Abstract.In this study we analyze population dynamics of hantavirus rodent hosts and prevalence of infection over a 2-year period in Southern Brazil, a region with a high incidence of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The 14 small mammal species captured were composed of 10 rodents and four marsupials, the six most abundant species being Akodon serrensis, Oxymycterus judex, Akodon montensis, Akodon paranaensis, Oligoryzomys nigripes, and Thaptomys nigrita. These species displayed a similar pattern with increasing population sizes in fall/winter caused by recruitment and both, increase in reproductive activity and higher hantavirus prevalence in spring/summer. Specific associations between A. montensis/ Jaborá Virus (JABV) and O. nigripes/Juquitiba-like Virus (JUQV-like) and spillover infections between A. paranaensis/ JABV, A. serrensis/JABV, and A. paranaensis/JUQV-like were observed. Spillover infection in secondary hosts seems to play an important role in maintaining JABV and JUQV-like in the hantavirus sylvatic cycle mainly during periods of low prevalence in primary hosts.

Restinga is an ecosystem associated mainly with the Atlantic Forest that can be defined as vegetation of the coastal plain established on sandy soil. This study was carried out in degraded areas of restinga in a Conservation Unit in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, a restoration project was initiated in the area, with implementation of plantings in hexagonal rings and artificial perches. Seedlings were planted in two contrasting situations: sandbanks (dry areas) and depression zones (areas prone to seasonal flooding). The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of seedlings planted in both areas and accompany natural regeneration. We hypothesised that species planted and recruited in depressions should have better survival rates and increments in height (H) and diameter at the ground level (DGL) than the ones planted in sandbanks. Monitoring of planted seedlings was carried out in November 2016. Both communities had similar mortality (c. 50%). Greater increments in H were found for Inga laurina and Schinus terebinthifolia in depressions. Higher increments in DGL were observed especially for I. laurina, Inga vera and S. terebinthifolia with good performance in both areas. In general, seedlings planted in depressions showed greater performances, which can be related to higher water and nutrient availability. The most abundant natural regenerant species were Scoparia dulcis in sandbanks and S. terebinthifolia in depressions. A high number of regenerants was found associated with artificial perches, especially Cynophalla flexuosa, which demonstrates that the technique facilitated regeneration in the area.

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