Arturo Serrano | Universidad Veracruzana (original) (raw)
Papers by Arturo Serrano
Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 2023
Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect humans as well as do... more Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect
humans as well as domestic and wild animals. Worldwide, they affect several
species of wild animals, mostly mammals. In recent years, reports of wild species have increased, indicating that they play an important role in the spread of these parasites. In Mexico, these parasites have been reported mainly in humans and domestic animals, with no reports in wildlife. In the north of Veracruz, there are conservation areas where various species of native and exotic wildlife cohabit; these sites are closed to cattle farms and used for recreation and tourism, with a potential risk of transmission. Our objective was to determine the frequencies of both parasites in wild animals that inhabit a protected area in northern Veracruz, Mexico. Overall, 17 animal species were surveyed, 12 wild and 5 domestic ones, from which 99 individual fresh feces samples were collected and kept frozen until processing. The oocyst concentration technique and the direct immunofluorescence test with a commercial kit were employed. In all host species analyzed, positive samples were found. In wild animals, the general frequency of Giardia spp. was 89.3%, whereas that of Cryptosporidium spp. was 94.6%. In domestic animals, the frequencies were 79.0% and 67.4% for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. respectively. This is the first study that reports the frequencies of these protozoans in captive wild and domestic animals in the north of Veracruz, Mexico. We conclude that Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are frequent parasites in wild and domestic animals in the study area; furthermore, four species (Connochaetes taurinus, Equus burchelli, Anser anser, and Trachemys scripta) have not yet been described as hosts for Giardia spp. Further molecular studies are needed to allow the identification of genotypes and their potential transmission among species.
European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2023
Historically, the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) was distributed along the coastl... more Historically, the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) was distributed along the coastline comprised by the five Mexican states that border the Gulf of Mexico. However, the few healthy populations that currently exist in Mexico are now limited to relatively isolated regions with very specific habitat characteristics. In the state of Veracruz, a limited number of individuals are found in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS), located in the coastal zone of southern central Veracruz. The aim of this study was to characterize manatee habitat in the ALS. Transects were established in the ALS and 503 points selected and sampled along these transects, producing data pertaining to salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, surface water temperature, pH, bottom type, and conductivity. A total of 45 outings were conducted, with a total sampling effort of 332.36 h. The average physicochemical parameters found were as follows: salinity 3.33 ppm, total dissolved solids 0.51 g/l, temperature 26.29 °C, dissolved oxygen 0.51%, pH 7.55, and oxidation–reduction potential 417.04 mV. Thirteen manatees were observed, mostly (84.6%) during the cold, where the parameters of electrical conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and oxidation–reduction potential showed differences between the sampled seasons, and in the lagoons with a presence of the floating and submersible vegetation species that form part of manatees’ diet. This study shows that the ALS presents lagoons that favor the presence of the Antillean manatee, further narrowing the distribution of the species within the same ALS in the southern central zone of the state of Veracruz.
Mammalogy Notes ISSN 2382-3704, 2022
Puma yagouaroundi es un felino de amplia distribución en América y poco conocido en su ecología y... more Puma yagouaroundi es un felino de amplia distribución en América y poco conocido en su ecología y uso de hábitat, por lo que la presente nota documenta su presencia en sitios periurbanas en Tuxpan, Veracruz, México. Además, el registro de un animal atropellado en una zona cercana demuestra la tolerancia de esta especie a sitios perturbados, así como su susceptibilidad por la mortandad en vías de comunicación, información que puede ser relevante para aplicar programas para su conservación considerando que es una especie amenazada en México.
Hidrobiologica, 2022
In Mexico, the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis annectens, Olfers, 1818) is widely distribut... more In Mexico, the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis annectens, Olfers, 1818) is widely distributed, and its populations are threatened. Objectives. To estimate the density and abundance of neotropical river otters in the Alvarado Lagoon System (SLA), Veracruz. Methods. The SLA has an extension of 51,960.52 hectares and is made up of coastal lagoons, interior lagoons, and rivers. We employed the distance sampling technique with systematic transects to estimate the distribution, density, and abundance of the Neotropical otter in the SLA. Results. A total of 25 independent otter sightings were obtained; the Limón, Blanco, and Culebrilla rivers are the areas with the most significant sights. An abundance of 934 (% C.V.= 20.45) otters was estimated for the entire SLA, with a density of 0.179 organisms/km2 (% C.V.= 20.45). Conclusions. This
study contributes to determining the first direct estimation of density for this species in a region of Mexico. The importance of this study is the precision with which the otter population was estimated, which allows
for more robust information to make decisions and to take actions for the management and conservation of the species.
Keywords: conservation, distribution, ecosystems, fauna, Gulf of Mexico.
Veterinary Research Communications , 2022
On 25 August 2021, a single female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was found stranded dead i... more On 25 August 2021, a single female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was found stranded dead in Playa Tuxpan, Veracruz, Mexico. Skin biopsies were obtained and screened for the detection of various potentially pathogenic bacterial genera, using conventional polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the positive amplicons. We recorded, for the first time, the presence of Vibrio paraheamolyticus in skin samples from P. macrocephalus in the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, we discuss 29 records reporting strandings of sperm whales from six states of the Mexican Republic. Most of the records are concentrated in the Pacific Ocean. Our findings increase the inventory of bacteria reported in P. macrocephalus worldwide, summarising the knowledge of stranding events in sperm whale populations in Mexico.
Polibotánica, 2022
Cambios de la hidrología en los manglares se traducen en gradientes bien definidos de degradación... more Cambios de la hidrología en los manglares se traducen en gradientes bien definidos de degradación que principalmente inducen una disminución de su estructura. Un buen estimador de la estructura de un bosque es el Índice de Complejidad, que relaciona densidad, área basal, altura y el número de especies presentes en 0.1 ha, siendo éstos susceptibles a ser modificados por factores estresantes. Desde 1998, un manglar neotropical localizado dentro del sitio Ramsar No. 1602 quedo fragmentado por la construcción de tres estructuras sólidas en todo lo ancho del bosque modificando la hidrología. Esta acción con el tiempo ocasiono la degradación, reflejando tres escenarios de perturbación en el bosque, secciones aparentemente no degradadas, semidegradadas y sitios con mortandad completa. El presente trabajo, basado en dos indicadores ecológicos busco encontrar cambios en el comportamiento de la estructura arbórea y la regeneración que evidenciaran el proceso de degradación. Se estableció un sitio de referencia y se realizaron cuatro transectos más abarcando el ancho del manglar y todos los escenarios de degradación. Se realizaron cuadrados de 10 x 10 m a cada 25 m, tomado los indicadores para procesar el Índice de Complejidad y un Estimador de Regeneración. El sitio de referencia presento el mejor valor del estimador de regeneración y el segundo mejor en estructura arbórea con relación a los fragmentos del bosque. Al comparar por la condición de degradación, el sitio de referencia y el área que aparentemente no se encuentra degradada tuvieron valores cercanos, no así la condición semidegradada que presento valores muy por debajo, principalmente atribuidos a su baja densidad y altura de sus individuos. En comparación con el sitio de referencia, las áreas aparentemente no degradadas de los fragmentos del bosque tienen buen desarrollo estructural y regeneración, por lo que es factible una rehabilitación para solventar el estrés causado y comenzar su recuperación, no así para el área de mortandad total, que requiere la intervención activa para comenzar un lento proceso que lleve a su integración a las otras áreas.
Revista de Biologia Tropical, 2021
Population structure of Avicennia germinans trees (Acanthaceae) in a disturbed mangrove in the Gu... more Population structure of Avicennia germinans trees (Acanthaceae) in a disturbed mangrove in the Gulf of Mexico Introduction: Globally, mangroves are declining; characterizing their structure and regeneration at different disturbance levels can help understand their responses to stressful situations. Objective: The study's primary goal was to analyze the mangrove community structure and to estimate the populations' trajectories of Avicenia germinans at different mangrove sites that present three levels of disturbance. Methods: Eight transects of approximately 500 m in length and laid perpendicular to the Tamapamchoco lagoon, Veracruz, intersected three levels of disturbance currently present on the mangrove forest. On each transect, 10 x 10 m, 5 x 5 m, and 1 x 1 m quadrants served to account for all mangrove trees by species and stage of maturity in 2017 and 2018. Results: The most abundant species was: A. germinans followed by Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa. Based on their abundance, we found significant differences for the three levels of disturbance (ANOSIM R = 0.6, P < 0.001) presented in a non-metric ordination (nMDS). A life table for A. germinans allowed a population analysis that showed an intrinsic rate of population increase (r) that was negative at the disturbed sites (-0.0027 and-0.0774) and positive (0.0289) at the apparently undisturbed site. Seedling to juvenile stage survival ranged from 50 % at the undisturbed site to 5 and 4 % at the disturbed sites. Conclusions: Measures to increase the survival of seedlings are necessary to reverse the decreasing population trajectories at the disturbed sites; otherwise, the mangrove will have reduced viability in the medium term.
Forests, 2021
Mangrove forests have declined worldwide and understanding the key drivers of regeneration at dif... more Mangrove forests have declined worldwide and understanding the key drivers of regeneration at different perturbation levels can help manage and preserve these critical ecosystems. For example, the Ramsar site # 1602, located at the Tampamachoco lagoon, Veracruz, México, consists of a dense forest of medium-sized trees composed of three mangrove species. Due to several human activities, including the construction of a power plant around the 1990s, an area of approximately 2.3 km2 has suffered differential levels of perturbation: complete mortality, partial tree loss (divided into two sections: main and isolated patch), and apparently undisturbed sites. The number and size of trees, from seedlings to adults, were measured using transects and quadrats. With a matrix of the abundance of trees by size categories and species, an ordination (nMDS) showed three distinct groups corresponding to the degree of perturbation. Projection matrices based on the size structure of Avicennia germinans showed transition probabilities that varied according to perturbation levels. Lambda showed growing populations except on the zone that showed partial tree loss; a relatively high abundance of seedlings is not enough to ensure stable mangrove dynamics or start regeneration; and the survival of young trees and adult trees showed high sensitivity.
Revista de Biología Marina y Oceanografía, 2020
Xenobalanus globicipitis is a commensal barnacle located on cetacean fin edges. The commensal-hos... more Xenobalanus globicipitis is a commensal barnacle located on cetacean fin edges. The commensal-host interaction between Xenobalanus globicipitis and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been poorly studied in Mexico. The main objective was to estimate the relative barnacle prevalence and abundance in bottlenose dolphins in three areas and seasons of the Gulf of Mexico. Tamiahua zone showed the higher prevalence (42.4%) and relative abundance (0.60 barnacles/individual/hr-1)compared to Tuxpan and Nautla zones. Whereas, in dry season there were higher prevalence (55.6%) and relative abundance (0.53 barnacles/individual/hr-1)than rainy and winter storm seasons. Therefore, zones and seasons of the Gulf of Mexico influence the barnacle-dolphin interactions.
RESUMEN. Los humedales costeros e interiores de Mexico son un habitat importante para las aves. L... more RESUMEN. Los humedales costeros e interiores de Mexico son un habitat importante para las aves. La perdida y degradacion de los humedales, ha sido una de las principales amenazas para la avifauna. En la actualidad se desconoce el numero de individuos de las especies de aves que se encuentran en la mayoria de los humedales. Considerando lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la diversidad y abundancia de aves en un humedal del norte de Veracruz, el manglar de Tumilco, en Tuxpan. Se utilizo el metodo de muestreo a distancia y la observacion directa para determinar la diversidad y abundancia del total de aves presentes en el manglar. En total se realizaron 63 muestreos con 386 horas efectivas de esfuerzo, llevandose a cabo 274 transectos lineales con longitud de 1 km, en toda el area de estudio. Se registraron 56 especies de aves pertenecientes a 23 familias. Se observaron seis especies que se en-cuentran dentro de la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, de las cuales la especie mas...
The objective of this study was to find highly nutritious native plants to feed cattle in norther... more The objective of this study was to find highly nutritious native plants to feed cattle in northern Veracruz (Mexico) as an alternative to avoid deforestation for pasture establishment. Six fodder tree species (Leucaena, Leucaenaleucocephala, Morera, Morus alba, Chacloco, rubiHamelia patents, Guacima, Guasumaulmifolia, Pichoco-bunting, Erythrinaamericana, Cocuite, Gliricidiasepium) were selected for their leave production, rapid growth and high nutritional quality. The plants were evaluated in the bud stage of senescence and flowering, restricting the fraction of mature foliage in the samples located under 2 meters height. Samples were collected from five plants per specie that were randomly selected. The nutritious parameters were evaluated through proximate analysis with the Van Soest technique. This study used a completely randomized design with five replicates. The nutritious composition showed PC (protein content) differences (P ＜ 0.05) among species indicating that Leucaenaleuc...
Huitzil, Revista Mexicana de Ornitología, 2018
La diversidad de aves en Tuxpan, Veracruz, ha sido tema de diferentes trabajos. Sin embargo, ésto... more La diversidad de aves en Tuxpan, Veracruz, ha sido tema de diferentes trabajos. Sin embargo, éstos se han centrado principalmente en ecosistemas costeros. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la diversidad de aves en seis sitios del municipio de Tuxpan, Veracruz, además de realizar un análisis de complementariedad que incluyera los estudios previos realizados en el municipio. De agosto de 2014 a marzo de 2015 realizamos muestreos matutinos y vespertinos. Registramos 155 especies de aves, equivalentes al 21.5% de la riqueza de aves del estado de Veracruz. Encontramos mayor importancia de la diversidad beta debido al recambio entre los sitios, además registramos 14 especies en alguna categoría de conservación dentro de la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. En el análisis regional, incluidos los estudios previos, se obtuvo una riqueza acumulada de 230 especies, la cual equivale al 31.9% de las aves que se distribuyen en Veracruz. Este estudio destaca la importancia de los estudios regionales ...
Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad, 2019
Aquatic Mammals, 2017
Abstract: The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is distributed from the Atlantic coast of ... more Abstract: The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is distributed from the Atlantic coast of the United States to the center of Brazil along the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. The species’ current distribution is more fragmented than in the past, and manatee populations are generally less abundant than they were during the last century. In Mexico, there is no specific information about the size of the manatee populations. Hence, the objective of this study was to estimate the density and abundance of manatees in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS) in Veracruz using distance sampling. In total, 959 systematic line transects were surveyed using a small boat. These surveys covered 90% of the ALS. Manatee density and abundance for the entire ALS was estimated at 0.23 animals/km2 (CV 34.48%) and 121 manatees (CV 34.48%), respectively. These are the first density and abundance estimates for this lagoon system and for the State of Veracruz. The extremely low number of manatees supports the urgent implementation of effective conserva¬tion measures for the species to prevent extinction of this species in Veracruz. Key Words: West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, abundance, density, Veracruz, conservation, coastal management, Gulf of Mexico, Sirenia
Cuadernos de biodiversidad, 2010
Thalassas
DoLPHINS (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821)? (1)laboratorio de mamíferos marinos, Universidad ver... more DoLPHINS (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821)? (1)laboratorio de mamíferos marinos, Universidad veracruzana, Tuxpan, veracruz, méxico,cP 92850, km 7.5 carretera Tuxpan-Tampico, col. Universitaria. (2)laboratorio de análisis de agua, Universidad veracruzana, Tuxpan, veracruz, méxico, cP 92850, km 7.5 carretera Tuxpan-Tampico, col. Universitaria. (3)instituto oceanográfico del golfo y mar caribe, secretaría de marina, alvarado, veracruz, méxico, cP 95263, int. hescnav s/n, antón lizardo.
Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2007
Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 2023
Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect humans as well as do... more Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect
humans as well as domestic and wild animals. Worldwide, they affect several
species of wild animals, mostly mammals. In recent years, reports of wild species have increased, indicating that they play an important role in the spread of these parasites. In Mexico, these parasites have been reported mainly in humans and domestic animals, with no reports in wildlife. In the north of Veracruz, there are conservation areas where various species of native and exotic wildlife cohabit; these sites are closed to cattle farms and used for recreation and tourism, with a potential risk of transmission. Our objective was to determine the frequencies of both parasites in wild animals that inhabit a protected area in northern Veracruz, Mexico. Overall, 17 animal species were surveyed, 12 wild and 5 domestic ones, from which 99 individual fresh feces samples were collected and kept frozen until processing. The oocyst concentration technique and the direct immunofluorescence test with a commercial kit were employed. In all host species analyzed, positive samples were found. In wild animals, the general frequency of Giardia spp. was 89.3%, whereas that of Cryptosporidium spp. was 94.6%. In domestic animals, the frequencies were 79.0% and 67.4% for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. respectively. This is the first study that reports the frequencies of these protozoans in captive wild and domestic animals in the north of Veracruz, Mexico. We conclude that Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are frequent parasites in wild and domestic animals in the study area; furthermore, four species (Connochaetes taurinus, Equus burchelli, Anser anser, and Trachemys scripta) have not yet been described as hosts for Giardia spp. Further molecular studies are needed to allow the identification of genotypes and their potential transmission among species.
European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2023
Historically, the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) was distributed along the coastl... more Historically, the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) was distributed along the coastline comprised by the five Mexican states that border the Gulf of Mexico. However, the few healthy populations that currently exist in Mexico are now limited to relatively isolated regions with very specific habitat characteristics. In the state of Veracruz, a limited number of individuals are found in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS), located in the coastal zone of southern central Veracruz. The aim of this study was to characterize manatee habitat in the ALS. Transects were established in the ALS and 503 points selected and sampled along these transects, producing data pertaining to salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, surface water temperature, pH, bottom type, and conductivity. A total of 45 outings were conducted, with a total sampling effort of 332.36 h. The average physicochemical parameters found were as follows: salinity 3.33 ppm, total dissolved solids 0.51 g/l, temperature 26.29 °C, dissolved oxygen 0.51%, pH 7.55, and oxidation–reduction potential 417.04 mV. Thirteen manatees were observed, mostly (84.6%) during the cold, where the parameters of electrical conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and oxidation–reduction potential showed differences between the sampled seasons, and in the lagoons with a presence of the floating and submersible vegetation species that form part of manatees’ diet. This study shows that the ALS presents lagoons that favor the presence of the Antillean manatee, further narrowing the distribution of the species within the same ALS in the southern central zone of the state of Veracruz.
Mammalogy Notes ISSN 2382-3704, 2022
Puma yagouaroundi es un felino de amplia distribución en América y poco conocido en su ecología y... more Puma yagouaroundi es un felino de amplia distribución en América y poco conocido en su ecología y uso de hábitat, por lo que la presente nota documenta su presencia en sitios periurbanas en Tuxpan, Veracruz, México. Además, el registro de un animal atropellado en una zona cercana demuestra la tolerancia de esta especie a sitios perturbados, así como su susceptibilidad por la mortandad en vías de comunicación, información que puede ser relevante para aplicar programas para su conservación considerando que es una especie amenazada en México.
Hidrobiologica, 2022
In Mexico, the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis annectens, Olfers, 1818) is widely distribut... more In Mexico, the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis annectens, Olfers, 1818) is widely distributed, and its populations are threatened. Objectives. To estimate the density and abundance of neotropical river otters in the Alvarado Lagoon System (SLA), Veracruz. Methods. The SLA has an extension of 51,960.52 hectares and is made up of coastal lagoons, interior lagoons, and rivers. We employed the distance sampling technique with systematic transects to estimate the distribution, density, and abundance of the Neotropical otter in the SLA. Results. A total of 25 independent otter sightings were obtained; the Limón, Blanco, and Culebrilla rivers are the areas with the most significant sights. An abundance of 934 (% C.V.= 20.45) otters was estimated for the entire SLA, with a density of 0.179 organisms/km2 (% C.V.= 20.45). Conclusions. This
study contributes to determining the first direct estimation of density for this species in a region of Mexico. The importance of this study is the precision with which the otter population was estimated, which allows
for more robust information to make decisions and to take actions for the management and conservation of the species.
Keywords: conservation, distribution, ecosystems, fauna, Gulf of Mexico.
Veterinary Research Communications , 2022
On 25 August 2021, a single female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was found stranded dead i... more On 25 August 2021, a single female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was found stranded dead in Playa Tuxpan, Veracruz, Mexico. Skin biopsies were obtained and screened for the detection of various potentially pathogenic bacterial genera, using conventional polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the positive amplicons. We recorded, for the first time, the presence of Vibrio paraheamolyticus in skin samples from P. macrocephalus in the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, we discuss 29 records reporting strandings of sperm whales from six states of the Mexican Republic. Most of the records are concentrated in the Pacific Ocean. Our findings increase the inventory of bacteria reported in P. macrocephalus worldwide, summarising the knowledge of stranding events in sperm whale populations in Mexico.
Polibotánica, 2022
Cambios de la hidrología en los manglares se traducen en gradientes bien definidos de degradación... more Cambios de la hidrología en los manglares se traducen en gradientes bien definidos de degradación que principalmente inducen una disminución de su estructura. Un buen estimador de la estructura de un bosque es el Índice de Complejidad, que relaciona densidad, área basal, altura y el número de especies presentes en 0.1 ha, siendo éstos susceptibles a ser modificados por factores estresantes. Desde 1998, un manglar neotropical localizado dentro del sitio Ramsar No. 1602 quedo fragmentado por la construcción de tres estructuras sólidas en todo lo ancho del bosque modificando la hidrología. Esta acción con el tiempo ocasiono la degradación, reflejando tres escenarios de perturbación en el bosque, secciones aparentemente no degradadas, semidegradadas y sitios con mortandad completa. El presente trabajo, basado en dos indicadores ecológicos busco encontrar cambios en el comportamiento de la estructura arbórea y la regeneración que evidenciaran el proceso de degradación. Se estableció un sitio de referencia y se realizaron cuatro transectos más abarcando el ancho del manglar y todos los escenarios de degradación. Se realizaron cuadrados de 10 x 10 m a cada 25 m, tomado los indicadores para procesar el Índice de Complejidad y un Estimador de Regeneración. El sitio de referencia presento el mejor valor del estimador de regeneración y el segundo mejor en estructura arbórea con relación a los fragmentos del bosque. Al comparar por la condición de degradación, el sitio de referencia y el área que aparentemente no se encuentra degradada tuvieron valores cercanos, no así la condición semidegradada que presento valores muy por debajo, principalmente atribuidos a su baja densidad y altura de sus individuos. En comparación con el sitio de referencia, las áreas aparentemente no degradadas de los fragmentos del bosque tienen buen desarrollo estructural y regeneración, por lo que es factible una rehabilitación para solventar el estrés causado y comenzar su recuperación, no así para el área de mortandad total, que requiere la intervención activa para comenzar un lento proceso que lleve a su integración a las otras áreas.
Revista de Biologia Tropical, 2021
Population structure of Avicennia germinans trees (Acanthaceae) in a disturbed mangrove in the Gu... more Population structure of Avicennia germinans trees (Acanthaceae) in a disturbed mangrove in the Gulf of Mexico Introduction: Globally, mangroves are declining; characterizing their structure and regeneration at different disturbance levels can help understand their responses to stressful situations. Objective: The study's primary goal was to analyze the mangrove community structure and to estimate the populations' trajectories of Avicenia germinans at different mangrove sites that present three levels of disturbance. Methods: Eight transects of approximately 500 m in length and laid perpendicular to the Tamapamchoco lagoon, Veracruz, intersected three levels of disturbance currently present on the mangrove forest. On each transect, 10 x 10 m, 5 x 5 m, and 1 x 1 m quadrants served to account for all mangrove trees by species and stage of maturity in 2017 and 2018. Results: The most abundant species was: A. germinans followed by Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa. Based on their abundance, we found significant differences for the three levels of disturbance (ANOSIM R = 0.6, P < 0.001) presented in a non-metric ordination (nMDS). A life table for A. germinans allowed a population analysis that showed an intrinsic rate of population increase (r) that was negative at the disturbed sites (-0.0027 and-0.0774) and positive (0.0289) at the apparently undisturbed site. Seedling to juvenile stage survival ranged from 50 % at the undisturbed site to 5 and 4 % at the disturbed sites. Conclusions: Measures to increase the survival of seedlings are necessary to reverse the decreasing population trajectories at the disturbed sites; otherwise, the mangrove will have reduced viability in the medium term.
Forests, 2021
Mangrove forests have declined worldwide and understanding the key drivers of regeneration at dif... more Mangrove forests have declined worldwide and understanding the key drivers of regeneration at different perturbation levels can help manage and preserve these critical ecosystems. For example, the Ramsar site # 1602, located at the Tampamachoco lagoon, Veracruz, México, consists of a dense forest of medium-sized trees composed of three mangrove species. Due to several human activities, including the construction of a power plant around the 1990s, an area of approximately 2.3 km2 has suffered differential levels of perturbation: complete mortality, partial tree loss (divided into two sections: main and isolated patch), and apparently undisturbed sites. The number and size of trees, from seedlings to adults, were measured using transects and quadrats. With a matrix of the abundance of trees by size categories and species, an ordination (nMDS) showed three distinct groups corresponding to the degree of perturbation. Projection matrices based on the size structure of Avicennia germinans showed transition probabilities that varied according to perturbation levels. Lambda showed growing populations except on the zone that showed partial tree loss; a relatively high abundance of seedlings is not enough to ensure stable mangrove dynamics or start regeneration; and the survival of young trees and adult trees showed high sensitivity.
Revista de Biología Marina y Oceanografía, 2020
Xenobalanus globicipitis is a commensal barnacle located on cetacean fin edges. The commensal-hos... more Xenobalanus globicipitis is a commensal barnacle located on cetacean fin edges. The commensal-host interaction between Xenobalanus globicipitis and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been poorly studied in Mexico. The main objective was to estimate the relative barnacle prevalence and abundance in bottlenose dolphins in three areas and seasons of the Gulf of Mexico. Tamiahua zone showed the higher prevalence (42.4%) and relative abundance (0.60 barnacles/individual/hr-1)compared to Tuxpan and Nautla zones. Whereas, in dry season there were higher prevalence (55.6%) and relative abundance (0.53 barnacles/individual/hr-1)than rainy and winter storm seasons. Therefore, zones and seasons of the Gulf of Mexico influence the barnacle-dolphin interactions.
RESUMEN. Los humedales costeros e interiores de Mexico son un habitat importante para las aves. L... more RESUMEN. Los humedales costeros e interiores de Mexico son un habitat importante para las aves. La perdida y degradacion de los humedales, ha sido una de las principales amenazas para la avifauna. En la actualidad se desconoce el numero de individuos de las especies de aves que se encuentran en la mayoria de los humedales. Considerando lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la diversidad y abundancia de aves en un humedal del norte de Veracruz, el manglar de Tumilco, en Tuxpan. Se utilizo el metodo de muestreo a distancia y la observacion directa para determinar la diversidad y abundancia del total de aves presentes en el manglar. En total se realizaron 63 muestreos con 386 horas efectivas de esfuerzo, llevandose a cabo 274 transectos lineales con longitud de 1 km, en toda el area de estudio. Se registraron 56 especies de aves pertenecientes a 23 familias. Se observaron seis especies que se en-cuentran dentro de la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, de las cuales la especie mas...
The objective of this study was to find highly nutritious native plants to feed cattle in norther... more The objective of this study was to find highly nutritious native plants to feed cattle in northern Veracruz (Mexico) as an alternative to avoid deforestation for pasture establishment. Six fodder tree species (Leucaena, Leucaenaleucocephala, Morera, Morus alba, Chacloco, rubiHamelia patents, Guacima, Guasumaulmifolia, Pichoco-bunting, Erythrinaamericana, Cocuite, Gliricidiasepium) were selected for their leave production, rapid growth and high nutritional quality. The plants were evaluated in the bud stage of senescence and flowering, restricting the fraction of mature foliage in the samples located under 2 meters height. Samples were collected from five plants per specie that were randomly selected. The nutritious parameters were evaluated through proximate analysis with the Van Soest technique. This study used a completely randomized design with five replicates. The nutritious composition showed PC (protein content) differences (P ＜ 0.05) among species indicating that Leucaenaleuc...
Huitzil, Revista Mexicana de Ornitología, 2018
La diversidad de aves en Tuxpan, Veracruz, ha sido tema de diferentes trabajos. Sin embargo, ésto... more La diversidad de aves en Tuxpan, Veracruz, ha sido tema de diferentes trabajos. Sin embargo, éstos se han centrado principalmente en ecosistemas costeros. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la diversidad de aves en seis sitios del municipio de Tuxpan, Veracruz, además de realizar un análisis de complementariedad que incluyera los estudios previos realizados en el municipio. De agosto de 2014 a marzo de 2015 realizamos muestreos matutinos y vespertinos. Registramos 155 especies de aves, equivalentes al 21.5% de la riqueza de aves del estado de Veracruz. Encontramos mayor importancia de la diversidad beta debido al recambio entre los sitios, además registramos 14 especies en alguna categoría de conservación dentro de la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. En el análisis regional, incluidos los estudios previos, se obtuvo una riqueza acumulada de 230 especies, la cual equivale al 31.9% de las aves que se distribuyen en Veracruz. Este estudio destaca la importancia de los estudios regionales ...
Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad, 2019
Aquatic Mammals, 2017
Abstract: The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is distributed from the Atlantic coast of ... more Abstract: The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is distributed from the Atlantic coast of the United States to the center of Brazil along the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. The species’ current distribution is more fragmented than in the past, and manatee populations are generally less abundant than they were during the last century. In Mexico, there is no specific information about the size of the manatee populations. Hence, the objective of this study was to estimate the density and abundance of manatees in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS) in Veracruz using distance sampling. In total, 959 systematic line transects were surveyed using a small boat. These surveys covered 90% of the ALS. Manatee density and abundance for the entire ALS was estimated at 0.23 animals/km2 (CV 34.48%) and 121 manatees (CV 34.48%), respectively. These are the first density and abundance estimates for this lagoon system and for the State of Veracruz. The extremely low number of manatees supports the urgent implementation of effective conserva¬tion measures for the species to prevent extinction of this species in Veracruz. Key Words: West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, abundance, density, Veracruz, conservation, coastal management, Gulf of Mexico, Sirenia
Cuadernos de biodiversidad, 2010
Thalassas
DoLPHINS (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821)? (1)laboratorio de mamíferos marinos, Universidad ver... more DoLPHINS (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821)? (1)laboratorio de mamíferos marinos, Universidad veracruzana, Tuxpan, veracruz, méxico,cP 92850, km 7.5 carretera Tuxpan-Tampico, col. Universitaria. (2)laboratorio de análisis de agua, Universidad veracruzana, Tuxpan, veracruz, méxico, cP 92850, km 7.5 carretera Tuxpan-Tampico, col. Universitaria. (3)instituto oceanográfico del golfo y mar caribe, secretaría de marina, alvarado, veracruz, méxico, cP 95263, int. hescnav s/n, antón lizardo.
Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2007
Educación Superior en las Ciencias Agropecuarias, 2019
El análisis, evaluación y reestructuración de los planes de estudio es una labor indispensable de... more El análisis, evaluación y reestructuración de los planes de estudio es una labor indispensable dentro de la evolución de los programas educativos. Como parte del trabajo de reestructuración del plan de estudios de Ingeniero Agrónomo de la Universidad Veracruzana, se realizó un estudio descriptivo con base en la opinión de egresados de la carrera. La recopilación de la información se realizó a través de una encuesta en línea creada en la plataforma Google Forms. Con ello, mediante correo electrónico y cuenta de Facebook se envío la liga de enlace e invitación a egresados para participar en forma voluntaria, con el objetivo de evaluar el plan de estudios vigente y poder llevar a cabo un análisis que fundamentara el cambio hacia un nuevo plan de estudios. Para la encuesta a egresados, se diseñó un cuestionario con preguntas de opción múltiple que integró las siguientes categorías: 1) Análisis de datos personales; 2) Información laboral; 3) Formación profesional; y 4) Desempeño profesional, con un total de 21 preguntas. Los resultados de dicha encuesta muestran que el 69% de los encuestados se encuentran laborando y el 80% de estos ocupan un puesto de trabajo relacionado a la agronomía. De estos, el 72% realiza funciones de planeación, organización y ejecución de actividades. Aunado a esto y tras el análisis del apartado de desempeño profesional la encuesta evidencia, de manera cuantitativa, la necesidad de reestructurar el plan de estudios para poder ofrecer y formar ingenieros agrónomos competentes en el uso de las nuevas tecnologías, actividades y mercados actuales.
Population and group association studies in marine mammals, especially in bottlenose dolphins (Tu... more Population and group association studies in marine mammals, especially in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are scarce in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Seems that this dolphin has fusion-fission type associations like has been reported by studies that described associations that change frequently. In general, groups of mothers, calves and juveniles are common. On the other hand, males are frequently observed swimming alone or forming pairs with other males. It has been suggested that type of associations and the group size are dependent of habitat type, predation or food availability between others. This study was designed to determine the profile of social alliances among bottlenose dolphin groups in northern Gulf of Mexico at Veracruz Sate, Mexico. The study area included three zones: Tamiahua, Tuxpan, and Nautla. Line transects were done to cover out the entire study area. Furthermore, photo-identification was used to study group composition (GC) and bottlenose dolphin sociability (DS). In order to establish DS dolphin social relations the MatLab software was used. A total of 532 bottlenose dolphins were photo-identified for the entire study area. Tamiahua zone had 187 organisms, Tuxpan 265 organisms, and Nautla 80 organisms. All the animals formed in total seven groups (G1-G7). Average group size for Tamiahua was 8.9 individuals, 8.2 for Tuxpan, and 8.8 for Nautla. All the groups were observed at least in one particular year. But Groups G5 and G6 were observed constantly during the four-year study. G1 was observed in Tamiahua and Tuxpan zones; G2 in Tamiahua and Nautla; G3 in Tuxpan and Nautla; G4 was observed in the three zones; G5 was observed only in Tamiahua, G6 exclusively in Nautla zone; and G7 in Tuxpan and Nautla. Our result reveals that dolphin alliances were stable along the years and the groups formed showed site fidelity. Even more, the results show that the zone with the highest number of dolphins is Tuxpan, zone with a high primary productivity due to a river discharge in to the Gulf of Mexico. Consequently, this is an area that has high food availability for dolphins and that could be the strongest variable of the Tursiops truncatus presence there.
En un manglar, la frecuencia y período de inundación son factores determinantes para la ausencia ... more En un manglar, la frecuencia y período de inundación son factores determinantes para la ausencia o presencia de especies y su distribución espacial está definida por un relieve con pocos centímetros de diferencia. Estos aspectos, fueron analizados en un área, que desde 2003 se ha reportado con mortandad de árboles de mangle, adyacente a la laguna de Tampamachoco en Tuxpan, Veracruz ubicada dentro del Sitio Ramsar 1602 "Manglars y Humedales de Tuxpan".
Spatial-temporal distribution of sea turtle nests is a main factor for hatching success. Beaches ... more Spatial-temporal distribution of sea turtle nests is a main factor for hatching success. Beaches with good access to the sea, fine sands, adequate humidity and temperature are indicators to carry out oviposition. Many nesting beaches have been modified mainly by human activities and high impact natural phenomena such as hurricanes, causing many sites to show unfavorable conditions for egg laying during the nesting season. This study was performed in Tuxpan, Veracruz, during 2010 and 2011 nesting seasons. This site was chosen because it is one of the few beaches in the State where two sea turtle species nest: Kemp’s Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). The aim was to determine spatial-temporal conditions for the nesting of the two sea turtle species. We determined the months and sites of highest nesting, monthly number of eggs and distribution of nests in the beach area. The results showed spatial-temporal differences in nesting. There were more Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle nests on the northern and center portions of the beach, and more Green sea turtle nests in center and southern areas of the beach. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle nesting season occurs from April through July, while Green Sea Turtle nesting occurs from May through August. The peak number of Kemp’s Ridley Turtle nests was in June, and the Green Turtle peak was in the month of July. Both species nest mainly in the zone of the beach that is the nearest place to the vegetation or even inside of it. It is essential to perform long term monitoring of sea turtle nesting populations on center and northern beaches of the Veracruz State, with the purpose of obtaining more information in a regional context.