Bird species richness in High-Andean forest fragments : habitat quality and topography matter

Montane forests worldwide are known centers of endemism and biodiversity but are highly threatened by fragmentation processes. Using data collected in 15 Polylepis forest remnants covering 2000 hectares, we investigated how bird species richness and bird community composition, particularly for species of conservation concern, are influenced by habitat quality and topography in the Tunari National Park in the High Andes of Bolivia. Bird species richness was highest in topographically complex, low-elevation Polylepis patches located in areas with a high potential to retain rainwater. Bird communities differed strongly between Polylepis lanata and P. subtusalbida remnants, each supporting different threatened and endemic species. Within the P. subtusalbida forest, high-elevation fragments characterized by high amounts of sunlight and low anthropogenic disturbance were more likely to contain threatened species. Surprisingly, we found no effect of fragment size on the diversity or composition of bird communities or the presence of bird species of conservation concern. The presence of exotic plantations (Pinus and/or Eucalyptus spp.) in or outside forest remnants was negatively associated with the number of bird species as well as with occurrence of the endangered Cochabamba-mountain finch (Compsospiza garleppi). To support the different communities found in Polylepis forests, these results suggest that conservation efforts should be directed towards both forest types (P. subtusalbida and P. lanata) present in the area. For an efficient management of avian diversity, exotic plantations should be established away from native remnants while existing patches should be managed to maintain or increase habitat quality. Finally, the importance of local topography in determining avian species richness and community composition in forest fragments, mainly through topographic controls on moisture distribution and the amount of sunlight received by the fragments, should be considered when planning conservation and reforestation schemes

Una nueva especie de Philibertia (Apocynaceae) de Cochabamba, Bolivia

Based on a herbarium specimen collected in the Tunari National Park, Bolivia, a new species of Apocynaceae is described here. The new taxon is attributed to Philibertia Kunth by molecular genetic analysis. Philibertia navarroana H. A. Keller, Liede & Balderrama is distinguished from other related species by the shape of its pollinia and the corona lobes. The specimen is illustrated by pictures and drawingsSobre la base de un ejemplar de herbario recolectado en el Parque Nacional Tunari, Bolivia, se describe una nueva especie de Apocynaceae. El nuevo taxón pertenece a Philibertia Kunth según análisis de genética molecular. Philibertia navarroana H. A. Keller, Liede & Balderrama se distingue de otras especies relacionadas por la forma de las polinias y de los lóbulos de la corona. El ejemplar es ilustrado mediante fotos y dibujos.Fil: Keller, Hector Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Balderrama Torrico, José A.. Centro de Biodiversidad y Genética; BoliviaFil: Liede Schumann, Sigrid. University of Bayreuth; AlemaniaFil: Porcel, María H.. Centro de Biodiversidad y Genética; Bolivi

Exploration of Microencapsulation of Arginine in Carnauba Wax (<i>Copernicia prunifera</i>) and Its Dietary Effect on the Quality of Beef

The objective of this exploratory study was to assess if microencapsulated arginine influences the physicochemical quality of beef. The study included three genetic groups: Angus, Hereford, and Angus × Hereford crossbreed. Two encapsulation systems were used with carnauba wax, at ratios of 3:1 and 2:1, carnauba wax:core (arginine), respectively. A control treatment was also included with no arginine addition. Encapsulated arginine with a 3:1 ratio increased redness by 19.66 at 28 d aged beef compared to the control and 2:1 ratio with values of 18.55 and 16.77, respectively (p = 0.01). Encapsulated arginine at a 3:1 ratio showed the lowest meat shear force values with 24.32 N at 28 d of ageing (p p p = 0.002), while in the Angus breed it was 1.59%. The addition of carnauba wax-encapsulated arginine can improve meat quality. It enhances red color, tenderness, and marbling in bovine meat

Factor de transferencia bovino en el choque séptico neonatal

Objetivo. Utilizar el factor de transferencia en el tratamiento de neonatos con choque séptico. Material y métodos. Se estudiaron 10 neonatos con peso menor de 1,500 g con diagnóstico de choque séptico, sin respuesta al manejo ordinario, hemocultivo positivo, manejo previo con inmunoglobulina intravenosa y factor de crecimiento de granulocitos. Se usó el factor de transferencia obtenido de timo de bovino; se aplicó unidad diaria por diez días. Resultados. La mayoría de los neonatos pesaron menos de 1250 g (7 de 10), todos con diagnóstico de enfermedad de membrana hialiana, Apgar bajo e hipotróficos (6 de 10). Con el factor de transferencia tuvieron aumento de leucocitos (8 de 10) y de plaquetas (6 de 10) todos sobrevivieron al primer choque séptico. Conclusión. El uso del factor de transferencia parece ser una buena alternativa en el tratamiento del choque séptico, siempre y cuando se hayan manejado las alternativas de inmunoterapia como la inmunoglobulina intravenosa y los factores estimulantes de colonias