A phylogenetic morphological analysis of the genus Ogyges Kaup, distributed in Nuclear Central Am... more A phylogenetic morphological analysis of the genus Ogyges Kaup, distributed in Nuclear Central America, from Chiapas, Mexico, to northwestern Nicaragua was undertaken. Five species of Proculejus Kaup, distributed north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, were selected as outgroup. Ogyges was recovered as monophyletic with three species groups: championi, laevissimus, and crassulus. Each species group shows a distinct, generally allopatric distribution. The O. championi species group, with ten species, is distributed in the Maya block, more specifically in the mountainous system north of the Motozintla-Comaltitlán fault in Chiapas, and north of the dry valleys of the Cuilco and Motagua rivers in Guatemala. The two remaining species groups are distributed in the Chortis block. The O. laevissimus species group, including seven species, ranges mostly along the Pacific Volcanic Chain from Guatemala to El Salvador, and from southeastern Honduras to the northwestern area of Nicaragua. The O. crassulus species group, with ten species, is distributed from northeastern Guatemala (Merendón) to northern Honduras. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, the Motagua-Cuilco and Motozintla-Comaltitlán sutures zones in Chiapas and Guatemala, the lowland valleys of Colón and Comalí rivers between Nicaragua and Honduras (or, perhaps, the northern suture of the Siuna Terrane in Nicaragua), the Guayape fault system in Honduras, and the intricate dry valleys of Ulúa-Chamelecón-Olancho in Honduras, are hypothesized to have acted as barriers that affected the geographical distribution of Ogyges, as well as probably other montane organisms.
Biological diversity conservation within natural reserves has been prioritized, but conservation ... more Biological diversity conservation within natural reserves has been prioritized, but conservation efforts outside protected areas (where most human activities take place) have been very little considered. In this scenario, an alternative agricultural practice that may reduce the impacts of fragmentation in outer landscapes is a perforation process, which involves conservation in agricultural fields surrounded by continuous forests. Such practices enhance the positive impact of ecological services on fields. In this study we analyzed the biological diversity state in perforation fields and their surrounding forests. The analysis was done using dung beetles as biological indicators. A nested pattern in dung beetles distribution was found, which ordered the surrounding continuous forest sites as the ones with the highest species richness, followed by the perforation fields, and placed the fragmentation practice fields (continuous agricultural fields surrounding forest patches) with the lowest one. Indicator species for perforation fields and surrounding continuous forests were chosen. In general, perforation practice fields differed in composition, based upon functional groups richness and identity; it also contained a higher species richness than the fragmentation practice. Agricultural practices that enhance biological diversity conservation such as perforation, should be recommended and considered in natural resource management by local communities in order to take advantage of ecological services that otherwise may be gradually lost.
Abstract How does EU research define the basic elements of the political realm? What are the unde... more Abstract How does EU research define the basic elements of the political realm? What are the underlying construction presuppositions of the European Union as an object of knowledge? In this article, I will discuss the political ontology of the European Union ...
A rapid biodiversity assessment was carried out in the Sierra Chinajá, Guatemala in order to supp... more A rapid biodiversity assessment was carried out in the Sierra Chinajá, Guatemala in order to support the conservation policies of the national agency for protected areas management. This study represents the first systematic account of the flora and fauna of the area. The floristic composition was surveyed using 21 Whitaker plots and non-systematic sampling of other vegetative strata. Bird communities were assessed using a system of point counts and mist nets. Bats were sampled with mist nets at 400 m and 600 m. For small terrestrial mammals, two transects with 90 traps each were established at low and high elevations. Reptiles and amphibians were collected through non-systematic walks through forest patches. Dung beetles were sampled with pitfall traps. A total of 309 plant species were found, including trees, orchids and bromeliads. The list of animal species includes 20 bats, four rodents, one marsupial, 110 birds, 24 reptiles, 14 amphibians, and 20 dung beetles. The results indicate that the Sierra Chinajá is an ecotone or transition zone from predominantly tropical lowland to a mix of montane environments.
We linked primary dispersal by spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and howler monkeys (Alouatta pig... more We linked primary dispersal by spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) to post-dispersal seed fate by studying the effects of dung type and defecation pattern on secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles. First, we described the defecation patterns for both primate species. Howler monkeys generally defecated in groups (88% of observed defecations), with each individual producing on average 31 g of dung, resulting in a large area of the forest floor (31 m2) covered by large amounts of dung (clumped spatial pattern). Spider monkeys generally (96% of observed defecations) defecated individually, each individual producing an average of 11 g of dung, resulting in a small area of the forest floor (2 m2) covered by small amounts of dung (scattered spatial pattern). Secondly, we captured dung beetles using as bait the dung of both primate species, to detect differences in the assemblages of these secondary seed dispersers attracted to the dung of both primates. More individual dung beetles, but not more species, were attracted to howler monkey dung than to spider monkey dung. Finally, we assessed experimentally (using plastic beads as seed mimics) how dung type (Ateles vs. Alouatta) and defecation pattern (scattered vs. clumped) affect secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles. We found that post-dispersal seed fate was affected by dung type, with more seeds being buried when present in howler monkey dung, than in spider monkey dung, but was not affected by defecation pattern. It is important to consider post-dispersal processes, such as secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles, when comparing species of primary dispersers.Asociamos la dispersión primaria de semillas por monos araña (Atetes geoffroyi) y monos aulladores (Alouatta pigra), con el destino post-dispersión de las semillas, estudiando los efectos del tipo de heces y el patrón de defecación sobre la dispersión secundaria por escarabajos coprófagos. Primero describimos los patrones de defecación de ambas especies de primates. Los monos aulladores generalmente defecaron en grupo (88% de las defecaciones observadas), produciendo en promedio 31g de heces por individuos, resultando así en un área grande del suelo del bosque (31 m2) cubierta con grandes cantidades de heces (patrón espacial agregado). Los monos araña generalmente (96% de las defecaciones observadas) defecan individualmente, produciendo en promedio 11 g de heces por individuo, resultando en un área pequeña del suelo del bosque (2 m2) cubierta por heces (patrón espacial disperso). Luego, capturamos escarabajos coprófagos utilizando como carnada heces de ambas especies de primates, para determinar las diferencias en los ensambles de estos dispersores secundarios atraídos a las heces de ambos primates. Más individuos, pero no más especies, de escarabajos coprófagos fueron capturados con heces de mono aullador, que con heces de mono araña. Finalmente, determinamos experimentalmente (usando cuentas de plástico a manera de semillas) cómo el tipo de heces (Ateles vs. Alouatta) y el patrón de defecación (disperso vs. agregado) afectan la dispersión secundaria por escarabajos coprófagos. El destino post-dispersión de las semillas a través de la dispersión secundaria por escarabajos coprófagos fue afectada por el tipo de heces, de tal modo que más semillas fueron enterradas por escarabajos cuando se encontraron cubiertas por heces de mono aullador, que heces de mono araña. El patrón de defecación no tuvo efecto sobre la dispersión secundaria de semillas. Es importante considerar los procesos post-dispersión, como la dispersión secundaria de semillas por escarabajos coprófagos, cuando se quiere comparar especies de dispersores primarios.
El género Proculus y sus cinco especies conocidas son redescritas, además se describe Proculus ji... more El género Proculus y sus cinco especies conocidas son redescritas, además se describe Proculus jicaquei sp. nov. Son sinonimizados: P. beckeri Zang, 1905 (syn. nov.) y P. densipennis Casey, 1914 (syn. nov.) con P. opacipennis ; P. mandibularis Casey, 1914 (syn. nov.) con P. burmeisteri Kuwert, 1891; y P. kraatzi Kuwert, 1898 (syn. nov.) y P. magister Casey, 1897 (syn. nov.) con P. mniszechi Kaup, 1868. Se incluyen claves de los adultos y las larvas, e información biogeográfica sobre cada especie. El género se distribuye desde México hasta Colombia. Proculus mniszechi es parapátrica con P. burmeisteri, aunque son parcialmente simpátridas, en la Sierra de las Minas, Sierra de Santa Cruz y Sierra de los Cuchumatanes de Guatemala, P. mniszechi se encuentra en un tipo de bosque mesófilo por arriba de los 1500 m y P. opacipennis se encuentra en otro tipo de bosque mesófilo por abajo de los 1500 m. Proculus opacipennis tiene una relación similar con P. opacus en la Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, donde P. opacus aparentemente reemplaza a P. mniszechi. Proculus goryi (Melly, 1833) se encuentra en la cadena de volcanes de la costa pacífica de Guatemala y Chiapas, México. Proculus jicaquei sp. nov. unicamente es conocida de una localidad de las montañas al noroeste de Yoro, Honduras. La hipótesis filogenética muestra que P. jicaquei está más relacionada con P. goryi, estas dos especies forman el clado hermano de todas las otras especies de Proculus. En tanto que P. mniszechi y P. burmeisteri son taxa hermanos, como por su parte lo son P. opacus y P. opacipennis. Palabras clave: Taxonomía, Passalidae, Proculus, análisis filogenético.
... Jack C. Schuster and Enio B. Cano. ... Also, the group that includes Ogyges cakchiqueli Schus... more ... Jack C. Schuster and Enio B. Cano. ... Also, the group that includes Ogyges cakchiqueli Schuster and Reyes-Castillo (O. tzutuhili Schuster and Reyes-Castillo, O. kekchii Schuster andReyes-Castillo, O. furcillatus Schuster and Reyes-Castillo, O. championi [Bates], and O ...
... The results show that different monophyletic taxa produce relatively similar results (with so... more ... The results show that different monophyletic taxa produce relatively similar results (with some exceptions) and that rapid systematized inventories may be helpful and practical for countries with scarce biological studies. Case 2. Bess Beetles (Passalidae) in Guatemala ...
Experimental work has established that vertebrates can have a large impact on the abundance of ar... more Experimental work has established that vertebrates can have a large impact on the abundance of arthropods in temperate forest and grasslands, as well as on tropical islands. The importance of vertebrate insectivory has only rarely been evaluated for mainland tropical ecosystems. In this study, we used exclosures to measure the impact of birds on arthropods in Guatemalan coffee plantations. Variation in shade management on coffee farms provides a gradient of similar habitats that vary in the complexity of vegetative structure and floristics. We hypothesized that shaded coffee plantations, which support a higher abundance of insectivorous birds, would experience relatively greater levels of predation than would the sun coffee farms. We found a reduction (64-80%) in the number of large (Ͼ 5 mm in length) but not small arthropods in both coffee types which was consistent across most taxonomic groups and ecological guilds. We also found a small but significant increase in the frequency of herbivore damage on leaves in the exclosures. This level of predation suggests that birds may help in reducing herbivore numbers and is also consistent with food limitation for birds in coffee agroecosystems. However, the presence of shade did not have an effect on levels of insectivory.
A phylogenetic morphological analysis of the genus Ogyges Kaup, distributed in Nuclear Central Am... more A phylogenetic morphological analysis of the genus Ogyges Kaup, distributed in Nuclear Central America, from Chiapas, Mexico, to northwestern Nicaragua was undertaken. Five species of Proculejus Kaup, distributed north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, were selected as outgroup. Ogyges was recovered as monophyletic with three species groups: championi, laevissimus, and crassulus. Each species group shows a distinct, generally allopatric distribution. The O. championi species group, with ten species, is distributed in the Maya block, more specifically in the mountainous system north of the Motozintla-Comaltitlán fault in Chiapas, and north of the dry valleys of the Cuilco and Motagua rivers in Guatemala. The two remaining species groups are distributed in the Chortis block. The O. laevissimus species group, including seven species, ranges mostly along the Pacific Volcanic Chain from Guatemala to El Salvador, and from southeastern Honduras to the northwestern area of Nicaragua. The O. crassulus species group, with ten species, is distributed from northeastern Guatemala (Merendón) to northern Honduras. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, the Motagua-Cuilco and Motozintla-Comaltitlán sutures zones in Chiapas and Guatemala, the lowland valleys of Colón and Comalí rivers between Nicaragua and Honduras (or, perhaps, the northern suture of the Siuna Terrane in Nicaragua), the Guayape fault system in Honduras, and the intricate dry valleys of Ulúa-Chamelecón-Olancho in Honduras, are hypothesized to have acted as barriers that affected the geographical distribution of Ogyges, as well as probably other montane organisms.
Biological diversity conservation within natural reserves has been prioritized, but conservation ... more Biological diversity conservation within natural reserves has been prioritized, but conservation efforts outside protected areas (where most human activities take place) have been very little considered. In this scenario, an alternative agricultural practice that may reduce the impacts of fragmentation in outer landscapes is a perforation process, which involves conservation in agricultural fields surrounded by continuous forests. Such practices enhance the positive impact of ecological services on fields. In this study we analyzed the biological diversity state in perforation fields and their surrounding forests. The analysis was done using dung beetles as biological indicators. A nested pattern in dung beetles distribution was found, which ordered the surrounding continuous forest sites as the ones with the highest species richness, followed by the perforation fields, and placed the fragmentation practice fields (continuous agricultural fields surrounding forest patches) with the lowest one. Indicator species for perforation fields and surrounding continuous forests were chosen. In general, perforation practice fields differed in composition, based upon functional groups richness and identity; it also contained a higher species richness than the fragmentation practice. Agricultural practices that enhance biological diversity conservation such as perforation, should be recommended and considered in natural resource management by local communities in order to take advantage of ecological services that otherwise may be gradually lost.
Abstract How does EU research define the basic elements of the political realm? What are the unde... more Abstract How does EU research define the basic elements of the political realm? What are the underlying construction presuppositions of the European Union as an object of knowledge? In this article, I will discuss the political ontology of the European Union ...
A rapid biodiversity assessment was carried out in the Sierra Chinajá, Guatemala in order to supp... more A rapid biodiversity assessment was carried out in the Sierra Chinajá, Guatemala in order to support the conservation policies of the national agency for protected areas management. This study represents the first systematic account of the flora and fauna of the area. The floristic composition was surveyed using 21 Whitaker plots and non-systematic sampling of other vegetative strata. Bird communities were assessed using a system of point counts and mist nets. Bats were sampled with mist nets at 400 m and 600 m. For small terrestrial mammals, two transects with 90 traps each were established at low and high elevations. Reptiles and amphibians were collected through non-systematic walks through forest patches. Dung beetles were sampled with pitfall traps. A total of 309 plant species were found, including trees, orchids and bromeliads. The list of animal species includes 20 bats, four rodents, one marsupial, 110 birds, 24 reptiles, 14 amphibians, and 20 dung beetles. The results indicate that the Sierra Chinajá is an ecotone or transition zone from predominantly tropical lowland to a mix of montane environments.
We linked primary dispersal by spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and howler monkeys (Alouatta pig... more We linked primary dispersal by spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) and howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) to post-dispersal seed fate by studying the effects of dung type and defecation pattern on secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles. First, we described the defecation patterns for both primate species. Howler monkeys generally defecated in groups (88% of observed defecations), with each individual producing on average 31 g of dung, resulting in a large area of the forest floor (31 m2) covered by large amounts of dung (clumped spatial pattern). Spider monkeys generally (96% of observed defecations) defecated individually, each individual producing an average of 11 g of dung, resulting in a small area of the forest floor (2 m2) covered by small amounts of dung (scattered spatial pattern). Secondly, we captured dung beetles using as bait the dung of both primate species, to detect differences in the assemblages of these secondary seed dispersers attracted to the dung of both primates. More individual dung beetles, but not more species, were attracted to howler monkey dung than to spider monkey dung. Finally, we assessed experimentally (using plastic beads as seed mimics) how dung type (Ateles vs. Alouatta) and defecation pattern (scattered vs. clumped) affect secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles. We found that post-dispersal seed fate was affected by dung type, with more seeds being buried when present in howler monkey dung, than in spider monkey dung, but was not affected by defecation pattern. It is important to consider post-dispersal processes, such as secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles, when comparing species of primary dispersers.Asociamos la dispersión primaria de semillas por monos araña (Atetes geoffroyi) y monos aulladores (Alouatta pigra), con el destino post-dispersión de las semillas, estudiando los efectos del tipo de heces y el patrón de defecación sobre la dispersión secundaria por escarabajos coprófagos. Primero describimos los patrones de defecación de ambas especies de primates. Los monos aulladores generalmente defecaron en grupo (88% de las defecaciones observadas), produciendo en promedio 31g de heces por individuos, resultando así en un área grande del suelo del bosque (31 m2) cubierta con grandes cantidades de heces (patrón espacial agregado). Los monos araña generalmente (96% de las defecaciones observadas) defecan individualmente, produciendo en promedio 11 g de heces por individuo, resultando en un área pequeña del suelo del bosque (2 m2) cubierta por heces (patrón espacial disperso). Luego, capturamos escarabajos coprófagos utilizando como carnada heces de ambas especies de primates, para determinar las diferencias en los ensambles de estos dispersores secundarios atraídos a las heces de ambos primates. Más individuos, pero no más especies, de escarabajos coprófagos fueron capturados con heces de mono aullador, que con heces de mono araña. Finalmente, determinamos experimentalmente (usando cuentas de plástico a manera de semillas) cómo el tipo de heces (Ateles vs. Alouatta) y el patrón de defecación (disperso vs. agregado) afectan la dispersión secundaria por escarabajos coprófagos. El destino post-dispersión de las semillas a través de la dispersión secundaria por escarabajos coprófagos fue afectada por el tipo de heces, de tal modo que más semillas fueron enterradas por escarabajos cuando se encontraron cubiertas por heces de mono aullador, que heces de mono araña. El patrón de defecación no tuvo efecto sobre la dispersión secundaria de semillas. Es importante considerar los procesos post-dispersión, como la dispersión secundaria de semillas por escarabajos coprófagos, cuando se quiere comparar especies de dispersores primarios.
El género Proculus y sus cinco especies conocidas son redescritas, además se describe Proculus ji... more El género Proculus y sus cinco especies conocidas son redescritas, además se describe Proculus jicaquei sp. nov. Son sinonimizados: P. beckeri Zang, 1905 (syn. nov.) y P. densipennis Casey, 1914 (syn. nov.) con P. opacipennis ; P. mandibularis Casey, 1914 (syn. nov.) con P. burmeisteri Kuwert, 1891; y P. kraatzi Kuwert, 1898 (syn. nov.) y P. magister Casey, 1897 (syn. nov.) con P. mniszechi Kaup, 1868. Se incluyen claves de los adultos y las larvas, e información biogeográfica sobre cada especie. El género se distribuye desde México hasta Colombia. Proculus mniszechi es parapátrica con P. burmeisteri, aunque son parcialmente simpátridas, en la Sierra de las Minas, Sierra de Santa Cruz y Sierra de los Cuchumatanes de Guatemala, P. mniszechi se encuentra en un tipo de bosque mesófilo por arriba de los 1500 m y P. opacipennis se encuentra en otro tipo de bosque mesófilo por abajo de los 1500 m. Proculus opacipennis tiene una relación similar con P. opacus en la Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, donde P. opacus aparentemente reemplaza a P. mniszechi. Proculus goryi (Melly, 1833) se encuentra en la cadena de volcanes de la costa pacífica de Guatemala y Chiapas, México. Proculus jicaquei sp. nov. unicamente es conocida de una localidad de las montañas al noroeste de Yoro, Honduras. La hipótesis filogenética muestra que P. jicaquei está más relacionada con P. goryi, estas dos especies forman el clado hermano de todas las otras especies de Proculus. En tanto que P. mniszechi y P. burmeisteri son taxa hermanos, como por su parte lo son P. opacus y P. opacipennis. Palabras clave: Taxonomía, Passalidae, Proculus, análisis filogenético.
... Jack C. Schuster and Enio B. Cano. ... Also, the group that includes Ogyges cakchiqueli Schus... more ... Jack C. Schuster and Enio B. Cano. ... Also, the group that includes Ogyges cakchiqueli Schuster and Reyes-Castillo (O. tzutuhili Schuster and Reyes-Castillo, O. kekchii Schuster andReyes-Castillo, O. furcillatus Schuster and Reyes-Castillo, O. championi [Bates], and O ...
... The results show that different monophyletic taxa produce relatively similar results (with so... more ... The results show that different monophyletic taxa produce relatively similar results (with some exceptions) and that rapid systematized inventories may be helpful and practical for countries with scarce biological studies. Case 2. Bess Beetles (Passalidae) in Guatemala ...
Experimental work has established that vertebrates can have a large impact on the abundance of ar... more Experimental work has established that vertebrates can have a large impact on the abundance of arthropods in temperate forest and grasslands, as well as on tropical islands. The importance of vertebrate insectivory has only rarely been evaluated for mainland tropical ecosystems. In this study, we used exclosures to measure the impact of birds on arthropods in Guatemalan coffee plantations. Variation in shade management on coffee farms provides a gradient of similar habitats that vary in the complexity of vegetative structure and floristics. We hypothesized that shaded coffee plantations, which support a higher abundance of insectivorous birds, would experience relatively greater levels of predation than would the sun coffee farms. We found a reduction (64-80%) in the number of large (Ͼ 5 mm in length) but not small arthropods in both coffee types which was consistent across most taxonomic groups and ecological guilds. We also found a small but significant increase in the frequency of herbivore damage on leaves in the exclosures. This level of predation suggests that birds may help in reducing herbivore numbers and is also consistent with food limitation for birds in coffee agroecosystems. However, the presence of shade did not have an effect on levels of insectivory.
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