Food habits of the Cougar Puma concolor (Carnivora: Felidae) in the Central Andes of the Colombian Coffee Region

The feeding habits of the cougar have been scarcely studied in Colombia, despite its importance in the ecosystems it inhabits. In this study, we analysed the diet of the cougar using 53 feces samples collected from several sites in the Central Andes of Colombia’s Coffee Growing Region. To identify prey species, we examined and compared bone fragments and hairs found in each sample with descriptions published in relevant literature and with specimens from the Natural History Museum of the Universidad de Caldas, Colombia. We found that rabbits (Sylvilagus sp.) provided half of the relative biomass consumed by the cougar (50%). Other preys identified belong to representatives of medium and large mammals such as marsupials (Didelphis: 10%), sloths (Choloepus: 9%), rodents (Coendou: 10%, Cuniculus: 9%), and deer (Mazama: 9%). Of the preys, Coendou rufescens has not, to our knowledge, been previously included in cougar diet literature. The curve of accumulation of species indicated that the number of samples obtained in this work fully describe the diet of this feline. Neither domestic species were recorded in this work, nor were there any relationships between the dry or rainy seasons and the consumption of prey species. The comparison of the information reported in this study and others carried out in the Andes may indicate the general nature of this feline’s diet and its adaptability to the prey species found in each area, since these vary in each one of them. It is probable that the obtained trophic niche value (0.33) is due to the abundance of rabbits present in the study area. It is also probable that the cougar has not consumed domestic species since, although it is close to cattle ranches, it has enough of wild prey in the area to supply its needs. The results of this study may help to improve our understanding of the feeding habits of this predator and its interaction with other species in this important region of Colombia. This will, in turn, promote major comprehension of the role of cougars in the Colombian Cordilleras and lead actions for their conservation

Anfibios y reptiles de la región centro-sur del departamento de Caldas, Colombia

Based on specimens housed in a scientific collection, besides literature and field observations, we present an updated list of the herpetofauna of the south-central region of Caldas, Colombia. The composition of anurans, lizards and snakes was compared with other Colombian assemblages. In addition, all species were categorized according to the extent of its distribution range. A total of 36 amphibians (35 anurans and one salamander) and 38 reptiles (15 lizards, 22 snakes and one turtle) are currently known for the south-central region of Caldas. Comparisons of the amphibians and reptiles assemblages showed low and moderate values (Coefficient of biogeographic resemblance, range = 0,018–0,440; X̅ = 0,152), indicating that about frogs, lizards, snakes, and overall herpetofauna, the south-central region of Caldas is more akin to the Yotoco Forestal Reserve (0.326, 0.421, 0.585, 0.440, respectively). Regarding geographical distribution patterns, six species (8.1%) are endemic to the Northern region of the Cordillera Central, 40 species (54%) correspond to elements of an Andean-tropical fauna, 14 species (18.9%) are distributed from Central America to the Andes, and eight species (10.8%) have a wide distribution throughout the continent.Se presenta un listado actualizado sobre la herpetofauna de la región comprendida entre el centro y el sur del departamento de Caldas, con base en especímenes de colección, literatura especializada y observaciones en campo. La composición de anuros, lagartos y serpientes, se analiza y compara con otras regiones de Colombia. Todas las especies registradas fueron categorizadas según el patrón de su distribución geogrí¡fica en función de su amplitud. Un total de 36 anfibios (35 anuros y una salamandra) y 38 reptiles (15 lagartos, 22 serpientes y una tortuga), son conocidos actualmente para la región centro-sur de Caldas. Las comparaciones de los ensamblajes de anfibios y reptiles conjuntamente mostraron valores bajos y moderados (coeficiente de semejanza biogeográfica, intervalo = 0,018–0,440; X̅ = 0,152), indicando que en cuanto a anuros (0,326), lagartos (0,421), serpientes (0,585), y la herpetofauna en general (0,440), la región analizada es más afín al bosque de la Reserva Forestal Yotoco. Seis especies (8,1%) son endémicas del norte de la Cordillera Central, 40 especies (54%) corresponden a elementos propios de la fauna andina-tropical, 14 especies (18,9%) están distribuidas desde Centroamérica hasta los Andes, y ocho especies (10,8%) presentan una amplia distribución en todo el continente

Colección de Anfibios, Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad de Caldas, Colombia

In Colombia, amphibians are a vertebrate group with a high taxonomic richness, and an elevated representativity of species with restricted distributions. In recent years, regional collections have assisted to fill information gaps on the biogeography, intra- and interspecific variation, and systematics of the amphibians of the country. In this work we present the information of 1533 records deposited in the Amphibian Collection of the Museo de Historia Natural of the Universidad de Caldas, represented by 143 species, belonging to 49 genera and 19 families. Most of the records (n = 1194) come from the Department of Caldas, but there are records for 16 additional departments. The most representative order is Anura (n = 1487 records) followed by Caudata (n = 27 records), and Gymnophiona (n = 19 records). The collection houses 152 specimens that have been referenced in 13 national and foreign publications.En Colombia, los anfibios se posicionan como uno de los grupos vertebrados con mayor riqueza taxonómica, y una alta representatividad de especies endémicas. En los últimos años, las colecciones regionales han contribuido a llenar vacíos de información sobre la biogeografía, la variación intra e interespecífica y la sistemática de los anfibios del país. En este trabajo presentamos la información de 1533 registros depositados en la Colección de Anfibios del Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad de Caldas, los cuales representan 143 especies distribuidas en 49 géneros y 19 familias. La mayoría de los especímenes (n = 1194) proceden del departamento de Caldas, sin embargo, se cuenta con registros (n = 339) de otros 16 departamentos del país. El orden más representado es Anura (n = 1487 registros), seguido por Caudata (n = 27 registros) y Gymnophiona (n = 19 registros). La colección alberga 152 especímenes que han sido referenciados en 13 publicaciones nacionales y extranjeras

Colección de reptiles no aves (Reptilia), Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad de Caldas, Colombia

The knowledge of reptiles in Colombia is still incomplete, although the country harbors a high diversity of this group. In recent years, regional collections have helped to fill information gaps on the biogeography, intra- and interspecific variation, and systematics of several groups. Here we present the information of 613 voucher records deposited in the Reptile Collection of the Museo de Historia Natural of the Universidad de Caldas. Most of the records (527) come from the Department of Caldas, but there are records for 15 additional departments. The best represented order is Squamata (603 records). The collection houses 108 specimens that have been referenced in 20 national and foreign publications.El conocimiento de los reptiles en Colombia es aún incompleto, aunque el país alberga una alta diversidad de este grupo. En los últimos años, las colecciones regionales han contribuido a llenar vacíos de información sobre la biogeografía, la variación intra e interespecífica y la sistemática de diversos grupos. Presentamos aquí la información de 613 registros depositados en la Colección de Reptiles del Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad de Caldas. La mayoría de los registros (527) proceden del departamento de Caldas, pero se cuenta con registros de 15 departamentos más. El orden más representativo es Squamata (603 registros). La colección alberga 108 especímenes que han sido referenciados en 20 publicaciones nacionales y extranjeras

New records of mammals of the Coffee Region, Central Andes of Colombia using citizen science

The Coffee Region of Colombia is one of the most representative areas of the country due to its cultural appeal. 200 of the 528 mammal species in the country occur in this region. Pre-existing knowledge about the group in this region has been obtained through indirect and direct sampling methods. We present new records of mammals of the “Reserva Forestal Protectora Bosques de la Central Hidroeléctrica de Caldas (CHEC)”, located in the Coffee Region, based on vouchered citizen science records. To accomplish this, we held training workshops on the relevance of information provided by non-invasive vouchers for mammal collections that include bone remains, hairs, skin and other signs that can be found incidentally in the field by park rangers and other staff of the Reserve. In addition, we included photographic and video records of mammals taken by park rangers before and after the training workshops. We added vouchers obtained by the park rangers to the biological collection of the Natural History Museum of the Universidad de Caldas (MHN-UCa). Using this method, we obtained records of 34 mammalian species belonging to 20 families and 11 orders. We highlight the obtention of museum preserved vouchers of the Northern Naked-tailed Armadillo, Cabassous centralis (Miller 1899), and the Cauca Slender Opossum, Marmosops caucae (Thomas 1900), that had limited samples in national collections or had not been previously collected in the study area. With this work, a contribution network with the CHEC reserve staff was established, promoting the inclusion of these agents in the development of scientific research, and showing the relevance of collaborative science in assisting with filling information gaps about medium and large mammals

Anfibios y reptiles de la región centro-sur del departamento de Caldas, Colombia

Se presenta un listado actualizado sobre la herpetofauna de la región comprendida entre el centro y el sur del departamento de Caldas, con base en especímenes de colección, literatura especializada y observaciones en campo. La composición de anuros, lagartos y serpientes, se analiza y compara con otras regiones de Colombia. Todas las especies registradas fueron categorizadas según el patrón de su distribución geogrí¡fica en función de su amplitud. Un total de 36 anfibios (35 anuros y una salamandra) y 38 reptiles (15 lagartos, 22 serpientes y una tortuga), son conocidos actualmente para la región centro-sur de Caldas. Las comparaciones de los ensamblajes de anfibios y reptiles conjuntamente mostraron valores bajos y moderados (coeficiente de semejanza biogeográfica, intervalo = 0,018–0,440; X̅ = 0,152), indicando que en cuanto a anuros (0,326), lagartos (0,421), serpientes (0,585), y la herpetofauna en general (0,440), la región analizada es más afín al bosque de la Reserva Forestal Yotoco. Seis especies (8,1%) son endémicas del norte de la Cordillera Central, 40 especies (54%) corresponden a elementos propios de la fauna andina-tropical, 14 especies (18,9%) están distribuidas desde Centroamérica hasta los Andes, y ocho especies (10,8%) presentan una amplia distribución en todo el continente.Artículo revisado por pare

Anfibios y reptiles de la región centro-sur del departamento de Caldas, Colombia

Based on specimens housed in a scientific collection, besides literature and field observations, we present an updated list of the herpetofauna of the south-central region of Caldas, Colombia. The composition of anurans, lizards and snakes was compared with other Colombian assemblages. In addition, all species were categorized according to the extent of its distribution range. A total of 36 amphibians (35 anurans and one salamander) and 38 reptiles (15 lizards, 22 snakes and one turtle) are currently known for the south-central region of Caldas. Comparisons of the amphibians and reptiles assemblages showed low and moderate values (Coefficient of biogeographic resemblance, range = 0.018–0.440, X̅ = 0.152), indicating that about frogs, lizards, snakes, and overall herpetofauna, the south-central region of Caldas is more akin to the Yotoco Forestal Reserve (0.326, 0.421, 0.585, 0.440, respectively). Regarding geographical distribution patterns, six species (8.1%) are endemic to the Northern region of the Cordillera Central, 40 species (54%) correspond to elements of an Andean-tropical fauna, 14 species (18.9%) are distributed from Central America to the Andes, and eight species (10.8%) have a wide distribution throughout the continent.Se presenta un listado actualizado sobre la herpetofauna de la región comprendida entre el centro y el sur del departamento de Caldas, con base en especímenes de colección, literatura especializada y observaciones en campo. La composición de anuros, lagartos y serpientes, se analiza y compara con otras regiones de Colombia. Todas las especies registradas fueron categorizadas según el patrón de su distribución geográfica en función de su amplitud. Un total de 36 anfibios (35 anuros y una salamandra) y 38 reptiles (15 lagartos, 22 serpientes y una tortuga), son conocidos actualmente para la región centro-sur de Caldas. Las comparaciones de los ensamblajes de anfibios y reptiles conjuntamente mostraron valores bajos y moderados (coeficiente de semejanza biogeográfica, intervalo = 0,018–0,440; X̅ = 0,152), indicando que en cuanto a anuros (0,326), lagartos (0,421), serpientes (0,585), y la herpetofauna en general (0,440), la región analizada es más afín al bosque de la Reserva Forestal Yotoco. Seis especies (8,1%) son endémicas del norte de la Cordillera Central, 40 especies (54%) corresponden a elementos propios de la fauna andina-tropical, 14 especies (18,9%) están distribuidas desde Centroamérica hasta los Andes, y ocho especies (10,8%) presentan una amplia distribución en todo el continente

First records of the Truandó Toad, Rhaebo haematiticus (Cope, 1862) (Anura, Bufonidae) in the Middle Cauca river valley, Caldas, Colombia

We present the first records of the Truandó Toad, Rhaebo haematiticus (Cope, 1862), in the inter-Andean valley of the Middle Cauca River, Colombia, the second largest inter-Andean basin of the country. In Colombia, this species has been extensively documented in the Chocó biogeographic region, on the western slopes of the Cordillera Occidental, in the valley of Magdalena River, and the foothills of the western slope of the northern Cordillera Oriental. Our records help fill an expansive hiatus in the known distribution of this species and increases the number of amphibians known to occur in the basin of the Cauca River

Confirming the presence of Lasiurus frantzii (Peters, 1870) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in South America: more questions than answers

The western or desert red bat, Lasiurus frantzii, is a cryptic insectivore species distributed in the Neotropics from Mexico south through Central America to Panama. L. frantzii was long considered a subspecies of the red bat, Lasiurus blossevillii, but recently it was elevated to full-species status based on genetic information. Here we present evidence of the presence of L. frantzii in the Andean Region of Colombia, confirming the species' presence in South America; the new record, from 3836 m a.s.l., is also the highest elevation known for the species. We suggest that L. frantzii might be widely distributed in trans-Andean areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and perhaps Peru and Bolivia. However, a review and exploration of additional morphological traits to identify the species are necessary because of the uncertainty of the distribution of L. frantzii

Supplementary material 1 from: Ramírez-Chaves HE, Cardona-Giraldo A, Ossa-López PA, Arias Monsalve HF, Rivera-Páez FA, Morales-Martínez DM (2023) Confirming the presence of Lasiurus frantzii (Peters, 1870) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in South America: more questions than answers. ZooKeys 1180: 145-157. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1180.105497

Voucher number and Genbank accession codes of the sequences of Lasiurus used in this stud