Confidentiality and professional secrecy in studies about hunting

In Brazil information about illegal hunting activities is rarely pursued because of a lack of legal mechanisms of confidentiality and professional secrecy that would assure legal rights to the researcher. Without such mechanisms, data collection on illegal hunting can be considered a felony or compliancy where the researcher can suffer the same legal penalties as the illegal hunters themselves. Such procedure is questionable on philosophical, legal and technical grounds. The biological sustainability of hunting - legal or illegal - can only be evaluated by research involving data collection. In order to solve this problem, biologists should have legal rights concerning confidentiality and professional secrecy in research on illegal hunting in Brazil. Lawyers, medical doctors and social scientists already have such legal protection in analogous situations.No Brasil informações sobre atividades ligadas à caça ilegal dificilmente são levantadas em função da falta de um mecanismo legal de confidencialidade e sigilo profissional que assegure ao pesquisador os princípios do direito. Sem isso, tal coleta de dados é passível de ser considerada crime ou cumplicidade criminosa, podendo o pesquisador sofrer as mesmas penalidades legais que os próprios caçadores. Este procedimento é questionável do ponto de vista filosófico, legal e técnico. A sustentabilidade biológica da caça, legal ou ilegal, só poderá ser avaliada por meio de pesquisas sobre o tema, envolvendo coleta de dados. A fim de mudar tal cenário, é necessário que biólogos tenham o direito ao sigilo profissional e à confidencialidade em pesquisas sobre a caça no Brasil. Advogados, médicos e sociólogos já contam com tais precedentes legais em situações análogas.0

Biodiversity in Agricultural Landscapes of Southeastern Brazil

The state of São Paulo, Brazil, is one of the most densely populated and developed areas in South America. Such development is evident both in terms of industrialization and urbanization, as well as in agriculture, which is heavily based on sugar cane, Eucalyptus plantations and livestock. This intense land use has resulted in great alteration of the original land cover and fragmentation of natural ecosystems. For these reasons, it is almost a paradox that jaguar, a species that requires large areas of pristine forest to exist, is still found in some parts of the state of São Paulo. It is possible that wild animals could leave in coexistence with intense land use, or is it the case that such rare encounters with large wild animals in São Paulo will disappear in the near future? All ecologists are aware of the problems of habitat changes caused by humans, but it was not until recent years that researchers started to consider that the land used for production could also serve as an important habitat for many different kinds of wild species. This book is about this new approach to conservation. It also highlights the important role that sciences could and should have in this discussion in order to better understand the problems and propose possible solutions

Population structure of the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) in natural and man-made water bodies associated with a silvicultural landscape

The broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) is a South American crocodilian with a wide geographical distribution. Water bodies originally occupied by the species have suffered extreme anthropogenic pressure; however, the broad-snouted caiman has a high adaptive capacity to colonize man-made habitats such as decanting pounds and artificial reservoirs for agriculture or livestock. In this context, the present study aimed at identifying the population structure of the broad-snouted caiman in a silvicultural landscape in southeastern Brazil. Fifty-two caimans of various classes were captured with baited traps and steel cable snares at night. The estimated population size was 51 individuals. The population density was estimated to be 2.6 individuals/ha with a linear density of 11.3 individuals/km. The intermediate values of linear density estimates herein compared with other areas, suggesting that silvicultural landscapes can be relevant for broadsnouted caiman conservation. Therefore, the role of silvicultural landscapes in crocodilian conservation should be taken into consideration for environmental certification processes related to forestry in the Neotropics.Fil: Marques, Thiago Simon. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Bassetti, Luís Antonio Bochetti. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Lara, Neliton Ricardo Freitas. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Millan, Cristian Honora. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Piña, Carlos Ignacio. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Verdade, Luciano Martins. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Descartes de origem animal e o crescimento e ganho de peso do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo, Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802), em cativeiro

Cost of feeding is the main limiting factor of caiman farming. The use of livestock discards and byproducts as food sources in caiman farms might help solving this problem. On the present study, four different livestock discards were evaluated as food for broad-snouted caimans (Caiman latirostris) on the first year of life. A total number of 120 hatchlings from six different clutches were kept in four tanks inside a greenhouse. The following diets were used: fish, swine, chicken, mixed (fish + swine + chicken, equal proportions). The experimental design was based on nested ANOVA. Weight gain and growth rates of snout-vent length and belly-width were measured and growth models established. The mixed diet resulted in best growth rates and weight gain, but no consistent difference in growth models among diets were detected.O custo da alimentação é o principal fator limitante para a criação de jacarés em cativeiro. O uso de descartes e subprodutos como fontes de alimento em fazendas de criação de jacarés poderá auxiliar a resolver este problema. No presente estudo, quatro diferentes tipos de descartes provenientes da produção animal foram avaliados como alimento para o jacaré-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) durante o primeiro ano de vida. Um total de 120 filhotes provenientes de seis ninhadas foram mantidos em quatro diferentes tanques dentro de uma estufa plástica. As seguintes dietas foram usadas: peixe, suino, frango e mista (peixe + suino + frango em iguais proporções). O delineamento experimental foi de ANOVA por blocos. Ganho de peso e taxas de crescimento do comprimento rostro-anal e da cintura comercial foram medidos e modelos de crescimento foram estabelecidos. A dieta mista resultou em melhores taxas de crescimento e ganho de peso, mas não foram detectadas diferenças consistentes entre as dietas usadas quanto aos modelos de crescimento

Winter survivorship of hatchling broad-snouted caimans (Caiman latirostris) in Argentina

The first life stage of crocodilians is considered the most critical in terms of survival, particularly in regions that have well-defined cold seasons. To estimate this parameter for hatchling broad-snouted caimans, Class I (CI = snout-vent length < 25 cm), we released 36 caimans (18 in 2018, and 18 in 2019) born in captivity that were equipped with VHF radio-transmitters, and we monitored them during each first winter season. We actively searched for the animals during field trips and registered their status as alive, dead, lost transmitter (LT), or radio signal ceased (SC). Due to the occurrence of LT and SC, we proposed eight possible survival scenarios, assuming different combinations of "alive" and "dead" caimans. We analyzed each scenario and compared it between years. In 2018 we found 55.5% dead and 44.5% LT, resulting in survival estimates from 0 to 0.38 according to the scenario. In 2019 we found 50% alive, 33% LT, and 17% SC, with survival varying from 0.5 to 1. Survival in 2019 was higher than in 2018 in all scenarios. Assuming predation was the most plausible cause of LT, with the most likely scenarios estimated 0% survival in 2018 (although the minimum detectable by this methodology is 5%) and 67% in 2019. This information can be helpful for ranching with release programs, as it allows for a better adjustment of the reintroduction rate and opens up the possibility of earlier releases when resources to keep animals in enclosures are scarceFil: Viotto, Evangelina del Valle. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Simoncini, Melina Soledad. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Verdade, Luciano Martins. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Navarro, Joaquin Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Piña, Carlos Ignacio. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentin

Danos causados por capivaras em um campo de milho

Danos causados por capivaras em culturas agrícolas no Brasil têm sido freqüentemente reportados. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e quantificar os danos causados por capivaras em um campo de milho, visando obter informações básicas de quanto, como e onde esse dano ocorre. Através da amostragem sistemática obteve-se que 26% da área plantada foi danificada por capivaras, sendo que a maior porcentagem dos danos localizou-se nas bordas do campo de milho (t=4.5698, p=0.0001). O dano em áreas adjacentes ao fragmento de mata foi significativamente maior do que no restante do terreno (t=13.6198, p=0.0001), sugerindo que a estratégia de utilização da área de alimentação pela capivara relaciona-se com o fator proximidade dos recursos "floresta" e "água". Evitar o plantio de milho em áreas adjacentes a fragmentos florestais utilizados por capivaras e, quando possível adotar práticas de controle populacional, podem significar a redução da ocorrência de danos causados aos agroecossistemas.Damage caused by capybaras in agroecossystems in Brazil has been frequently observed. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the actual damage caused by capybaras in a corn field, aiming to get basic information on how, how much, and where these damage occur. Systematic sampling indicated that 26% of the planted area were damaged by capybaras, and the highest percentage of damage occurred on the border of the corn field (t=4.5698, p=0.0001). Damage in areas adjacent to a forest fragment was significantly higher (t=13.6198, p=0.0001), suggesting that the strategy of area utilization for feeding was related to the proximity of the resources "forest" and "water". Avoiding corn plantation in areas adjacent to forest fragments used by capybaras and, when possible, controlling capybara population may lead to a reduction of damage occurrence in agroecossystems

Home Range and Movement Pattern of the Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris) in a Silviculture Dominated Landscape

Information on the home range and movement patterns of Neotropical crocodilians is scarce for most species, despite being essential for developing management and conservation plans. The broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) is a Neotropical crocodilian with a wide geographical distribution in South America. This species inhabits artificial reservoirs (e.g., small weirs) in silvicultural areas. However, its use of space in such circumstances is still unknown. The present study aims to estimate home range and movement patterns of the broad-snouted caiman in a silviculture-dominated landscape in São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Eight adult caimans (four males and four females) were monitored by radiotelemetry (GPS-UHF system) from February 2010 to October 2011. The collected position points were used to estimate home range sizes and movement patterns. Mean home range size (± SD) of all individuals was 96.6 ± 183.9 ha and 43.2 ± 78.6 ha estimated by Minimum Convex Polygon (MPC) and 95% Kernel Density Estimate methods (KDE), respectively, without difference between the sexes. Individual mean daily movement was 37.6 ± 18.6 m/d, being greater during the reproductive period. The surrounding matrix formed by Eucalyptus plantations was relatively permeable to caiman movement. The present results suggest that the wide variation in the home range size of the broad-snouted caiman could be a result of the space-time distribution of resources and social interactions. Further, variations in environment temperature and reproductive activities can influence the movement pattern of the species. Future studies of crocodilians in agricultural landscapes should prioritize other dimensions possibly related to space use such as agricultural practices of the matrix, water contamination by agrochemicals, and hunting pressures.Fil: Marques, Thiago Simon. Universidade de Sorocaba; BrasilFil: Bassetti, Luís Antonio Bochetti. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Lara, Neliton Ricardo Freitas. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Costa Gonçalves Portelinha, Thiago. Universidade Federal do Tocantins; BrasilFil: Piña, Carlos Ignacio. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentina. Proyecto Yacaré; ArgentinaFil: Verdade, Luciano Martins. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

RELAÇÕES E CONFLITOS NA CONSERVAÇÃO AMBIENTAL DA BACIA DO RIO PASSA-CINCO – SÃO PAULO, BRASIL

Passa-Cinco River drainage basin is located in the mid-west area of São Paulo State and is part of the Corumbataí River watershed, and has local geographic importance due to its high hydric potential. The area looks like an agricultural mosaic, that had a slash and burn history, devastating the native vegetation and the consequences are seen in the reduction of native animals and plants biodiversity and in the hydric capacity. So the Passa-Cinco River region was the chosen spot to investigate this kind of anthropic environment, known as agroecosystem, with agriculture areas, silviculture, cattle raising and small areas of native vegetation, that still helps to maintain fauna diversity. In these circumstances, local people inhabiting this environment are the experts and protagonists that can destroy or preserve biodiversity. Their knowledge is the goal of this investigation, based on ethnobiology concepts; with the aim of producing a mammal and bird inventory at the Passa-Cinco basin, and trying to understand what they think about their environment. We interview 40 rural owners and the results have showed that their knowledge about agroecosystems is more confused so this idea may compromise the practice of conservation.A bacia hidrográfica do Rio Passa-Cinco, localizada na região centro-leste do Estado de São Paulo, faz parte do complexo hidrográfico do Rio Corumbataí e têm importância regional em função do seu potencial hídrico. A região do Rio Passa-Cinco compõe um cenário agrícola bastante diversificado, com um histórico de uso e ocupação que por muitos anos contribuiu para supressão da vegetação nativa original, comprometendo sua manutenção e capacidade hídrica. A região do Rio Passa-Cinco possui o cenário propício para o tipo de investigação sugerida, pois, nesse agroecossistema - com agricultura, silvicultura, pecuária e os reduzidos remanescentes florestais, as populações humanas que habitam e usam são conhecedoras e protagonistas tanto das agressões, como da conservação dessa região. Desta forma, o conhecimento humano local emerge aqui como o objeto da pesquisa apresentada. Onde, através das bases conceituais da etnobiologia, uma área de conhecimento híbrida das ciências antropológicas e das ciências biológicas, buscou sob o olhar do “outro” entender o que eles pensam sobre o meio ambiente nessa bacia. Foram entrevistados 40 proprietários rurais e os resultados revelaram que as cognições que estes têm com o agroecossistema do Rio Passa-Cinco é bastante conturbada, o que pode comprometer a conservação na prática

Temporal dynamics of small mammals in Eucalyptus plantations in Southeast Brazil

The presence of small terrestrial mammals along the commercial cycle of Eucalyptus plantations indicates that silvicultural landscapes can be considered as their habitat. In the present study we evaluated the temporal variation of small terrestrial mammals for more than 10 generations during the first commercial cycle of Eucalyptus in Southeast Brazil. During this period we carried out forty-four monthly campaigns, totaling 10,560 bucket.nights in pitfall traps. Thirteen species (four marsupials and nine rodents) were collected in the Eucalyptus plantations, seven of which (Akodon montensis, Calomys tener, Cryptonanus agricolai, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Necromys lasiurus, Oligoryzomys flavescens, and Oligoryzomys nigripes) persisted for the entire study period. In general, they have an explosive population growth during the first two years of collection followed by a decline in all environments, and an apparent regrowth trend in the fourth year for some species with a trend in dominant species from Cerrado to forest dwellers. Marsupials exhibited a similar trend, but slower and later. The spatio-temporal patterns of variation detected in this study strongly suggest that for most of the remaining species of small rodents and marsupials, silvicultural landscapes have distinct habitats including the Eucalyptus plantations. This means that they should be evaluated in terms of its habitat quality not only its permeability. The perception of the Eucalyptus plantations as habitat should stimulate the development of wildlife-friendly management techniques, which improve their carrying capacity, food web complexity and biological diversity without compromising their primeval mission of biological production.Fil: Verdade, Luciano Martins. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Moral, Rafael de Andrade. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Calaboni, Adriane. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: do Amaral, Marcus V. S. G.. Maynooth University; IrlandaFil: Martin, Paula S.. Itaiti Consultoria Ambiental; BrasilFil: Amorim, Luana S.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Gheler Costa, Carla. Ecologia Aplicada: Pesquisa, Ensino e Serviços Ambientais; BrasilFil: Piña, Carlos Ignacio. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentin