The peptides present in snake venoms are studied because of their properties, constitutions, mechanisms of action and pharmacological potential. Recognizing this potential, the present study reports the contributions of Brazilian researchers about snake peptides, between 1975 and July 2020. Thus, this study serves as a basis for monitoring this theme in Brazil, referring to the trends and patterns of scientific production. The results indicated a significant increase in Brazilian scientific production over the years, highlighting institutions located in São Paulo state as, the Butantan Institute and University of São Paulo. The main journal where Brazilian authors publish their research is the Toxicon Journal. Collaborative networks were identified between Brazilian institutions and among other countries with Brazil. The most investigated species are found in brazilian territory, mainly those belonging to the genus Bothrops and the species Crotalus durissus. The increase in studies about this theme in Brazil is evident, however, a gap is highlighted for states outside the southeastern region and for other venomous species.
The replacement of natural landscapes by anthropic environments has led to habitat loss and consequently, to the decline and extinction of many species populations. Several strategies, such as the creation of protected areas (PAs) and payment for ecosystem services have been adopted to mitigate the consequences of this biodiversity crisis. In Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil, a Water Producer Program (WPP) was established, which provides payment for ecosystem services for the maintenance of riparian vegetation in the region of the Ribeirão Abóbora, a river which supplies the city and metropolitan area. In the absence of environmental diagnostic studies in the region, this present study contributes to reducing some knowledge gaps, through the: (i) characterization of the landscape in the WPP area, (ii) characterization of species of fauna (amphibians, birds, fish, and medium and large terrestrial mammals) and woody flora that occur in this area, and (iii) comparison of species diversity (fauna and flora) found in our study area with the diversity observed in the Cerrado protected area network. Our results reveal a low native vegetation cover (~21% of total area), but we recorded 300 total species: 20 species of anuran amphibians, 100 birds, 10 fish, 16 terrestrial mammals (medium and large), and 154 woody plants. Our sample comprises species considered endemic to the Cerrado (e.g., Anuran - Barycholos terntezi and Mammal - Callithrix penicillata), threatened species (e.g., Mammals - Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tapirus terrestris), and exotic invasive species (Mammal - Sus scrofa). The results presented in this study are relevant and may help in the proposal of management actions within the scope of this important program of payment for environmental services.
The vocalisations of anurans are one of their principal forms of communication and are mainly used for specific recognition involving the attraction of reproductive mates and territorial defense. In this study, we analysed the advertisement calls of 101 individuals from a population of Scinax fuscomarginatus sampled in the type locality of S. pusillus (currently under the synonymy of S. fuscomarginatus). Specifically, we investigated acoustic variation at several levels: intraindividual, interindividual, throughout the night, and across six breeding seasons by analysing temporal and spectral parameters. We identified that all parameters of the advertisement call can be used for individual recognition, with the maximum frequency having the greatest potential. We then observed that all other acoustic parameters were influenced by the predictor variables, with the exception of maximum frequency. The air temperature negatively influenced call duration, number of pulses, dominant frequency and minimum frequency; while it positively influenced pulse rate and call rate during the breeding season. Furthermore, with the exception of call duration and pulse rate, the other acoustic parameters varied significantly across the different nocturnal periods. This study provides data on the variation in S. fuscomarginatus acoustic features. Besides, we also discuss the implications of individual recognition. Studies that consider different sources of variation for the same population of a given species are uncommon, but of paramount importance for understanding the behavioural dynamics of the population. Keywords: advertisement call, behaviour, individual recognition, sexual-selection
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