Estado poblacional del almendro como indicador de la disponibilidad de hábitat de Lapa verde en el sureste de Nicaragua

La investigación se realizó en siete comunidades del Sureste de Nicaragua, con el objetivo de determinar el estado actual de la población de almendro (Dipteryx panamensis), como indicador del hábitat potencial para la lapa verde (Ara ambiguus). Se muestrearon 21 parcelas de 1ha cada una, estableciendo tres parcelas por comunidad, también se entrevistaron a pobladores para determinar la relación de éstos con las especies en estudio. En las parcelas muestreadas, se contabilizaron un total de 93 árboles de almendro con Diámetro a la Altura del Pecho (DAP’s) ≥70cm, lo que representa una densidad promedio de 4.4 almendros/ha. También, se identificaron posibles amenazas para las especies en estudio y su particularidad con las comunidades y grupos étnicos. Resultados de Modelos Lineales Generalizados (GLM) y análisis de correlación, indican que en la zona de estudio, no es el tamaño o diámetro de los almendros lo que mantiene poblaciones de lapas, sino que influyen mucho la densidad de individuos con DAP≥70cm, el nivel de aislamiento de la comunidad, y la cantidad y tipo de usos que le dan los pobladores al árbol. Desde los modelos de Maxent, en los alrededores de 5 comunidades (La Bijagua, Bartola, Indian River, Corn River y Point of Rock) presentan condiciones viables para la distribución del hábitat potencial del almendro y por ende de lapas verdes

Estado poblacional del Almendro como indicador de la disponibilidad de hábitat de Lapa Verde en el Sureste de Nicaragua

La investigación se realizó en siete comunidades del Sureste de Nicaragua, con el objetivo de determinar el estado actual de la población de almendro (Dipteryx panamensis), como indicador del hábitat potencial para la lapa verde (Ara ambiguus). Se muestrearon 21 parcelas de 1ha cada una, estableciendo tres parcelas por comunidad, también se entrevistaron a pobladores para determinar la relación de éstos con las especies en estudio. En las parcelas muestreadas, se contabilizaron un total de 93 árboles de almendro con Diámetro a la Altura del Pecho (DAP’s) ≥70cm, lo que representa una densidad promedio de 4.4 almendros/ha. También, se identificaron posibles amenazas para las especies en estudio y su particularidad con las comunidades y grupos étnicos. Resultados de Modelos Lineales Generalizados (GLM) y análisis de correlación, indican que en la zona de estudio, no es el tamaño o diámetro de los almendros lo que mantiene poblaciones de lapas, sino que influyen mucho la densidad de individuos con DAP≥70cm, el nivel de aislamiento de la comunidad y la cantidad y tipo de usos que le dan los pobladores al árbol. Desde los modelos de Maxent, en los alrededores de 5 comunidades (La Bijagua, Bartola, Indian River, Corn River y Point of Rock) presentan condiciones viables para la distribución del hábitat potencial del almendro y por ende de lapas verdes.SummaryThe research was done in seven communities in the southeast of Nicaragua, in order to determine the current condition of almond-tree population (Dipteryx panamensis), as an indicator of potential habitat for the Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus). 21 plots of 1ha each were sampled, by establishing three plots per community. Community people were also interviewed to determine their relationship with the species object of study. In the sampled plots, a total of 93 almond-trees were counted with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH's) ≥70cm, representing an average density of 4.4 almond-trees/ha. Potential threats were also identified to the species subject of study and its particularity with the communities and ethnic groups.The results of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and the analysis of correlation, indicate that in the study area, it is not the size or diameter of the almond trees that maintains the green macaws populations, but what influences much is the density of individuals with DAP≥70cm, the level of isolation of the community and the amount and type of uses that the community people gives to the tree. According to Maxent models, on the surroundings of 5 communities (La Bijagua, Bartolo, Indian River, Corn River and Point of Rock) it offers viable conditions for the distribution of potential habitat for almond-tree and thus, for green macaws

Understanding the conservation-genetics gap in Latin America: challenges and opportunities to integrate genetics into conservation practices

Introduction: Integrating genetic data into conservation management decisions is a challenging task that requires strong partnerships between researchers and managers. Conservation in Latin America is of crucial relevance worldwide given the high biodiversity levels and the presence of hotspots in this region.Methods: We conducted a survey across Latin America to identify gaps and opportunities between genetic researchers and conservation managers. We aimed to better understand conservation managers’ points of view and how genetic research could help conservation practitioners to achieve their goals, by implementing genetic assessments that could effectively inform conservation practices. We distributed an online survey via four regional collaborating organizations and 32 focal points based in 20 Latin American countries. The target respondents were conservation managers of species or areas in Latin America.Results: We collected a total of 468 answered questionnaires from 21 Latin American countries. Most respondents (44%) were from an academic or research institution while non-academics were mainly from non-governmental institutions (30%) and government agencies (25%). Most respondents (65%) have performed or used genetic assessments in their managed area or species, either alone, in partnership, contracting someone else or using published results. For the majority of this group, the genetic results were relevant to their conservation management goals, helping to inform management decisions. Respondents that had not performed genetic assessments (35%) were mainly from the non-academic group, and their main barriers were limited access to funds, genetic lab facilities, and trained personnel to design studies and conduct lab work.Discussion: From the findings, we describe the current situation and provide a general diagnosis of the conservation-genetics gap in Latin America. We describe the gender gap, academic-practitioner co-development of conservation questions and projects, and the nationality and residency of Latin American conservation managers in relation to the countries where they work. We discuss opportunities to co-create research questions and co-develop studies based on conservation practitioners’ needs. We offer recommendations for overcoming barriers to integrate genetic information into conservation actions, and advance agendas that fit the needs and realities of the highly heterogeneous, biodiverse and challenging Latin American region

Estado poblacional del Almendro como indicador de la disponibilidad de hábitat de Lapa Verde en el Sureste de Nicaragua

The research was done in seven communities in the southeast of Nicaragua, in order to determine the current condition of almond-tree population (Dipteryx panamensis), as an indicator of potential habitat for the Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus). 21 plots of 1ha each were sampled, by establishing three plots per community. Community people were also interviewed to determine their relationship with the species object of study. In the sampled plots, a total of 93 almond-trees were counted with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH's) ≥70cm, representing an average density of 4.4 almond-trees/ha. Potential threats were also identified to the species subject of study and its particularity with the communities and ethnic groups. The results of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and the analysis of correlation, indicate that in the study area, it is not the size or diameter of the almond trees that maintains the green macaws populations, but what influences much is the density of individuals with DAP≥70cm, the level of isolation of the community and the amount and type of uses that the community people gives to the tree. According to Maxent models, on the surroundings of 5 communities (La Bijagua, Bartolo, Indian River, Corn River and Point of Rock) it offers viable conditions for the distribution of potential habitat for almond-tree and thus, for green macaws.La investigación se realizó en siete comunidades del Sureste de Nicaragua, con el objetivo de determinar el estado actual de la población de almendro (Dipteryx panamensis), como indicador del hábitat potencial para la lapa verde (Ara ambiguus). Se muestrearon 21 parcelas de 1ha cada una, estableciendo tres parcelas por comunidad, también se entrevistaron a pobladores para determinar la relación de éstos con las especies en estudio. En las parcelas muestreadas, se contabilizaron un total de 93 árboles de almendro con Diámetro a la Altura del Pecho (DAP’s) ≥70cm, lo que representa una densidad promedio de 4.4 almendros/ha. También, se identificaron posibles amenazas para las especies en estudio y su particularidad con las comunidades y grupos étnicos. Resultados de Modelos Lineales Generalizados (GLM) y análisis de correlación, indican que en la zona de estudio, no es el tamaño o diámetro de los almendros lo que mantiene poblaciones de lapas, sino que influyen mucho la densidad de individuos con DAP≥70cm, el nivel de aislamiento de la comunidad y la cantidad y tipo de usos que le dan los pobladores al árbol. Desde los modelos de Maxent, en los alrededores de 5 comunidades (La Bijagua, Bartola, Indian River, Corn River y Point of Rock) presentan condiciones viables para la distribución del hábitat potencial del almendro y por ende de lapas verdes

Terrestrial Mammal Occupancy in the Context of Widespread Forest Loss and a Proposed Interoceanic Canal in Nicaragua's Decreasingly Remote South Caribbean Region

<div><p>Central America is experiencing rapid forest loss and habitat degradation both inside and outside of protected areas. Despite increasing deforestation, the Caribbean region of Nicaragua plays an important role in the survival or extinction of large mammal populations in Central America given that it still retains core areas of habitat for large mammal species. The proposed interoceanic canal project that would bisect the southern half of this Caribbean region represents a new threat that, combined with an advancing agricultural frontier, could affect populations of large mammal species such as jaguars, white-lipped peccaries, and Baird’s tapirs. We used occupancy models to examine the relative occupancy probabilities for an assemblage of terrestrial mammals in the south Caribbean region of Nicaragua to identify current core areas for our study species and conduct a preliminary evaluation of the potential impacts of the proposed interoceanic canal. We modeled a community level distribution of eight species with varying levels of sensitivity to human encroachment and a range of habitat associations. Our model results reveal three priority areas for terrestrial mammal conservation in our study area. The mapped predictions show that the only remaining area of suitable habitat for large mammals in the path of the proposed interoceanic canal is a relatively thin strip of forest that runs along the Caribbean Coast. In light of these findings, we propose five recommendations that will help ensure the conservation of this area of the proposed canal route as suitable habitat for our study species.</p></div

DIC values and coefficients for all species for model CA1.

<p>Bold type coefficients with an asterisk indicate zero is not included in the 95% credible interval. WLP = white-lipped peccaries, WNCT = white-nosed coatis, WTDR = white-tailed deer. DTPA = distance to protected area, FIRE = Number of fires within 1 km buffer of camera site, FORESTLOSS = Forest loss between 2000–2014 within a 1 km buffer around camera site, SWAMP = Area of swamps within 1 km buffer around camera site.</p

DIC values and coefficients for all species for model CA1.

<p>Bold type coefficients with an asterisk indicate zero is not included in the 95% credible interval. WLP = white-lipped peccaries, WNCT = white-nosed coatis, WTDR = white-tailed deer. DTPA = distance to protected area, FIRE = Number of fires within 1 km buffer of camera site, FORESTLOSS = Forest loss between 2000–2014 within a 1 km buffer around camera site, SWAMP = Area of swamps within 1 km buffer around camera site.</p

Close up of occupancy maps for rare species (model CA1), with planned infrastructure for the canal, including proposed road and dredge fill area (black) [10,28,29].

<p>Close up of occupancy maps for rare species (model CA1), with planned infrastructure for the canal, including proposed road and dredge fill area (black) [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0151372#pone.0151372.ref010" target="_blank">10</a>,<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0151372#pone.0151372.ref028" target="_blank">28</a>,<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0151372#pone.0151372.ref029" target="_blank">29</a>].</p

Occupancy maps for all species (model CA1).

<p>Black rectangle indicates extent of close up map (<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0151372#pone.0151372.g003" target="_blank">Fig 3</a>), light brown area indicates agricultural land cover used as a mask.</p

A randomized trial of planned cesarean or vaginal delivery for twin pregnancy

Background: Twin birth is associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes than singleton birth. It is unclear whether planned cesarean section results in a lower risk of adverse outcomes than planned vaginal delivery in twin pregnancy.\ud \ud Methods: We randomly assigned women between 32 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation with twin pregnancy and with the first twin in the cephalic presentation to planned cesarean section or planned vaginal delivery with cesarean only if indicated. Elective delivery was planned between 37 weeks 5 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation. The primary outcome was a composite of fetal or neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity, with the fetus or infant as the unit of analysis for the statistical comparison.\ud \ud Results: A total of 1398 women (2795 fetuses) were randomly assigned to planned cesarean delivery and 1406 women (2812 fetuses) to planned vaginal delivery. The rate of cesarean delivery was 90.7% in the planned-cesarean-delivery group and 43.8% in the planned-vaginal-delivery group. Women in the planned-cesarean-delivery group delivered earlier than did those in the planned-vaginal-delivery group (mean number of days from randomization to delivery, 12.4 vs. 13.3; P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the composite primary outcome between the planned-cesarean-delivery group and the planned-vaginal-delivery group (2.2% and 1.9%, respectively; odds ratio with planned cesarean delivery, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.77 to 1.74; P = 0.49).\ud \ud Conclusion: In twin pregnancy between 32 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation, with the first twin in the cephalic presentation, planned cesarean delivery did not significantly decrease or increase the risk of fetal or neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity, as compared with planned vaginal delivery