NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Caracterização fisionômica - estrutural de um remanescente de floresta ombrófila montana de Pernambuco, Brasil Physiognomic and structural characterization of a montane rain forest remnant in Pernambuco State, Brazil

As florestas ombrófilas montanas de Pernambuco são pouco estudadas quanto a fisionomia, florística, estrutura e semelhanças com as florestas de terras baixas. Visando este entendimento, foi realizada a caracterização fisionômica-estrutural do maior remanescente (São Vicente Férrer, 600 ha) dessa floresta no Estado e sua comparação com outras florestas ombrófilas nordestinas de terras baixas e montanas. A área estudada localiza-se na encosta oriental do planalto da Borborema (07º38' S e 35º30' W), em altitudes entre 600 e 640 m, e tem precipitação média anual de 1.103 mm. Foram alocadas 50 parcelas de 10&times;20 m e incluídos os indivíduos com DAP > 5 cm. Os 1.521 indivíduos amostrados pertenceram a 58 famílias, 96 gêneros e 152 espécies. Cerca de 50% deles tiveram altura entre 6,1 e 12,0 m e diâmetro entre 5 e 10 cm, sendo representados, predominantemente, por Clusiaceae, Quiinaceae, Myrtaceae e Sapindaceae. As famílias de maior valor de importância (Myrtaceae, Clusiaceae, Moraceae, Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Vochysiaceae, Myristicaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Lecythidaceae e Anacardiaceae) foram dominantes em diferentes classes de altura, tiveram número de espécies variado (1 a 10) e, geralmente, as maiores densidades. A floresta estudada foi melhor relacionada em composição de espécies e famílias com as florestas de terras baixas, embora tenha se destacado pela elevada riqueza de taxa, maior altura e principalmente pela abundância de famílias e espécies pouco comuns às florestas ombrófilas de terras baixas de Pernambuco.<br>The montane forests of Pernambuco, Brazil, are poorly understood in relation to their flora, physiognomy, structure, and similarity to lowland forests. The physiognomy and structure of the largest ombrophilous forest fragment in the state of Pernambuco (São Vicente Ferrer, 600 ha) were described and compared with other montane and lowland forests in northeastern Brazil. The study site is located on the eastern slope of the Borborema plateau (07º38' S, 35º30' W), at 600-640 m altitude. Mean annual rainfall is 1103 mm. Fifty 10&times;20 m plots were set up and all plants with diameter at breast height (dbh) > 5 cm were identified and measured. The 1,521 plants recorded belonged to 58 families, 96 genera and 152 species. About 50% had heights ranging from 6.1 to 12 m and dbh between 5 and 10 cm. Most belonged to the families Clusiaceae, Quiinaceae, Myrtaceae, and Sapindaceae. Families with greatest importance indexes (Myrtaceae, Clusiaceae, Moraceae, Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Vochysiaceae, Myristicaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Lecythidaceae, and Anacardiaceae) were dominant in different height classes, had different species numbers (1 to 10), and, in general, the highest densities. São Vicente Férrer's montane forest showed a close relationship in composition to lowland forests, in spite of the taller trees, greater richness, and mainly greater abundance of families and species which are not common in lowland forests of Pernambuco

Influência do alimento na produção e qualidade do leite de cabra Influence of feed on the production on quality of goat milk

O leite de cabra é considerado um dos alimentos mais completos por apresentar vários elementos importantes para a nutrição humana, constituído de proteínas de alto valor biológico e ácidos graxos essenciais, além de seu conteúdo mineral e vitamínico. Esta revisão tem como objetivo avaliar as variações referentes à composição química e propriedades físicoquímicas do leite, que ocorrem em função de alguns fatores, tais como: climáticos, raça, indivíduo, estágio de lactação e alimentação. O manejo alimentar tem sido considerado um fator preponderante na manipulação dos componentes do leite. Há um entendimento dominante que a gordura é o componente do leite que mais sofre influência dos alimentos. O uso de técnicas biológicas moleculares poderá contribuir para o entendimento do mecanismo de utilização do alimento no rúmen, estabelecendo um novo cenário para a microbiologia ruminal, que pode ser diferente do que tem sido estudado até o momento.<br>Goat milk is considered one of the most complete foods, since it holds several elements which are important for human nutrition, and necessary for the constitution of tissues and blood. This revision aims to assess the variations of the chemical composition and physical-chemical properties of the milk which occur due to some factors, such as: climate, breed, the individual, lactation stage and food. Feed management has been considered a key factor in the manipulation of milk components. There is a general understanding that among the components of the milk fat is the most influenced by food. The use of molecular biological techniques might contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of utilization of food in rumen, establishing a new possibility for ruminal microbiology, which can be different from what has been studied so far