Aspects of the ecology of Leptodactylus mystacinus and Leptodactylus fuscus were investigated in an area of the Cerrado of Central Brazil. The study included use of microhabitat, activity patterns, diet and, morphometry. Observations were conducted between April, 2006, and February, 2007. The species are sexually dimorphicfemales larger than males -and body size in L. mystacinus is larger than that of L. fuscus. Both species preferred the ground surface (microhabitat) of wetland habitats with herbaceous vegetation close to lentic water bodies. Leptodactylus mystacinus was observed most often in October and November (8:00-8:59 PM and 11:00-11:59 PM), and L. fuscus in November and October between 7:00 PM and 8:59 PM. The diet of both populations was based on Arthropoda, primarily Coleoptera, which was the most important order (IVI). Differences in the volumetric proportions of the categories of then preys used, and in the periods when they were most observed, are probably the factors that contribute the most to the coexistence of both species in the area. Intersexual differences in the diet were observed in both species. These differences were probably associated with the differential allocation of resources to the production of gametes or occasional differences in the use of space by the two sexes. A dieta destas populações foi baseada em Arthropoda, primariamente Coleoptera, a qual foi a mais importante ordem (IVI). Diferenças nas proporções volumétricas das categorias de presas utilizadas, e nos períodos em que são mais observadas, provavelmente sejam os fatores que mais contribuem para a coexistência das duas espécies na área. Diferenças intersexuais na dieta foram observadas para estas espécies. Estas diferenças estão provavelmente associadas à alocação diferencial de recursos para a produção de gametas ou diferenças ocasionais no uso do espaço pelos dois sexos. Palavras-chave: ecologia, dieta, Leptodactylus.

Ecological niche and aspects of the natural history of Phyllomedusa azurea (Anura: Hylidae, Phyllomedusinae) in the Cerrado of Central Brazil. Biota Neotrop. 8(4): http://www.biotaneotropica. org.br/v8n4/en/abstract?article+bn02108042008Abstract: Aspects of the ecology and natural history of Phyllomedusa azurea were investigated in an area of Central Brazilian Cerrado between April, 2006, and February, 2007. Observations were conducted between 6:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The study focused on spatial, temporal, and trophic niches, morphometry and reproduction. Most animals were recorded vocalizing in places dominated by herbaceous vegetation and an open canopy. The main substrates used were bushes and trees, and animals were seen perched most often between 0.5 and 1.0 m of height. Spatial niche breadth was 2.91 and 3.83 for substrate and perch height, respectively. Most animal were sighted close to lentic water bodies, usually up to 0.50 m. It is possible that these characteristics are related primarily to the phylogeny of the genus and secondarily to the specific needs of the species and the local availability of resources. The bushes and trees were used by the species mainly as sites of vocalization and oviposition. Specimens of Phyllomedusa azurea was sighted most frequently between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Estimated temporal niche breadth (activity period) was 4.68. Prolonged reproductive pattern was also observed predominantly in the months with higher temperature and higher humidity (September to February). The diet consisted of eleven items. The most important prey taxon for the females was Orthoptera (IVI = 63), whereas for the males, it was Araneae (IVI = 33). The breadths numeric and volumetric of the trophic niche, was respectively 1.80 and 1.16, for females, and 4.03 and 3.92, for males. Males and females differed in size (SVL) and mass, with the females being larger and heavier. The sizes of smaller reproductive individuals males and females were 34.64 and 40.33 mm, respectively. Differences in size may be related to different investments in reproduction by the two sexes. Keywords: ecology, niche, habitat use, time activity, diet, sexual dimorphism.FREITAS, E.B., DE-CARVALHO, C.B., FARIA, R.G., BATISTA, R.C., BATISTA, C.C., COELHO, W.A., BOCCHIGLIERI, A. Nicho ecológico e aspectos da história natural de Phyllomedusa azurea (Anura: Hylidae, Phyllomedusinae) no Cerrado do Brasil Central. Biota Neotrop. 8(4): http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v8n4/ pt/abstract?article+bn02108042008Resumo: Aspectos da ecologia e da história natural de Phyllomedusa azurea foram estudados em uma área de cerrado do Brasil Central, entre abril de 2006 e fevereiro de 2007. As observações foram realizadas entre as 18:00 e 5:00 h. Os aspectos investigados são referentes aos nichos espacial, temporal e trófico, morfometria e reprodução. A maioria dos animais vocalizou em locais com predominância do estrato herbáceo e de dossel aberto. Os principais substratos utilizados foram arbustos e árvores. Com relação às alturas de empoleiramento, os...

ABSTRACT. Phacellodomus Reichenbach, 1853, comprises nine species of Furnariids that occur in SouthAmerica in open and generally dry areas. This study estimated the geographic distributions of Phacellodomus species in South America by ecological niche modeling. Applying maximum entropy method, models were produced for eight species based on six climatic variables and 949 occurrence records. Since highest climatic suitability for Phacellodomus species has been estimated in open and dry areas, the Amazon rainforest areas are not very suitable for these species. Annual precipitation and minimum temperature of the coldest month are the variables that most influence the models. Phacellodomus species occurred in 35 ecoregions of South America. Chaco and Uruguayan savannas were the ecoregions with the highest number of species. Despite the overall connection of Phacellodomus species with dry areas, species such as P. ruber, P. rufifrons, P. ferrugineigula and P. erythrophthalmus occurred in wet forests and wetland ecoregions.Keywords: Synallaxinae, climatic variables, ecoregions, maxent.Predição das distribuições geográficas das espécies de Phacellodomus (Aves: Furnariidae) na América do Sul utilizando modelagem de nicho ecológico RESUMO. Phacellodomus Reichenbach, 1853 é composto por nove espécies de furnarídeos que ocorrem na América do Sul em áreas abertas e geralmente secas. Este estudo objetivou estimar as distribuições geográficas das espécies de Phacellodomus utilizando modelagem de nicho ecológico. Os modelos foram desenvolvidos com base em seis variáveis climáticas e 949 registros de ocorrência de oito espécies, utilizando o algoritmo Maxent. Maior adequabilidade climática para as espécies de Phacellodomus foi estimada em áreas abertas e secas. Áreas úmidas na Amazônia não foram muito favoráveis para a ocorrência dessas espécies. A precipitação anual e a temperatura mínima do mês mais frio foram as variáveis que mais influenciaram os modelos. As espécies de Phacellodomus ocorreram em 35 ecorregiões da América do Sul. O Chaco e as savanas do Uruguai foram as ecorregiões com o maior número de espécies. Apesar da ampla ocorrência das espécies Phacellodomus em áreas secas, espécies como P. ruber, P. rufifrons, P. ferrugineigula e P. erythrophthalmus ocorreram em florestas úmidas e ecorregiões alagadas.