2007 Symposium Announcement

The fungal genera Metarhizium and Beauveria are considered as both entomopathogens and endophytes; they are able to colonize a wide variety of plants and can cause increased plant growth and protect plants against pests. In view of the need for new biological methods for plant protection and how promising and little studied candidates entomopathogens are, the aim of this research was to evaluate the potential of two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii (ESALQ 1622) and Beauveria bassiana (ESALQ 3375) to suppress spider mite Tetranychus urticae population growth and ability to promote growth of bean plants Phaseolus vulgaris after seed treatment, in order to develop an innovative strategy by using these fungi as inoculants to improve both spider mites control and plant growth and yield. In addition, behavioral responses and predation rates of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis towards fungal treated plants and spider mites from these plants were also evaluated in leaf disc assays to assess potential conflicting effects of the fungal inoculations on overall pest control at higher trophic levels. Seed inoculations by the two isolates of M. robertsii and B. bassiana were done individually and in combinations to evaluate potential benefits of co-inoculants. The results showed a significant reduction in T. urticae populations and improved plant development when inoculated with M. robertsii and B. bassiana individually and in combination. The predatory mite P. persimilis showed no difference in the predation rate on T. urticae from treated and untreated plants even though the predators were most likely to feed on spider mites from fungal treated plants during the first half of the trial, and on spider mites from control plants during the remainder of the trial. Overall, the two fungal isolates have potential as seed inoculants to suppress spider mites in bean and the strategy appears to have no conflict with use of predatory mites. Co-inoculation of both fungal isolates showed no additional benefits compared to single isolate applications under the given test conditions

Diversidade de Orchidaceae da fazenda Cantagalo, município de Mogi-Mirim, São Paulo

This work aimed to perform the floristic survey of the Orchidaceae Family in Cerrado area, on the Cantagalo Farm, county of Mogi-Mirim, SP, Brazil. The methodology used was the demarcation of 20 parts of 20 X 10 m, for the isolated fragment, riverine forest and paludose forest existing in the area, adding up to 12,000 m² of study area. The species of the orchids found were registered and the collected material was herborized, according to the usual procedures. The identification took place through consultation of classical orchidologic works. The material collected was incorporated in the collection of the Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS. The species were also classified in ecological categories according to their relation to the substract. By the end of the survey, 14 species were identified distributed in 13 genus, which were presented with their abundance for the studied habitats. Among the species found, we can highlight Vanilla planifolia for its habit, Sophronitis cernua for its abundance and  Oeceoclades maculata and Trichocentrum pumilum for the occurrence.O presente trabalho objetivou realizar o levantamento florístico da Família Orchidaceae em área de Cerrado, na Fazenda Catagalo, município de Mogi-Mirim, SP. Brasil. A metodologia empregada foi à demarcação de 20 parcelas de 20 X 10 m, para o fragmento isolado, mata ribeirinha e mata paludosa existentes na área, totalizando 12.000 m² de área de estudo. As espécies de orquídeas encontradas foram registradas e o material coletado foi herborizado, conforme os procedimentos usuais. A identificação ocorreu pela consulta de obras orquidológicas clássicas. O material coletado foi incorporado na coleção do Herbário do Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS. As espécies também foram classificadas em categorias ecológicas conforme sua relação com substrato. Ao final do levantamento foram identificadas 14 espécies distribuídas em 13 gêneros, as quais foram apresentadas com suas abundâncias para os habitats estudados. Entre as espécies encontradas destacaram-se Vanilla planifolia pelo hábito, Sophronitis cernua pela abundância e Oeceoclades maculata e Trichocentrum pumilum pela ocorrência

Efeitos da utilização de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes no crescimento de plantas e controle de pragas

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) of the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria are able to endophytically colonize a wide variety of plant species, providing protection against arthropod pests; besides increasing the plant development; and act as phytopathogen antagonists. The main objective of the present project was to evaluate the potential of entomopathogenic fungi as plant inoculants against the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae and the effects on plant growth promotion. Tritrophic effects were also studied, by evaluating prey consumption and feeding behavior of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. The evaluated strategy has several potential benefits compared to the sole use of EPF as contact biocontrol agents, as it may control both pests and phytopathogens; be compatible with other natural enemies; provide limited exposure of fungal propagules to adverse environmental conditions, and accelerate seed emergence and plant growth. Considering this, the effects of seed inoculation using two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana were evaluated at University of Copenhagen, Denmark, on plant development (i.e. biomass and yield) and T. urticae population growth in a model system with bean plants under greenhouse conditions. Effects on feeding performance of P. persimilis were also studied in laboratory conditions. In Brazil, inoculation studies with EPF were conducted at ESALQ/USP with strawberry plants in greenhouse conditions and in the field in four commercial production areas of strawberries in Atibaia-SP and Senador Amaral-MG. In greenhouse studies, the effects of 15 isolates of Metarhizium spp., 5 isolates of B. bassiana and 5 of Cordyceps (= Isaria) fumosorosea were studied, whereas in the commercial area one isolate of Metarhizium and Beauveria was used. Strawberry roots were inoculated by submersion in fungal suspensions, and the population growth of spider mites, while plants development was assessed by measuring root lengths, biomass of roots and leaves, and the strawberry fruit weight. The results showed a significant reduction in T. urticae population and in general better plant development in both crops. The production of string beans and strawberry fruits were higher in inoculated plants than in non-inoculated plants. There was no difference in predation rate and feeding behavior of the predator mite P. persimilis towards T. urticae from fungal inoculated and uninoculated plants. In the commercial strawberry production areas there were significantly lower populations of T. urticae and fewer symptoms of plant diseases on plants in the fungal treated beds compared to plants in untreated beds. The results of this project bring a new perspective on the use of Metarhizium and Beauveria as plant protecting agents revealing that the use of entomopathogenic fungi as plant inoculants may be a promising strategy.Fungos entomopatogênicos dos gêneros Metarhizium e Beauveria são capazes de colonizar endofiticamente uma ampla variedade de espécies de plantas e conferir à estas, proteção contra artrópodes pragas; além de acelerar o seu desenvolvimento; e atuar como antagonistas de fitopatógenos. O objetivo geral deste projeto foi avaliar o potencial de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes contra o ácaro rajado Tetranychus urticae e seus efeitos na promoção de crescimento de plantas. O efeito tri-trófico no consumo e comportamento alimentar do ácaro predador Phytoseiulus persimilis também foi estudado. A estratégia avaliada traz vários potenciais benefícios comparado ao uso exclusivo de fungos entomopatogênicos como agentes de controle biológico de contato, como o controle duplo de pragas e fitopatógenos; compatibilidade com outros inimigos naturais; menor exposição de propágulos às condições ambientais adversas, além de acelerar a emergência de sementes e o crescimento de plantas. Diante disso, os efeitos da inoculação de sementes usando dois isolados de Metarhizium robertsii e Beauveria bassiana foram avaliados na Universidade de Copenhagen, Dinamarca, na promoção de crescimento das plantas (biomassa e produção) e no crescimento populacional de T. urticae em um sistema modelo com plantas de feijão em casa-de-vegetação. Efeitos no comportamento alimentar de P. persimilis foram também estudados em condições de laboratório. No Brasil, estudos foram conduzidos na ESALQ/USP com plantas de morangueiro em casa-de-vegetação e em quatro áreas de produção comercial de morangueiro em Atibaia-SP e Senador Amaral-MG. Nos estudos em casa-de-vegetação, os efeitos de 15 isolados de Metarhizium spp., 5 de B. bassiana e 5 de Cordyceps (= Isaria) fumosorosea foram estudados, enquanto em área comercial um isolado de Metarhizium e Beauveria foram utilizados. Raízes de morangueiro foram inoculadas por imersão em suspensões fúngicas, e foram avaliados o crescimento populacional do ácaro rajado e o desenvolvimento das plantas, quantificando o comprimento de raiz, biomassa de raiz e de parte aérea, e massa de frutos de morango. Os resultados mostraram redução significativa na população de T. urticae e em geral melhor desenvolvimento das plantas nas duas culturas. A produção de vagens em plantas de feijão e de frutos de morango foram superiores nas plantas inoculadas em relação às não inoculadas. Não se observou diferenças na taxa de predação e comportamento alimentar do ácaro predador P. persimilis quando oferecidos T. urticae provenientes de plantas inoculadas e não inoculadas. Em campo foram observadas populações significativamente menores de T. urticae e menos sintomas de doenças nas plantas inoculadas com os fungos, comparado às plantas não inoculadas. Os resultados obtidos por este projeto trazem uma nova perspectiva do uso de Metarhizium e Beauveria como agentes protetores de plantas revelando que a utilização de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes pode ser uma estratégia promissora

Spatial distribution, effect of post-harvest management of straw and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) application in the occurrence of Sphenophorus levis Vaurie, 1978 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in sugarcane

O Brasil é o maior produtor de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.) do mundo e a cultura continua em expansão na safra 2014/15. A expansão das áreas de plantio de cana-de-açúcar e o sistema de colheita mecanizada de cana crua tem levado ao aumento proporcional de inúmeras pragas da cultura, destacando-se o bicudo da cana, Sphenophorus levis, considerado praga primária e limitante da cultura. Inicialmente, essa espécie foi considerada restrita a região de Piracicaba, mas desde 2010 foi encontrada nos estados de São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso e Goiás. Suas larvas abrem galerias nos rizomas, causando danos diretos nos tecidos dos colmos, sobretudo nas épocas mais secas do ano, o que ocasiona a morte das touceiras, falhas na rebrota, além de promover danos indiretos, como o aumento do número de plantas invasoras que competem com a cultura. Os métodos químico, mecânico, cultural e biológico já foram testados até o momento, no entanto, o sucesso no seu controle ainda não foi obtido e a população dessa praga continua crescendo e se tornando mais constante nos canaviais pelo Brasil. Dessa forma, estudar estratégias para a melhoria do manejo de S. levis é fundamental para o estabelecimento de métodos de controle eficientes no contexto do MIP. Diante disso, objetivou-se com esse trabalho: 1) Determinar a distribuição espacial e a flutuação populacional de S. levis; 2) Testar o manejo da palha pós-colheita nas linhas de plantio na ocorrência de S. levis e; 3) Avaliar a eficácia da aplicação de Beauveria bassiana na população de S. levis. Em relação à flutuação populacional de S. levis foi observada uma elevação linear da última quinzena de outubro para a primeira de novembro, com queda subsequente e, aumento populacional maior à partir da última quinzena de dezembro. O pico populacional se deu no mês de março, seguido por uma rápida redução a partir de abril. A proporção de fêmeas foi similar a de machos em todos os tratamentos. Os dados sugerem que não houve efeito dos tratamentos na distribuição de adultos do bicudo. Os resultados da flutuação populacional, da distribuição de frequência e distribuição espacial se complementam, pois, em hipótese, a distribuição dos adultos está diretamente relacionada com a flutuação populacional, uma vez que em altas densidades a distribuição foi agregada. Além disso, as estratégias de afastamento da palha da linha de plantio não interferiram nos níveis de infestação de S. levis, quando comparado ao tratamento que não houve manejo da palha e, essa tática utilizada conjuntamente à aplicação de B. bassiana também não influenciou na densidade populacional de adultos de S. levis no período avaliado. Diante disso, concluiu-se que a distribuição de S. levis em cana-de-açúcar apresenta o padrão agregado em altas densidades populacionais; o manejo da palha entre as linhas de cana-de-açúcar não reduz a densidade populacional de S. levis em locais com elevado histórico de infestação e, são necessários mais estudos para ajustar a dose de B. bassiana adequada e eficaz no controle de S. levis.Brazil is the world\'s largest sugarcane producer and the cultivated area continues to expand in 2014/2015 season. This expansion, along with the mechanical harvesting of green sugarcane leads to a proportional increase in the number of crop pests, especially the sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis, considered a primary and limiting pest in this crop. Initially, this species was restricted to the Piracicaba region, however, since 2010 it has been found in several regions of São Paulo State, and also in other states in the country, such as Minas Gerais, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Goiás. The larvae penetrate the basal part of the plants and the rhizomes, building irregular galleries and causing damage to stem tissues, mainly in the driest season, leading to the death of clumps, failures in regrowth and, consequently, indirect damage due to the increase in the incidence of invasive plants that compete with the crop. Chemical, mechanical, cultural and biological methods have already been tested, however, the success in pest control has not yet been achieved and the population of S. levis continues to grow, becoming more constant in Brazilian sugarcane fields. Thus, the study of strategies to enhance the management of S. levis is essential to adopt effective control methods in the IPM framework. In this sense, this study aims to: 1) Determine the spatial distribution and population dynamics of S. levis; 2) Evaluate the postharvest management of straw on planting rows in occurrence of S. levis and; 3) Evaluate the efficacy of B. bassiana application in the S. levis population in sugarcane. Concerning population dynamics of S. levis, it was observed a linear increase beginning in the last quarter of October until November, with a subsequent decrease and, a highest population increase was observed in the last half of December. The population peak occurred in March, followed by a fast decline in early April. The proportion of females to males was similar in all treatments. The data suggest that there was no effect of treatments on the distribution of adult weevils. The results of population dynamics, frequency distribution and spatial distribution are complementary, because, hypothetically, the distribution of adults is directly related to population dynamics, since at high densities the distribution was aggregated. In addition, strategies for straw management in the planting row did not affect the infestation levels of S. levis and this procedure along with the addition of B. bassiana did not influence population density of adults during the study period. Hence, it is concluded that the distribution of S. levis in sugarcane exhibits an aggregated pattern at high population densities. Straw management between the cane rows does not reduce population density of S. levis in areas with high historical infestation. Therefore, further studies are needed to adjust the appropriate and effective concentration of B. bassiana in the control of S. levis

Efeitos da utilização de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes no crescimento de plantas e controle de pragas

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) of the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria are able to endophytically colonize a wide variety of plant species, providing protection against arthropod pests; besides increasing the plant development; and act as phytopathogen antagonists. The main objective of the present project was to evaluate the potential of entomopathogenic fungi as plant inoculants against the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae and the effects on plant growth promotion. Tritrophic effects were also studied, by evaluating prey consumption and feeding behavior of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. The evaluated strategy has several potential benefits compared to the sole use of EPF as contact biocontrol agents, as it may control both pests and phytopathogens; be compatible with other natural enemies; provide limited exposure of fungal propagules to adverse environmental conditions, and accelerate seed emergence and plant growth. Considering this, the effects of seed inoculation using two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana were evaluated at University of Copenhagen, Denmark, on plant development (i.e. biomass and yield) and T. urticae population growth in a model system with bean plants under greenhouse conditions. Effects on feeding performance of P. persimilis were also studied in laboratory conditions. In Brazil, inoculation studies with EPF were conducted at ESALQ/USP with strawberry plants in greenhouse conditions and in the field in four commercial production areas of strawberries in Atibaia-SP and Senador Amaral-MG. In greenhouse studies, the effects of 15 isolates of Metarhizium spp., 5 isolates of B. bassiana and 5 of Cordyceps (= Isaria) fumosorosea were studied, whereas in the commercial area one isolate of Metarhizium and Beauveria was used. Strawberry roots were inoculated by submersion in fungal suspensions, and the population growth of spider mites, while plants development was assessed by measuring root lengths, biomass of roots and leaves, and the strawberry fruit weight. The results showed a significant reduction in T. urticae population and in general better plant development in both crops. The production of string beans and strawberry fruits were higher in inoculated plants than in non-inoculated plants. There was no difference in predation rate and feeding behavior of the predator mite P. persimilis towards T. urticae from fungal inoculated and uninoculated plants. In the commercial strawberry production areas there were significantly lower populations of T. urticae and fewer symptoms of plant diseases on plants in the fungal treated beds compared to plants in untreated beds. The results of this project bring a new perspective on the use of Metarhizium and Beauveria as plant protecting agents revealing that the use of entomopathogenic fungi as plant inoculants may be a promising strategy.Fungos entomopatogênicos dos gêneros Metarhizium e Beauveria são capazes de colonizar endofiticamente uma ampla variedade de espécies de plantas e conferir à estas, proteção contra artrópodes pragas; além de acelerar o seu desenvolvimento; e atuar como antagonistas de fitopatógenos. O objetivo geral deste projeto foi avaliar o potencial de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes contra o ácaro rajado Tetranychus urticae e seus efeitos na promoção de crescimento de plantas. O efeito tri-trófico no consumo e comportamento alimentar do ácaro predador Phytoseiulus persimilis também foi estudado. A estratégia avaliada traz vários potenciais benefícios comparado ao uso exclusivo de fungos entomopatogênicos como agentes de controle biológico de contato, como o controle duplo de pragas e fitopatógenos; compatibilidade com outros inimigos naturais; menor exposição de propágulos às condições ambientais adversas, além de acelerar a emergência de sementes e o crescimento de plantas. Diante disso, os efeitos da inoculação de sementes usando dois isolados de Metarhizium robertsii e Beauveria bassiana foram avaliados na Universidade de Copenhagen, Dinamarca, na promoção de crescimento das plantas (biomassa e produção) e no crescimento populacional de T. urticae em um sistema modelo com plantas de feijão em casa-de-vegetação. Efeitos no comportamento alimentar de P. persimilis foram também estudados em condições de laboratório. No Brasil, estudos foram conduzidos na ESALQ/USP com plantas de morangueiro em casa-de-vegetação e em quatro áreas de produção comercial de morangueiro em Atibaia-SP e Senador Amaral-MG. Nos estudos em casa-de-vegetação, os efeitos de 15 isolados de Metarhizium spp., 5 de B. bassiana e 5 de Cordyceps (= Isaria) fumosorosea foram estudados, enquanto em área comercial um isolado de Metarhizium e Beauveria foram utilizados. Raízes de morangueiro foram inoculadas por imersão em suspensões fúngicas, e foram avaliados o crescimento populacional do ácaro rajado e o desenvolvimento das plantas, quantificando o comprimento de raiz, biomassa de raiz e de parte aérea, e massa de frutos de morango. Os resultados mostraram redução significativa na população de T. urticae e em geral melhor desenvolvimento das plantas nas duas culturas. A produção de vagens em plantas de feijão e de frutos de morango foram superiores nas plantas inoculadas em relação às não inoculadas. Não se observou diferenças na taxa de predação e comportamento alimentar do ácaro predador P. persimilis quando oferecidos T. urticae provenientes de plantas inoculadas e não inoculadas. Em campo foram observadas populações significativamente menores de T. urticae e menos sintomas de doenças nas plantas inoculadas com os fungos, comparado às plantas não inoculadas. Os resultados obtidos por este projeto trazem uma nova perspectiva do uso de Metarhizium e Beauveria como agentes protetores de plantas revelando que a utilização de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes pode ser uma estratégia promissora

Root inoculation of strawberry with the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana reduces incidence of the twospotted spider mite and selected insect pests and plant diseases in the field

The effect of inoculation of strawberry roots by two entomopathogenic fungal isolates, Metarhizium robertsii (ESALQ 1622) and Beauveria bassiana (ESALQ 3375), on naturally occurring arthropod pests and plant diseases was investigated in four commercial strawberry fields during two growing seasons in Brazil. Three locations represented open-field production while strawberries were grown in low tunnels at the fourth location. Population responses of predatory mites to the fungal treatments were also assessed. Plants inoculated by the fungal isolates resulted in significantly fewer Tetranychus urticae adults compared to control plants at all four locations. The mean cumulative numbers ± SE of T. urticae per leaflet were: M. robertsii (225.6 ± 59.32), B. bassiana (206.5 ± 51.48) and control (534.1 ± 115.55) at the three open-field locations, while at the location with tunnels numbers were: M. robertsii (79.7 ± 10.02), B. bassiana (107.7 ± 26.85) and control (207.4 ± 49.90). Plants treated with B. bassiana had 50% fewer leaves damaged by Coleoptera, while there were no effects on numbers of whiteflies and thrips. Further, lower proportions of leaflets with symptoms of the foliar plant pathogenic fungi Mycosphaerella fragariae and Pestalotia longisetula were observed in the M. robertsii (4.6% and 1.3%)- and B. bassiana (6.1% and 1.3%)-treated plots compared to control plots (9.8% and 3.7%). No effect was seen on numbers of naturally occurring predatory mites. Our results suggest that both isolates tested may be used as root inoculants of strawberries to protect against foliar pests, particularly spider mites, and also against foliar plant pathogenic fungi without harming naturally occurring and beneficial predatory mites.acceptedVersio

Fungal isolate and crop cultivar influence the beneficial effects of root inoculation with entomopathogenic fungi in strawberry

BACKGROUND Root inoculations of crop plants with beneficial fungi constitute a promising strategy for growth promotion and control of above‐ground pests and diseases. Here, strawberry roots (cultivar ‘Albion’ and ‘Pircinque’) were inoculated with 25 different Brazilian entomopathogenic fungal isolates of three genera and the effects on Tetranychus urticae oviposition and plant growth were evaluated in greenhouse experiments. RESULTS Reductions in the number of T. urticae eggs compared to control treatments were observed on both cultivars inoculated with almost all isolates. For the cultivar ‘Albion’, Metarhizium anisopliae (ESALQ 1604, ESALQ 1669), M. robertsii (ESALQ 1622, ESALQ 1635), Metarhizium sp. Indet. (ESALQ 1684) and Beauveria bassiana (ESALQ 3323) increased dry weight of roots and leaves, and fruit yield, while M. robertsii (ESALQ 1634), Metarhizium sp. Indet. (ESALQ 1637) and (ESALQ 1636) enhanced fruit yield and dry weight of leaves, respectively. For the cultivar ‘Pircinque’, M. anisopliae (ESALQ 1669) was the only isolate observed to increase dry weight of roots. CONCLUSION The results suggest that inoculation of strawberry roots with entomopathogenic fungi may be an innovative strategy for pest management above ground. Furthermore, these inoculations may also stimulate plant growth and strawberry production, but the effects depend on fungal strains and crop cultivar.acceptedVersio

Root inoculation of strawberry with the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana reduces incidence of the twospotted spider mite and selected insect pests and plant diseases in the field

The effect of inoculation of strawberry roots by two entomopathogenic fungal isolates, Metarhizium robertsii (ESALQ 1622) and Beauveria bassiana (ESALQ 3375), on naturally occurring arthropod pests and plant diseases was investigated in four commercial strawberry fields during two growing seasons in Brazil. Three locations represented open-field production while strawberries were grown in low tunnels at the fourth location. Population responses of predatory mites to the fungal treatments were also assessed. Plants inoculated by the fungal isolates resulted in significantly fewer Tetranychus urticae adults compared to control plants at all four locations. The mean cumulative numbers ± SE of T. urticae per leaflet were: M. robertsii (225.6 ± 59.32), B. bassiana (206.5 ± 51.48) and control (534.1 ± 115.55) at the three open-field locations, while at the location with tunnels numbers were: M. robertsii (79.7 ± 10.02), B. bassiana (107.7 ± 26.85) and control (207.4 ± 49.90). Plants treated with B. bassiana had 50% fewer leaves damaged by Coleoptera, while there were no effects on numbers of whiteflies and thrips. Further, lower proportions of leaflets with symptoms of the foliar plant pathogenic fungi Mycosphaerella fragariae and Pestalotia longisetula were observed in the M. robertsii (4.6% and 1.3%)- and B. bassiana (6.1% and 1.3%)-treated plots compared to control plots (9.8% and 3.7%). No effect was seen on numbers of naturally occurring predatory mites. Our results suggest that both isolates tested may be used as root inoculants of strawberries to protect against foliar pests, particularly spider mites, and also against foliar plant pathogenic fungi without harming naturally occurring and beneficial predatory mites.acceptedVersio

NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES: a data set on carnivore distribution in the Neotropics

Mammalian carnivores are considered a key group in maintaining ecological health and can indicate potential ecological integrity in landscapes where they occur. Carnivores also hold high conservation value and their habitat requirements can guide management and conservation plans. The order Carnivora has 84 species from 8 families in the Neotropical region: Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Otariidae; Phocidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae. Herein, we include published and unpublished data on native terrestrial Neotropical carnivores (Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae). NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES is a publicly available data set that includes 99,605 data entries from 35,511 unique georeferenced coordinates. Detection/non-detection and quantitative data were obtained from 1818 to 2018 by researchers, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private consultants. Data were collected using several methods including camera trapping, museum collections, roadkill, line transect, and opportunistic records. Literature (peer-reviewed and grey literature) from Portuguese, Spanish and English were incorporated in this compilation. Most of the data set consists of detection data entries (n = 79,343; 79.7%) but also includes non-detection data (n = 20,262; 20.3%). Of those, 43.3% also include count data (n = 43,151). The information available in NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES will contribute to macroecological, ecological, and conservation questions in multiple spatio-temporal perspectives. As carnivores play key roles in trophic interactions, a better understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements are essential to establish conservation management plans and safeguard the future ecological health of Neotropical ecosystems. Our data paper, combined with other large-scale data sets, has great potential to clarify species distribution and related ecological processes within the Neotropics. There are no copyright restrictions and no restriction for using data from this data paper, as long as the data paper is cited as the source of the information used. We also request that users inform us of how they intend to use the data