Ichthyofauna of the Mata de Itamacaoca, an urban protected area from the upper Munim River basin, Northern Brazilian Cerrado

The Munim River basin is one of the main river drainages of the Hydrological unit Maranhão, but there are few published studies which focus on ichthyological surveys and taxonomic work within this basin. The present study aims to provide a fish species inventory of the Mata da Itamacaoca, one of the few urban protected areas from the upper Munim River basin, comparing the ichthyofauna with other lists by conducted at the upper Munim River basin. A total of 42 collection expeditions were conducted, the sampling was conducted at five collecting sites distributed within the boundaries of Mata de Itamacaoca, upper Munim River basin. Diversity indices were calculated and generalised linear models (GLMs) were employed to assess differences in species richness, diversity and evenness depending on season and location in relation to the reservoir dam wall. In order to visualize fish community differences, non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and a one-way PERMANOVA was used to understand whether factors of site, season and location to the dam wall had an effect on fish community compositions. A total of six orders, 13 families, and 23 fish species were found, and the order with the highest species richness, considering all reaches, was Characiformes followed by Cichliformes. The most abundant species was Nannostomus beckfordi, while Pimelodella parnahybae and Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus were the rarer species sampled. There were no alien invasive species collected within the study area. Species richness was significantly higher below the dam wall, but there were no other significant differences in diversity indices with regards to season or location. Fish community composition was significantly different above and below the dam wall and was significantly affected by sampling site. Season did not have an effect on fish community. This study corroborates other studies conducted in the Unidade Hidrológica Maranhão sensu Hubbert and Renno (2006), that the ichthyofaunal composition and taxonomy of species within this region face major data deficits, anthropogenic impacts, this study may be a baseline for comparing similar environments throughout the region

Terrestrial behavior in titi monkeys (Callicebus, Cheracebus, and Plecturocebus) : potential correlates, patterns, and differences between genera

For arboreal primates, ground use may increase dispersal opportunities, tolerance to habitat change, access to ground-based resources, and resilience to human disturbances, and so has conservation implications. We collated published and unpublished data from 86 studies across 65 localities to assess titi monkey (Callicebinae) terrestriality. We examined whether the frequency of terrestrial activity correlated with study duration (a proxy for sampling effort), rainfall level (a proxy for food availability seasonality), and forest height (a proxy for vertical niche dimension). Terrestrial activity was recorded frequently for Callicebus and Plecturocebus spp., but rarely for Cheracebus spp. Terrestrial resting, anti-predator behavior, geophagy, and playing frequencies in Callicebus and Plecturocebus spp., but feeding and moving differed. Callicebus spp. often ate or searched for new leaves terrestrially. Plecturocebus spp. descended primarily to ingest terrestrial invertebrates and soil. Study duration correlated positively and rainfall level negatively with terrestrial activity. Though differences in sampling effort and methods limited comparisons and interpretation, overall, titi monkeys commonly engaged in a variety of terrestrial activities. Terrestrial behavior in Callicebus and Plecturocebus capacities may bolster resistance to habitat fragmentation. However, it is uncertain if the low frequency of terrestriality recorded for Cheracebus spp. is a genus-specific trait associated with a more basal phylogenetic position, or because studies of this genus occurred in pristine habitats. Observations of terrestrial behavior increased with increasing sampling effort and decreasing food availability. Overall, we found a high frequency of terrestrial behavior in titi monkeys, unlike that observed in other pitheciids

First record of the vulnerable freshwater fish Lobocheilos falcifer Valenciennes, 1842 (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) in Sumatra, Indonesia

Lobocheilos falcifer (Valenciennes, 1842) is a freshwater fish endemic to the island of Java, Indonesia, and has been assessed as Vulnerable according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature criteria. In May 2022, a male specimen of L. falcifer was collected in the Way Sekampung River, Lampung Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. This represents the first record of this species outside of Java. This new record expanded the species distribution about 300 km to the north, and to an additional island within the Indonesian archipelago. The occurrence of this species on the island of Sumatra likely changes its conservation status; thus, new conservation actions may be more appropriate for the species and its known populations. The presence of L. falcifer on separate islands indicates that biogeographic interpretations of Indonesian fishes may change and highlights the need for urgent study of freshwater biodiversity in the region

First record of Mastacembelus notophthalmus Roberts 1989 (Synbranchiformes: Mastacembelidae) for Belitung Island, Indonesia

This study was conducted aiming to record for the first time the occurrence of Mastacembelus notophthalmus Roberts, 1989 in Belitung Island (Indonesia), and update the geographic distribution of this species. Although this species is categorized as LC according to the IUCN Red List, it is rarely reported in fish inventories, with few specimens sampled. Moreover, data on the geographic distribution, population size, and other population details of M. notophthalmus are scarce and insufficient to predict possible threats and propose appropriate conservation measures and policies. A single specimen of Mastacembelus was collected using a fish trap on 20 February 2023, in a swamp, located in the middle course of the Lenggang River, Belitung Island, Indonesia. This specimen was identified as M. notophthalmus and this finding constitutes the southernmost record for this species, expanding its geographic range. In addition, the new record site is about 700 km south-east of the nearest locality in Peninsular Malaysia, about 250 km south-east of the nearest locality in Bangka Island, about 600 km south-east of the nearest locality in Sumatra, and about 500 km south-west from the nearest locality in Borneo. Better ecological and biological data concerning distribution, habitat, and stressors is crucial to reassess the conservation status of M. notophthalmus, and possible future conservation measures and policies. Therefore, we emphasize here the urgency for more comprehensive and accurate data to facilitate conservation assessments and management in Indonesia

First record of non-native Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther, 1866) (Cyprinodontiformes, 5 Poeciliidae) in the State of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil

During a field expedition in 2020, we recorded specimens of an invasive platy fish, Xiphophorus maculatus, in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. This new occurrence, in the Municipality of São Luis, is only the second time that this non-native species has been found in northeastern Brazil. We provide an updated list of all invasive species recorded from the island of São Luís, highlighting the negative impacts they may confer for the native biodiversity