obra que realizó a partir de su llegada a Chacas, poblado localizado en el centro de los Andes, región Ancash (Perú). Esta zona, aparte de estar alejada de la capital del Perú, ha sido un lugar con bajos recursos durante muchos años, antes de la llegada de este poblador. Asimismo, a través del caso se conocerá a Perú, uno de los países en América Latina con economía emergente, basada principalmente en sus factores productivos tradicionales. Durante la estancia de Ugo en Chacas, que iba a ser su retiro como sacerdote y párroco, acaecieron varios sucesos. Él reconoció que este lugar tenía grandes carencias, de todo tipo, por lo que decidió hacer algo, olvidarse de tener una vida más placentera y ayudar a estos pobladores a través de la Operación Mato Grosso (OMG), a través de voluntarios. Dicha operación permitió que varios voluntarios apoyaran obras que él iba realizando en este lugar (y otras, en un futuro). Gracias a la toma de sus decisiones, sus gestiones y la ayuda de otras personas (voluntarios de la OMG), superó las condiciones de vida de los pobladores, que el Estado no podía cubrir, en cuanto a: salud, educación y formación en valores, acceso a servicios de agua y luz, la posibilidad de tener un oficio que genere valor agregado. La labor de los voluntarios, que no necesariamente tenían que ser creyentes sino solo tener deseos de ayudar, consistía en realizar diferentes labores, por ejemplo: tirar la lampa, ayudar a embalsar un río, vacunar a niños, levantar casas, diseñar muebles, vitrales, estatuas, mosaicos, tejidos, dar de comer, cocinar (para cerca de 700 personas diariamente y que tenían que distribuir gratuitamente), enseñar y formar a técnicos, artesanos, maestros, agricultores, entre otros. Todo esto lo realizaban los voluntarios de forma gratuita, sin recibir pago alguno, por un periodo de tres a seis meses; quienes obtenían una experiencia muy enriquecedora y agradable. Lo que Ugo realizó en este lugar consistió en una transformación completa. Una economía con nulas capacidades de desarrollo, como Chacas, se convirtió en un centro de operaciones con apertura y calidad de exportación mundial. Donde no había educación de calidad, él la colocó. Donde no había un nivel de producción de alto nivel, sino solo el desarrollo de fuente de producción agrícola, él lo transformó en fuente de desarrollo social, comercial y cultural. Es decir, cambió la economía tradicional por una economía emergente, que aún sigue viva.

A new species of Pristimantis (Amphibia, Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Pui Pui Protected Forest (central Peru), with comments on Pristimantis albertus Duellman & Hedges, 2007

We describe a new Pristimantis species from the eastern Andes, Región Junín, Peru following an integrative taxonomic approach. The description is based on three adult males (snout-vent length 25.7–28.8 mm) collected in two montane forests between 1615 and 1800 m a.s.l. in the Pui Pui Protected Forest and its close surroundings. The new species is mainly characterised by absence of tympanum, presence of inner tarsal fold, broad horizontal red band across iris, ventre mottled black and cream and ventral surfaces of thighs salmon and grey mottled. Amongst the Amazonian and montane forest Pristimantis that have the ventre and groin contrastingly black and cream mottled, P. sinschisp. nov. is morphologically most similar to P. lindae and P. ventrimarmoratus. However, DNA barcoding revealed a clear distinction between these three species and placed P. sinschisp. nov. as sister taxon of P. lindae. We designate a lectotype for P. ventrimarmoratus and restrict the type locality of this species to “El Topo, R. Pastaza, [Provincia Tungurahua,] E. Ecuador, 4200 feet”. Pristimantis albertus and P. sagittulus are recorded for the first time in the Región Junín. Additional data on morphology and systematics are provided for P. albertus.

On the enigmatic genus Oectropsis Blanchard (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae): tribal allocation, synonymy, and new species

The species of the genus Oectropsis Blanchard, 1851 (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) are exclusively distributed west of the central Andes region (Chile) and were probably isolated due to phenomena caused by the Andes Mountains. Recent taxonomic revisions of the genus revealed that the species do not have the main features of Acanthocinini, the tribe in which this genus is currently allocated. Instead, they share characteristics with Pogonocherini, especially Pogonocherus Dejean, 1821, whose majority of species are distributed in North America. In addition to the tribal transference, we describe a new species, update a previous key, and we discuss the taxonomic status of some tribes.