La Avifauna de la región de las Altas Montañas de Veracruz, México

Objective: In the region, no formal studies are systematizing the total richness of bird species, the data here presented has been generated by the authors though several observation initiatives; as well as publications and materials for its diffusion. The main objective is to announce the ornithological richness, an overview of its situation, the activities carried out to encourage its knowledge, conservation, and the troubles faced Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review, observations, and auditive records of birds were conducted in situ, following Ralph et al. techniques in the nine types of vegetation encompassed in the region, added with the revision of National Collection of Birds from UNAM and CONABIO databases. Results: We report 515 bird species, 119 are under risk, 79% were in situ records, and 21% from additional sources. 50 species have some endemism status, 14 have shown expansion in their distribution, 65.2% are residents and 34.8% have some migrant status. Finally, eight different problems affecting birds are here reported. Limitations on study/implications: Have no in situ records of birds in 12 municipalities of the region due to a scarce relationship with authorities and lack of budget Findings/conclusions: The ornithological richness encompassing here holds 71.6% of the state. It is necessary to expand the monitoring effort in 12 municipalities where there are no bird data records. The region is ideal for avitourism, especially as it has the widest altitude gradient, not only in Mexico but in North and Central America.Objetivo: En la región de las Altas Montañas de Veracruz no existen estudios formales que sistematicen la riqueza total de especies de aves, a pesar de que en ella se ubican Áreas de Importancia para la Conservación de las Aves y Áreas Naturales Protegidas (federales y estatales); en la región se cuenta con una red de monitoreo comunitario de aves y los autores recientemente han originado diversas publicaciones y materiales para la difusión de la avifauna de la región. El objetivo principal es dar a conocer la riqueza ornitológica de la región, un panorama de su situación y su problemática, así como las actividades que se están realizando para impulsar su conocimiento y conservación. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se llevó a cabo una revisión bibliográfica, observaciones y registros auditivos de aves in situ siguiendo la técnica de búsqueda intensiva de Ralph et al., en los nueve tipos de vegetación presentes en la región, así como también se revisó la base de datos de CONABIO-AVER-AVES y la Colección Nacional de Aves de la UNAM. Resultados: Se obtuvo una riqueza de 514 especies, de las cuales, el 79% fueron especies registradas in situ y el 21% de otras fuentes; 50 especies presentan algún estatus de endemismo, 14 muestran ampliación en su distribución, así como también se reportan ocho diferentes problemáticas que afectan a las aves. El 65.2% de las especies registradas se consideran residentes y el 34.8% muestran algún estatus de migración. Del total de especies, 119 se encuentran en alguna lista de especies en riesgo. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: El no contar con registros in situ de 12 de los municipios debido a la poca relación con las autoridades y la falta de presupuesto. Conclusiones: La riqueza ornitológica de la región de las Altas Montañas abarca el 71.6% de las especies registradas para el estado de Veracruz. Los resultados indican que se debe ampliar el esfuerzo de monitoreo en 12 de 57 municipios de la región, donde no se tienen registros de datos ornitológicos, es decir, siguen inexplorados desde el punto de visto ornitológico. Por otra parte, tomando en cuenta esta gran riqueza de aves, la región tiene un alto potencial para el aviturismo, dado el amplio gradiente altitudinal que presenta, uno de los más amplios, no solo de México, sino de Norte y Centroamérica

Complex evolutionary history of the Mexican stoneroller Campostoma ornatum Girard, 1856 (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Studies of the phylogeography of Mexican species are steadily revealing genetic patterns shared by different species, which will help to unravel the complex biogeographic history of the region. <it>Campostoma ornatum </it>is a freshwater fish endemic to montane and semiarid regions in northwest Mexico and southern Arizona. Its wide range of distribution and the previously observed morphological differentiation between populations in different watersheds make this species a useful model to investigate the biogeographic role of the Sierra Madre Occidental and to disentangle the actions of Pliocene tecto-volcanic processes <it>vs </it>Quaternary climatic change. Our phylogeographic study was based on DNA sequences from one mitochondrial gene (<it>cytb</it>, 1110 bp, n = 285) and two nuclear gene regions (S7 and RAG1, 1822 bp in total, n = 56 and 43, respectively) obtained from 18 to 29 localities, in addition to a morphological survey covering the entire distribution area. Such a dataset allowed us to assess whether any of the populations/lineages sampled deserve to be categorised as an evolutionarily significant unit.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found two morphologically and genetically well-differentiated groups within <it>C. ornatum</it>. One is located in the northern river drainages (Yaqui, Mayo, Fuerte, Sonora, Casas Grandes, Santa Clara and Conchos) and another one is found in the southern drainages (Nazas, Aguanaval and Piaxtla). The split between these two lineages took place about 3.9 Mya (CI = 2.1-5.9). Within the northern lineage, there was strong and significant inter-basin genetic differentiation and also several secondary dispersal episodes whit gene homogenization between drainages. Interestingly, three divergent mitochondrial lineages were found in sympatry in two northern localities from the Yaqui river basin.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results indicate that there was isolation between the northern and southern phylogroups since the Pliocene, which was related to the formation of the ancient Nazas River paleosystem, where the southern group originated. Within groups, a complex reticulate biogeographic history for <it>C. ornatum </it>populations emerges, following the taxon pulse theory and mainly related with Pliocene tecto-volcanic processes. In the northern group, several events of vicariance promoted by river or drainage isolation episodes were found, but within both groups, the phylogeographic patterns suggest the occurrence of several events of river capture and fauna interchange. The Yaqui River supports the most diverse populations of <it>C. ornatum</it>, with several events of dispersal and isolation within the basin. Based on our genetic results, we defined three ESUs within <it>C. ornatum </it>as a first attempt to promote the conservation of the evolutionary processes determining the genetic diversity of this species. They will likely be revealed as a valuable tool for freshwater conservation policies in northwest Mexico, where many environmental problems concerning the use of water have rapidly arisen in recent decades.</p

Shrike predation on the lizard Mesalina adramitana in Qatar; a review of reported reptile and amphibian prey

We report, for the first time, evidence of predation by a shrike (Lanius sp.) on the lizard Mesalina adramitana. This is the first record of predation by shrikes on lizards in Qatar. Whilst we did not directly observe the event, the presence of shrikes in the area and the method of impalement indicate shrikes as the predator. The lizard was found freshly impaled on a palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera), at 150 cm above ground. Bird species of the genus Lanius are well-known predators of lizards, and in arid environments reptiles are likely common prey for these birds. We provide a review of literature concerning predatory events by shrikes on reptiles and amphibians. We suggest inspection of shrubs for animals impaled by shrikes can improve biodiversity inventories, complementing other commonly used methods