Field notes on the biology of the Long-wattled Umbrellabird Cephalopterus penduliger in west Ecuador.

La biología del Pajaro Paraguas Longipendulo Cephalopterus penduliger es quizas lo menos conocido del genero. A pesar de eso, lo consideraron una de las especies más amenzadas en el continente Sudamericano debido a la deforestación, caza y a un grado menor, la comercialización de las aves como mascotas. Entre febrero y octubre de 1998 yo observe C. penduliger a lo largo del período y 1.600 horas de observación en la Estación Biológica Jatun Sacha Bilsa, Provincia de Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Documente varios aspectos de las observaciones incluyendo un sonogramo de dos vocalizaciones, descripciones de comportamiento, forrageo y las primeras fotos de C. penduliger en su estado natural. También se presenta teorias acerca de su distribución biogeográfica y sugerencias para su conservación

New and interesting records of birds from a dry forest reserve in south-west Ecuador

La reserva forestal Cerro Blanco es una de las pocas áreas protegidas con más de 200 ha de bosque seco sobre el oeste ecuatoriano. Aunque existen listas de registros de aves en la reserva, con frecuencia no se conocen las fechas ni localidades en que fueron tomados. De otro lado, esta información no incluye observaciones de algunas de las partes de más difícil acceso en la reserva, ni muestra con precisión las diferentes altitudes, los tipos de bosques o las estaciones. Una información más amplia será cada vez más importante para la conservación y manejo de la vida silvestre de la reserva a medida que se intensifica la industria y la agricultura alrededor de Guayaquil, y se amenaza con aislar ecológicamente Cerro Blanco. Este artículo presenta los registros de aves para la reserva, detalles de algunas especies poco conocidas o amenazadas, y una lista actualizada de las especies del bosque

Factors shaping the ontogeny of vocal signals in a wild parrot

Parrots rely heavily on vocal signals to maintain their social and mobile lifestyles. We studied vocal ontogeny in nests of wild green-rumped parrotlets (Forpus passerinus) in Venezuela. We identified three successive phases of vocal signaling that corresponded closely to three independently derived phases of physiological development. For each ontogenetic phase, we characterized the relative importance of anatomical constraints, motor skills necessary for responding to specific contexts of the immediate environment, and the learning of signals that are necessary for adult forms of communication. We observed shifts in the relative importance of these three factors as individuals progressed from one stage to the next; there was no single fixed ratio of factors that applied across the entire ontogenetic sequence. The earliest vocalizations were short in duration, as predicted from physical constraints and under-developed motor control. Calls became longer and frequency modulated during intermediate nestling ages in line with motor skills required for competitive begging. In the week before fledging, calls drastically shortened in accordance with the flight-constrained short durations of adult contact calls. The latter constraints were made evident by the demonstrated links between wing-assisted incline running, a widespread prelude to avian flight, just before the shift from long-duration begging calls to short-duration contact calls. At least in this species, the shifting emphases of factors at different ontogenetic stages precluded the morphing of intermediate-stage begging calls into adult contact calls; as shown previously, the latter are influenced by sample templates provided by parents

Avifauna of the Mache Chindul ecological reserve, northwest Ecuador

We report on the avifauna of the 120,000 ha Mache Chindul Ecological Reserve (REMACH), northwest Ecuador. The study area is located in a poorly studied transition zone between three major Neotropical biogeographic regions-the Chocó, Tumbesian, and Tropical Andes-each of which contains exceptional diversity and endemism in birds and other organisms. We collected data from 1998–99 and 2004–11 from the Bilsa Biological Station (a 3500 ha private reserve) and several farms, forest fragments, and communities distributed across the central portion of REMACH using observations (aural and visual), audio recordings, mist netting, point counts and photographs. We recorded 360 species of bird (263 genera, 51 families), including 57 threatened species on the Red List of Ecuador, 14 of which are also globally threatened; 23 ‘restricted range’endemic species (15 Chocó and 8 Tumbesian); and 16 migratory species. We recorded breeding activity for 130 species, and documented two distinctive peaks of reproduction, corresponding to the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Our results suggest that REMACH represents a transition zone between Chocó and Tumbesian biogeographic zones, and as such should be considered a priority for conservation of avifauna and other taxa. Accepted 7 November - Reportamos la avifauna de la Reserva Ecológica Mache Chindul (REMACH) de 120.000 ha al noroeste de Ecuador. El área de estudio se encuentra en una zona de transición poco estudiada entre tres grandes regiones biogeográficas neotropicales – el Chocó, Tumbes y los Andes Tropicales – cada una de las cuales contiene una excepcional diversidad y endemismo de aves y otros organismos. Reunimos datos desde 1998–99 y 2004–11 en la Estación Biológica Bilsa (una reserva privada de 3500 hectáreas), en varias fincas, fragmentos forestales y comunidades distribuidas a través de la parte central de REMACH. En estos sitios utilizamos observaciones (registros auditivos y visuales), grabaciones de audio, redes de niebla, puntos de conteo y fotografías. Se registraron 360 especies de aves (263 géneros, 51 familias), incluyendo 57 especies amenazadas de la Lista Roja de Ecuador, 14 de las cuales también se encuentran amenazadas a nivel mundial; 23 especies endémicas ‘rango restringido’ (15 y 8 Tumbes y Chocó ), y 16 especies migratorias. Se registró evidencia reproductiva en 130 especies, y documentamos dos picos bien definidos de reproducción, los que corresponden a las estaciones seca y lluviosa. Nuestros resultados proponen que REMACH representa una zona importante de transición entre las zonas biogeográficas del Chocó y Tumbes, por lo tal debe ser considerada una prioridad para la conservación de la avifauna y otros taxones

The ecology and vocalisations of Banded Ground-Cuckoo Neomorphus radiolosus

El Cuco-Hormiguero Franjeado Neomorphus radiolosus es un ave rara, con problemas de conservación y cuya información sobre comportamiento y biología es deficiente. Cualquier dato adicional en este aspecto representa un instrumento importante para su conservación. Presentamos nuevos datos sobre su compartamiento en base a individuos observados en la Estación Biológica Jatun Sacha Bilsa, Esmeraldas, Ecuador, y la Reserva El Pangan, Nariño, Colombia

Landscape science: a Russian geographical tradition

The Russian geographical tradition of landscape science (landshaftovedenie) is analyzed with particular reference to its initiator, Lev Semenovich Berg (1876-1950). The differences between prevailing Russian and Western concepts of landscape in geography are discussed, and their common origins in German geographical thought in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are delineated. It is argued that the principal differences are accounted for by a number of factors, of which Russia's own distinctive tradition in environmental science deriving from the work of V. V. Dokuchaev (1846-1903), the activities of certain key individuals (such as Berg and C. O. Sauer), and the very different social and political circumstances in different parts of the world appear to be the most significant. At the same time it is noted that neither in Russia nor in the West have geographers succeeded in specifying an agreed and unproblematic understanding of landscape, or more broadly in promoting a common geographical conception of human-environment relationships. In light of such uncertainties, the latter part of the article argues for closer international links between the variant landscape traditions in geography as an important contribution to the quest for sustainability

Adaptive responses of animals to climate change are most likely insufficient

Biological responses to climate change have been widely documented across taxa and regions, but it remains unclear whether species are maintaining a good match between phenotype and environment, i.e. whether observed trait changes are adaptive. Here we reviewed 10,090 abstracts and extracted data from 71 studies reported in 58 relevant publications, to assess quantitatively whether phenotypic trait changes associated with climate change are adaptive in animals. A meta-analysis focussing on birds, the taxon best represented in our dataset, suggests that global warming has not systematically affected morphological traits, but has advanced phenological traits. We demonstrate that these advances are adaptive for some species, but imperfect as evidenced by the observed consistent selection for earlier timing. Application of a theoretical model indicates that the evolutionary load imposed by incomplete adaptive responses to ongoing climate change may already be threatening the persistence of species

International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research Comments on the American Society of Clinical Oncology Value Framework

As members of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, we read with great interest the new American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conceptual framework to assess the value of cancer treatment options.1 We applaud the Value in Cancer Care Task Force for proposing a conceptual framework to support clinicians and patients in assessing the value of new cancer treatments. We acknowledge the challenges facing clinician–patient decision making, particularly concerning cancer treatments. Like ASCO, we recognize that the cost of treatments is increasingly being placed on patients through cost sharing and that engaging patients as part of making individual treatment decisions is of high importance. The ASCO framework highlights the growing tension among patients, insurance companies, and product manufacturers in a dynamic health care environment. In that light, the framework deserves a field test, and we look forward to seeing the outcome of that experience. We also appreciate the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions on the ASCO framework at this early stage, and our membership stands ready to support ASCO in future enhancements

Photonic band gaps and defect states induced by excitations of Bose-Einstein condensates in optical lattices

We study the interaction of a Bose-Einstein condensate, which is confined in an optical lattice, with a largely detuned light field propagating through the condensate. If the condensate is in its ground state it acts as a periodic dielectric and gives rise to photonic band gaps at optical frequencies. The band structure of the combined system of condensed lattice-atoms and photons is studied by using the concept of polaritons. If elementary excitations of the condensate are present, they will produce defect states inside the photonic band gaps. The frequency of localized defect states is calculated using the Koster-Slater model.Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure, RevTe