2005 conference in brazil

FLAGSHIP SPECIES FOR LOCAL CONSERVATION: SELECTING CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE SPECIES OVER INTERNATIONALLY CAPTIVATING ONES.

OTTERSTROM, SARAH M.; Velazquez, Ileana. Proyecto Paso Pacifico, OR-14, Managua, Nicaragua, dryforest((AT)) dslextreme.com.

Flagship species are a useful tool for promoting specific conservation initiatives. However, organizations risk losing the interest of local people by selecting charismatic species that draw only international attention but do not reflect local concerns. Where conservation actions occur at a local-scale, flagship species should target the local audience. We approach the challenge of selecting appropriate flagship species within the Chococente Wildlife Refuge, Nicaragua. Chococente is an international conservation priority because it is a major sea turtle nesting site and maintains Nicaragua’s largest stand of tropical dry forest. To assess cultural values, we carried out structured interviews at 103 randomly sampled households inside the reserve. Questions referred to the use of NTFPs and wildlife as well as perceived changes to forest and wildlife populations. Results demonstrate that species of most significant concern to local people were also considered desirable as food. However, species of highest priority for international conservation efforts, such as sea turtles and parrots, were not a concern. We recommend that locally threatened species most prized by communities (i. e. iguana, white-tailed deer) be used as flagships, despite being far less charismatic internationally than sea turtles. Flagship species that reflect cultural values and subsistence concerns are more likely to engender local participation and support for ecosystem conservation initiatives

AN EVALUATION OF RAPID BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS.

OWEN, EMILY K.; Trombulak, Stephen C. Program in Environmental Studies, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont 05753, USA, eowen((AT))middlebury.edu (EKO), trombulak((AT))middlebury.edu (SCT).

The evolution and effectiveness of Rapid Biological Assessments (RBAs; e. g., Conservation International’s RAP and The Nature Conservancy’s REA programs) were evaluated through critical review of 38 RBA reports and ten surveys of scientists involved in such assessments. This evaluation indicated that the evolution of RBAs from their inception in the late-1980s has been toward management-oriented conservation recommendation, rather than the catalysis of conservation initiatives. Up to the present time, RBAs are viewed to have been successful at raising public awareness, developing protected areas, and aiding management efforts. Conversely, they are viewed as deficient in the quick and effective dissemination of results and the involvement of local communities and in-country conservation organizations in the RBA process, both of which are vital to the continuation of conservation efforts in the study area. In the future, we recommend that organizations involved in RBAs focus on improving the programs through conducting RBAs as part of an in-country conservation program sponsored by a local or national conservation organization, implementing an active participatory planning process with local communities, and disseminating quickly the results of the RBAs in various formats, targeting local government agencies, decision makers, academic institutions, communities, and national and international conservation organizations

BETTER CONSERVATION THROUGH CREATIVE COMMUNICATION: SIX STEPS FOR BIOLOGISTS WHO DARE TO SHARE.

JUKOFSKY, DIANE; Krenke, Melissa; Bolaños, Nuria. Rainforest Alliance, Apdo. 138-2150, Moravia, Costa Rica, djukofsky((AT))ra.org.

While few biologists would argue that sharing information about their work with colleagues and those living near their research sites will help ensure that their research contributes to longterm conservation success, a surprisingly small percentage makes the extra effort to disseminate information beyond articles published in journals. Between June 2004 and 2005, we invited authors whose articles were published in Conservation Biology and Biotropica and whose research was done in the Neotropics, to participate in a frequently visited (more than 30,000 visits monthly) trilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese) Web site and database managed by the Rainforest Alliance called the Eco-Index (www·eco-index·org), where descriptions of their work could be easily searchable and available to the entire conservation community. We describe the results of our outreach and also describe, with examples from biologists who have done research in the Neotropics, six ways that biologists can communicate in order to ensure their research contributes to conservation success, including posting information in the Eco-Index and other Web sites; working with local and international media outlets; giving presentations to local residents, government officials, and NGOs; and preparing posters and brochures

ESTIMATING MINIMUM VIABLE POPULATION SIZE AND EVALUATING RESERVE NETWORK EFFECTIVENESS IN MAINTAINING Brachyteles hypoxanthus POPULATIONS.

BRITO, DANIEL; Grelle, Carlos Eduardo V.; Boubli, Jean P. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo de Vida Silvestre (ECMVS), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil, dan.brito((AT))terra.com.br (DB) Laboratório de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CP 68020, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil (CEVG). Estação Ecológica de Caratinga, CP 82, Ipanema, MG 36950-000, Brazil (JPB).

A reserve network is essential to the protection of native biodiversity. However, internal and external factors may threaten the preservation of biota, thus population viability analyses (PVA) are important tools in reserve design and management planning. A PVA was carried out for the primate Brachyteles hypoxanthus, using the computer package VORTEX, to assess: (1) demographic and genetic MVPs, (2) the minimum area of suitable habitat (MASH), and (3) the effectiveness of the reserve network within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Populations of 40 and 700 individuals were necessary to achieve demographic and genetic stability, respectively. MASH estimated to contain genetically viable populations reached 11,570 ha. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has 42 reserves within B. hypoxanthus geographic distribution area, and only five of those retained viable populations, whereas 28 were predicted to suffer from genetic decay, seven from genetic decay and demographic stochasticity, and two of them are probably extinct. The model indicates that although the reserve network studied will likely keep B. hypoxanthus populations for the nex years, most reserves (35 or 83%) will be facing demographic and/or genetic problems and will probably need management actions to be implemented in order to ensure the persistence of B. hypoxanthus populations

DO AREA-DEMANDING THREATENED SPECIES OCCUR IN AREAS OF GLOBAL CONSERVATION PRIORITY?

BOYD, CHARLOTTE; Brooks, Thomas. Conservation International, 1919 M St NW, Washington DC, 20036, USA, c.boyd((AT))conservation.org.

Area-demanding globally threatened species - species with large home ranges, nomadic species, species that naturally occur at low densities and certain long-distance migrants - require urgent conservation action beyond the site scale. This paper sets out proposed criteria for identifying these species, and the results of an analysis showing which globally threatened birds, mammals and amphibians meet these criteria. Using thresholds based on IUCN Red List criteria, we show that approximately 30% of globally threatened bird species, 20% of globally threatened mammals and less than 5% of globally threatened amphibian species require urgent conservation action at a scale beyond the size of the largest protected areas in the regions where they occur. Finally, we present a map showing where these area-demanding threatened species occur in relation to global conservation priority regions. The bulk of the range of a number of these species falls outside of these conservation priorities, suggesting that conservation action across wider regions may be necessary for their persistence. Nevertheless, the majority of area-demanding globally threatened species do occur in biodiversity hotspots and high-biodiversity wilderness areas, and so conservation in these regions will at least incorporate area-demanding threatened species

LIVING IN THE GAPS: THE HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF EXPANDING THE GLOBAL PROTECTED AREA SYSTEM.

GORENFLO, LARRY J.; Brandon, Katrina. Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International

INTEGRATING POLITICS INTO CONSERVATION: SOME LESSONS THAT INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS.

JOHNS, DAVID M. School of Government (also affiliated with the Wildlands Project) Portland State University PO Box 751 Portland, OR 97207 USA.

Effective conservation requires biological knowledge and political knowledge and effectiveness. Generally conservationists know ABSTRACTS Universidade de Brasília, Brazil, July 2005 more about the biology than the politics of the problems they confront. This seriously limits the capacity of conservationists to protect and restore species and ecosystems. An analysis of several conservation efforts from around the globe demonstrates that 1) absent political understanding and efficacy, even large amounts of biological information are inadequate to achieve conservation goals; 2) the relationship between biological and political knowledge is not well understood by many conservation practitioners 3) good political understanding and effectiveness often means much less biological information is needed to achieve conservation goals; 4) conservation practitioners trained in the biological sciences can most easily and directly obtain political understanding through developing relationships with a combination of political practitioners and social scientists

USING SATELLITE IMAGES FOR CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT: MONITORING AND MANAGING WITH THE NASA PROTECTED AREA ARCHIVE.

GELLER, GARY N. Jet Propulsion Laboratory MS171-264

BEYOND BORDERLINES: PERSPECTIVES ON CONSERVATION.

COWLING, RICHARD M.; Knight, Andrew T.;. Department of Botany and Terrestrial Ecology Research Unit, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; rmc((AT))kingsley.co.za.

Effective conservation is founded upon consilience, drawing on diverse knowledge traditions in the natural and social sciences. We discuss this perspective by highlighting four issues that have confronted us during our careers as conservation scientists over the past five years. We place these issues within a framework that depicts a continuum of conservation activity from data collection to the establishment of learning institutions. Firstly we argue that the debate about forms of data used for conservation assessments is enriched by the requirement to use spatial surrogates, especially ecosystem services, whose conservation is underpinned by strong stakeholder support and relevance. Secondly, we propose that in order to overcome the pervasive “knowing-doing” gaps between assessment and planning, and planning and implementation, conservation planning should integrate three components: systematic assessment, implementation strategy development, and stakeholder involvement. Thirdly, these components form part of an interactive continuum that requires ongoing participation by all actors, including stakeholders, enablers and natural scientists. Severing the research-implementation continuum seriously compromises the effectiveness of conservation action. Fourthly, we discuss the importance of social learning institutions as an ultimate outcome of the conservation activity continuum, and stress the significance of personal emotional intelligence in their effective functioning. We illustrate these issues with examples for systematic conservation planning projects in South Africa

ANALYSIS OF THE GENETIC DIVERSITY AND POPULATION STRUCTURE IN Amazona brasiliensis (PSITTACIFORMES: AVES) USING MICROSATELLITE LOCI.

CAPARROZ, RENATO; Martuscelli, Paulo; Sipinski, Elenise A. B.; Miyaki, Cristina Y. Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus II, SGAN, Quadra 916, Módulo B, Av. W5 Norte, 70790-160, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil (renatocz((AT)) yahoo.com.br) (RC). Rua Gravatá, 387, Quinta da Boa Vista, 07600-000, Mairiporã, São Paulo, Brazil (PM). Sociedade de Pesquisa em Vida Selvagem e Educação Ambiental, Rua Gutemberg, 296, Batel, 80420-030, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil (EABS). Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, Cidade Universitária, 05508-090, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (CYM).

The Red-tailed Amazon (Amazona brasiliensis) is an endangered parrot endemic to the Atlantic forest in southeastern Brazil. Field observations identified differences in the vocalization between parrots from southeastern São Paulo state (SP) and northeastern Paraná (PR). In order to investigate if there is a relation between the vocal difference and the genetic structure of this species and also to evaluate its genetic diversity, we studied eight microsatellite loci from 12 birds from Ilha Comprida (SP) and 21 from four islands in Guaraqueçaba (PR). All the loci were moderately polymorphic (average of 9.1 alleles/locus) and were under the Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium. Moderate and similar levels of heterozygosity were observed in the samples from all the localities studied (range 0.64-0.71). Birds from the various islands in Guaraqueçaba (PR) did not show significant genetic differentiation, but they were different from the parrots from Ilha Comprida (SP) (F st=0.11; P < 0.001). This result suggests that amazons from these two localities presented some level of isolation in the past and this could be related to the vocal variation. However, more studies are necessary to evaluate if these groups are currently isolated and that information could be very useful for conservation purposes

SELECTING PRIORITIES FOR BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION IN COLOMBIA.

FANDIÑO-LOZANO, MARTHA; van Wyngaarden, Willem. Research Group ARCO Faculty of Science Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cra 7 # 45- 83 Bogotá Colombia martha.fandino((AT))javeriana.edu.co.

The present system of national parks covers almost 10% of the country but includes only half of the ecosystems. Thus there is an urgent need to complete the system. For a successful selection, three elements are needed: (1) valid criteria, (2) good ecological and biological information comparable for the whole territory considered and (3) proper techniques to apply them correctly, systematically and efficiently. The prioritization of conservation areas for Colombia was carried-out based on these three elements: a set of selection criteria, including quantitative targets, was implemented in the program FOCALISE, that was run using as input the present and original-potential distribution of the terrestrial ecosystems. The presented scenario meets the targets for all ecosystems

IN SEARCH OF A THEORY OF ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS.

BUENO, CECILIA. Universidade Veiga de Almeida, Rua São Clemente 373/501, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22260001, Brasil, cecilia.bueno((AT))pobox.com.

Ecological corridors are being designed and implemented in many regions to enhance conservation and provide connectivity. The problem is that managers lack general methodologies to help effective action. Corridor width is a major problem, and often in Brazil not being determined based an ecological rationale. It affects strongly costs and risks, and so ecological sustainability. If not appropriately dimensioned, a corridor can jeopardize conservation objectives. A study was made among published and in press literature, and projects already implemented, including interview and discussion with decision makers and refuge managers, and simulated calculations. Calculations were made also for theoretical and in implementation corridors, in order to propose a general model to estimate a basic corridor width, upon which local considerations can be added. The objective was to use ecological attributes, rather than any other factor. Considerations included some critical aspects, such as: edge effect, target or umbrella species home ranges, fragments size, fragments distance. The result is a proposed mathematical model that estimates an initial corridor width using as input variables: (a) home-range of umbrella or target species; (b) distance between fragments; (c) a tabulated risk rate factor; and (d) a minimum width assumption

SCIENCE CAPACITY IN THE NATURE CONSERVANCY: CURRENT STRENGTHS, GAPS, AND APPROACHES TO MEETING EMERGING CONSERVATION NEEDS.

COMENDANT, TOSHA; Weins, John; Kareiva, Peter; Sanjayan, M. The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr. Suit Arlington, VA, 22203 USA, tcomendant((AT))tnc.org.

Configuring the capacity needed to address emerging conservation science issues is a considerable challenge for environmental organizations. Inevitably, there is time lag between recognition of crucial issues and mobilization of necessary staff. We formed a series of science assessment teams in 2003-4 to evaluate capacity strengths and critical gaps in state programs of The Nature Conservancy, as well as programs in China, Indonesia, and the Pacific Islands. Our findings are based on group discussions during regional meetings, presentations on science projects and priorities, working group reports, disciplinary expertise surveys, and individual interviews. We found that The Nature Conservancy is well positioned to address threats to terrestrial systems, whereas expertise in freshwater and marine conservation generally lags behind the needs. There is a time lag in the ability of large conservation organizations to effectively develop the skills and capacity to deal with emerging threats. For example, the magnitude of climate change as a global threat has yet to be met by a dedication of resources and capacity necessary to incorporate this issue into conservation planning, policy, and implemention of climate-sensitive decisions. We discuss approaches The Nature Conservancy is taking to solve internal capacity issues and build the capacity in partner organizations

LAND USE CHOICES: BALANCING HUMAN NEEDS AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION.

DEFRIES, RUTH; Klink, Carlos; Cavalcanti, Roberto B. Department of Geography, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20817, USA, rdefries((AT)) mail.umd.edu. Universidade de Brasilia; Brasilia DF, 70, 919-900, Brazil, klink((AT))unb.br. Conservation International,Washington DC, USA, r.cavalcanti((AT))conservation.org.

Land use provides food, timber, and other ecosystem goods essential for human needs but also has many unintended ecological consequences. These consequences include habitat loss, reduced watershed protection, and other ecosystem functions essential for conservation. The Cerrado is currently undergoing massive and rapid transitions to mechanized agriculture and pasture. Land use decisions currently underway have a major influence on the future of the region. We present a framework for quantifying the trade-offs between economically-valuable production and ecosystem function over various temporal and spatial scales as a basis to assess the appropriate balance. We also present examples of applying ecological knowledge to identify critic al conservation locations and corridors to maintain conservation value while meeting human needs for ecosystem goods. The Cerrado presents a key opportunity to apply these scientifically-based approaches to regional land use decisions. This presentation provides a context for the other presentations in the session

HELPING SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS SHARE THEIR INFORMATION ONLINE.

Torres, Beatriz; CANHOS, DORA A. L. Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (BT). Centro de Referência em Informação Ambiental, CRIA, Av. Romeu Tórtima, 388, Barão Geraldo, 13084-791 Campinas SP Brazil (DALC).

The establishment of policies and strategies to promote scientific, social and economic development depend on timely and accurate information to answer questions on conservation, planning of protected areas, recovery of disturbed areas, management and containment of invasive species, prevention of spread and control of diseases and pests, biosafety issues, and many others. Natural history collections (zoological, botanical, microbial) are the main repositories of species data, however, digital access to these resources has lagged. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility was established to promote and facilitate the digitization and global dissemination of primary biodiversity data. One of the main tools for this is the establishment of a network that links the major scientific collections in the world and searches and serves their data by means of an internet interface. The targets for Decembe are to serve up to 200 million specimen/observation records, with information on at least 50% of of all species known to science available through the GBIF Catalogue. In Brazil, the species- Link network provides an interface for online data access to over 30 scientific collections in São Paulo state, comprising distributed and heterogeneous databases. These achievements demonstrate the successes of partnership-based cooperative models for free exchange of data, information and knowledge.ABSTRACTS Universidade de Brasília, Brazil, July 200

THE EVIDENCE REVOLUTION IN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY.

SUTHERLAND, WILLIAM J. Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK w.sutherland((AT))uea.ac.uk.

Although in theory conservation is based upon science, surveys of practitioners shows that most conservation decisions are not based upon evidence but on personal experience and learning from others. Does this matter? I will review evidence that shows that while many conservation recommendations are very sensible, others are wrong. I will then provide conservative calculations to estimate that over $100 million is spent each year on conservation actions that do not work. There is a clear need to make conservation more effective. Over the last few decades evidence-based medicine has revolutionised the effectiveness of medical practice, which provides a useful model. I will outline a programme for evidencebased conservation. This entails (1) a means of collating the experience of practicing conservation biologists, (2) systematic reviews of papers, reports and unpublished information to determine conservat ion effectiveness (3) a means of disseminating the review results back to practitioners. Major steps have been taken in each of these three stages over the last year to make this plan happen. I will describe how each of the three stages operates, review the progress and outline the main constraints. If this programme is successful then it will fundamentally change global conservation practice

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A CAMERA TRAPPING STUDY OF FELIDS IN THE PARQUE ESTADUAL DO RIO DOCE, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL.

VIANA, LEONARDO R.; Scoss, Leandro M.; Fonseca, Gustavo. Laboratório de Mastozoologia e Manejo de Fauna, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais 30161-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. (LRV, GABF). Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Campus Antônio Rodrigues Coelho, Rua Israel Pinheiro 2000, Bairro Universitário, 35020-220, Brazil (LSM).

Felids are reputably difficult to assess and monitor in the wild due to their secretive behavior and frequent persecution by humans. Camera trapping offers a non-invasive method to obtain such data. The Parque Estadual do Rio Doce (PERD) is approximately 36,000 ha in size, and the largest Atlantic Forest remnant in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Here we present the results of the first year-long camera trapping study of felids ever conducted in the area, totaling 2207 trap nights. We obtained 45 photographic felid “captures” comprising four species (Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Herpailurus yaguarondi, Leopardus pardalis). The relative abundances indices (RAI) for these species were as follows: (0.181) P. onca, (0.271) P. concolor, (0.045) H. yaguarondi, (0.815) L. pardalis. The RAI from L. pardalis is at least three times greater than for any other species. The record of P. onca represents the first definitive proof in nine years of the species’ continued persistence within park boundaries, an assumption that had been frequently challenged in the literature

ECOSYSTEM HEALTH CAPACITY BUILDING IN SOUTH AMERICA.

UHART, MARCELA M; Karesh, William B. Field Veterinary Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Estivari

NEW APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF POPULATION LEVEL INDICATORS OF BIODIVERSITY.

GREGORY, RICHARD D.; van Strien, Arco; Vorisek, Petr; Meyling, Adriaan W. Gmelig; Noble, David G.; Foppen, Ruud P. B.; Gibbons, David W. European Bird Census Council & The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, United Kingdom (RDG, DWG). Statistics Netherlands, PO Box 4000, 2270 JM Voorburg, The Netherlands (AS, AWGM), Czech Society for Ornithology, V Olsinach 449/41, CZ-100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic. British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU. United Kingdom. SOVON, Rijksstraatweg 178, 6573 DG, Beek-Ubbergen, The Netherlands.

The global pledge to deliver “a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss by 2010” brings with it a need to measure progress towards the target at global, regional and national levels. Such measurement, however, is problematic because, first, we often lack robust trend information, and second, we lack agreement on adequate summary statistics. We use the example of European birds to show how robust population level indicators can be constructed. We show how multi-species indicators have been developed in a national context using the UK Government’s wild bird index. Next, we extend the methods to create multispecies indicators for Europe. Supranational species’ indices are constructed by combining the national species’ indices weighted by national population sizes. Supranational multi-species indicators are then calculated by averaging the indices on a geometricABSTRACTS Universidade de Brasília, Brazil, July 2005 scale. We show that common birds living on European farmland have declined steeply over two decades, whereas forest birds have declined slightly, and other common species have increased. The driver of bird declines on farmland is agricultural intensification. Such indicators provide a tangible basis for measuring progress towards the 2010 target for one element of biodiversity and this approach could be usefully extended to other taxa and regions

BUILDING A CRITICAL MASS FOR CONSERVATION: THE TROPICAL BIOLOGY ASSOCIATION.

TREVELYAN, ROSIE. Tropical Biology Association, Department of Zoology, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, U. K.

Biodiversity conservation requires skilled people coupled with the political and institutional support necessary to operate effectively. This in the broadest sense of the term is capacity, and there is world-wide concern that lack of national capacity is preventing countries from meeting their conservation goals. The Tropical Biology Association is addressing this need by building expertise and creating national and international links for conservation biologists and their institutions. The TBA’s field courses are unique since they bring African and European biologists together in equal numbers, providing a valuable forum for sharing ideas and mak-XIX Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology ABSTRACTS ing contacts. Building on its field course experience, the TBA is now working with institutions to provide training to trainers to ensure our activities are sustainable in the longer term. The returns of investing in people are often seen several years down the line, so how do we know we are making an impact? A recent survey showed that over 90% of TBA’s 380 African trainees are now employed in conservation biology, both in non-governmental organisations and national government. This resource of well-trained, motivated and committed biologists is uniquely placed to pass on their skills and make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation in the longer term

IMPACT OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT UPON SMALL CARNIVORES.

TROVATI, ROBERTO G.; Brito, Bernardo A.; Duarte, José M. B. Departamento de Zootecnia, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal SP, 14884-900, Brazil, guilhermetrov((AT)) hotmail.com (RGT, JMBD). Departamento de Criação de Unidades de Conservação/IBAMA, Brasília, DF, Brazil (BAB).

Hydroelectric power plants may be a great conquest of the engineering, but there are still serious failures in the environmental field because the irreversible impacts they cause on it. In this study we measured the effects of the hydroelectric power plant Luis Eduardo Magalhães - Lajeado (TO) upon a small carnivorous community. The evaluation was taken for five species: Cerdocyon thous (n=3), Nasua nasua (n=3), Leopardus tigrinus (n=2), Herpailurus yagouaoroundi (n=2) and Leopardus pardalis (n=1). Animals were marked with radio collars and tracked before, during and after the flooding process. All the studied animals left their use area after flooding and moved to secure ones, establishing new areas at the reservoir margin. They presented tolerance to the severe impact caused by partial or almost complete inundation of their habitat, especially those animals that didn’t have their core area inundated by the reservoir formation. The felids were the most sensitive among the carnivorous regarding the transformation of their habitat

IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA WATERSHED IN CENTRAL BRAZIL.

RIBEIRO, MAURO C. L. B; Veríssimo, Mônica; Rosa, José W. C.; Perdigão, Victor S. J. Reserva Ecológica do IBGE, Brasília - DF, Cx. Postal 08770 70.312-970, Brazil, mauro((AT))lambert.net (MCLBR, VSJP); Laboratório de Geoprocessamento, Departamento de Geologia, UnB, Brasília - DF, Brazil (JWCR); Fundação Sustentabilidade e Desenvolvimento, Centro Empresarial Norte, Brasília - DF, Brazil (MV).

Long term trends (1986 - 2003) on the ecological (biotic, physical and geochemical) integrity of aquatic ecosystems draining an environmental protection area of Cerrado in central Brazil were monitored. Habitat models of aquatic environment response to terrestrial and terrestrial - aquatic ecotone (ZTTA) landscape attributes under the influence of different land use patterns and land occupation polices were established. A total of 40 sampling stretches were monitored according to stream order (second (15), third (20) and fourth (5) and land use (agriculture (10), urban (10) and conservation units (20)) along Ribeirão Gama drainage. Ecological integrity of aquatic systems were inferred on the basis of 16 fish communities and populations attributes, 60 physical habitat variables and 35 water and sediment quality parameters. Disturbances measured as Euclidian distance of sampling stations in relation to “respective sampling conditions controls” in a multidimensional scaling reduced hyperspace were registered along the years in all urban (p=0.000) and agriculture (p<0.007) influenced stream stretches, and in the lower course of conservation units streams flowing to disturbed areas (p<0.03). Connectivity (47%), diversity (27%), size and form (13%) of landscape and ZTTA fragments were significantly related (p=0.000) to aquatic habitat (39%), biotic (28%) and chemical (19%) integrity in the area. Three Discriminant Functions (DF) indicated that conversion of floodplains and gallery forests, urbanization of watershed and population density (First DF; r=0.99), agriculture (Second DF; r= 0.74) and land occupation polices (Third DF; r=0.69) explained 85% of aquatic integrity variance and may be used as robust aquatic integrity predictors. Adaptive management strategies for the conservation of aquatic system organization are addressed.ABSTRACTS Universidade de Brasília, Brazil, July 200

GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY REGIME AND THE MAMIRAUÁ CASE. A GLOBAL-LOCAL APPROACH TO ASSESS BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION EXPERIENCES.

INOUE, CRISTINA Y.A. Instituto de Relações Internacionais, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Caixa Postal 04359, CEP 70910-970, Brasil, cris1999((AT))unb.br.

The concept of biodiversity international regime is familiar to international relations scholars who study global environmental issues. Usually, their focus is on interstate relations and processes around the creation and implementation of global environmental conventions. Conservation biologists, environmental NGOs, and agencies, on the other hand, tend to focus on biodiversity initiatives implemented at local level. However, fewer efforts are made to integrate the global and local levels. The first research objective was to construct a concept of global biodiversity regime. Such concept was constructed based on international relations theoretical perspectives and empirical observation. It integrates the global and local dimensions, allowing us to analyse experiences like Mamirauá, which was a biodiversity conservation and sustainable development project in a flooded forest area of the Brazilian Amazonia. The second objective was to briefly describe and discuss the Mamirauá case. Two major results emerged: the identi- fication of (1) key factors around the elaboration and implementation of the Mamirauá Project, and (2) the international and transnational networks and dynamics that have acted locally, relating the case to the global biodiversity regime. Another major result indicated how local experiences can be a positive input for the global regime

SHOULD THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POPULATION VIABILITY AND HABITAT QUALITY PROMPT A PARADIGM SHIFT IN CARNIVORE CONSERVATION - A CASE STUDY WITH BEARS.

NEVIN, OWEN T.; Gilbert, Barrie K. Centre for Animal Conservation, University of Central Lancashire, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0AH, United Kingdom, onevin((AT))uclan.ac.uk (OTN). Forest Range and Wildlife Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA, bgilbert((AT))cc.usu.edu (BKG).

For many species, reliable evaluation of foraging habitat requires measurement of a multitude of variables. Bears, however, provide a unique opportunity to integrate all these variables into a single measure: salmon consumption. As with Van Horne’s measure of habitat quality (Qj ), consumption of salmon affects fecundity, age at first reproduction and survival probability. Our analysis revealed a highly significant (p=0.005) negative relationship between minimum viable population and food availability/habitat quality lending empirical support to the conceptual form of this relationship proposed by Van Horne. Understanding the relationship between habitat quality and minimum viable population has important implications for conservation area desi gn and the dominant paradigm of carnivore conservation, which emphasizes large areas with little or no human access, may in fact be a poor model for conservation efforts. The historic emphasis on the need for large areas has led to the protection of low productivity sites. This study shows that changes in habitat quality have the greatest impact on the viability of populations in poor or marginal habitat.We therefore suggest that pursuit of the current paradigm through the preservation of large, low productivity areas will be insufficient to ensure the long-term viability of populations of large carnivores

AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF THE MAJOR INITIATIVES FOR SHARING CONSERVATION INFORMATION.

MORITZ, THOMAS D. American Museum of Natural History, 79 th Street at Central Park West, New York, NY 10024 USA, tmoritz((AT))amnh.org.

The signature of the Biodiversity Convention in 1992 formalized the need for a framework for sharing biological and conservation information. Since then there has been a convergence between XIX Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology ABSTRACTS initiatives that seek to free all types of information, including software, scientific data, artistic products, under the Creative Commons. IUCN set up in 2004 the Conservation Commons, bringing together existing projects managing species, protected areas, and legislation. Drawing on more than 10 years’ experience at the international level in working to build collaborations with respect to sharing biodiversity information, this presentation will review current and past experiences, analyzing “common pool resource” (CPR) systems as proposed by Elinor Ostrom (Governing the Commons), and argue that the Ostrom CPR models are applicable at the global scale to digital information systems resources

IDENTIFYING KEY INDIVIDUALS FOR CONSERVATION USING THE SAMPLE INFLUENCE FUNCTION.

MCGRAW, JAMES; Furedi, Mary Ann. Department of Biology, P. O. Box 6057, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA, jmcgraw((AT))wvu.edu.

In a world of limited resources, identifying the most critical targets for conservation within a species of concern will ensure the greatest efficiency of conservation effort. Classically, sensitivity and elasticity analyses have been used to identify life history stages critical to population growth rate in order to guide management of rare or endangered species. Unfortunately, these analytical approaches have inherent mathematical assumptions that limit their utility as guides for conservation. A complementary method, the sample influence function, uses a contextual, experimental approach to identifying key individuals for population growth. Using our extensive demographic database on Panax quinquefolius L. (American ginseng), we demonstrate the differences between classical sensitivity/elasticity and the sample influence function. The sample influence function places a relativized stage-specific conservation value on each individual in the population proportional to its influence on population growth. The sample influence function showed the importance to ginseng population growth of transitioning from small to large size classes, reproducing early, and surviving within large classes. By contrast sensitivity/elasticity emphasized only survival of large individuals. In the case of ginseng conservation, the oversimplification resulting from elasticity analysis could misdirect conservation efforts. The sample influence function analysis is more relevant for conservation decisionmaking

MANAGEMENT NEEDS IN PROTECTED AREAS - BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT AT A PROTECTED AREA OF SUSTAINABLE USE IN THE BRAZILIAN VÁRZEA.

QUEIROZ, HELDER L.; Souza, Isabel; Pires, Andréa; Estupiñan, Guillermo; Peralta, Nelissa; Valsecchi, João. Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development (IDSMOS/ MCT), Rua Brasília 197, Bairro Juruá, Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil, 69.470-000, helder((AT))mamiraua.org.br (HLQ).

Given the strong threats to the Brazilian várzea due to the recent increase in the antropogenic pressure for natural resources, biodiversity conservation today depends more on the ability to regulate the use of resources, than in the promotion of strict protection of this environment. Many different initiatives for conservation are been carried out during the last 15 years. Most of the little offi- cial protection present is based on the establishment of areas for sustainable use, as the Sustainable Development Reserves. Implementation of areas such as these involves not only the protection of strict zones, but the establishment of participatory systems of management, with shared responsibilities and determination of specif roles for all the stakeholders. The efficient participation of representativies of main social players, sat in recognized councils have to be considered as important as the development of scientific research for conservation or the effective regulation of sustainable use of natural resources, together with protection, control, and survailance. At the Mamirauá and Amanã Sustainable Development Reserves, the creation of different means for participation for locals and their involvement in the management of the area and its natural resources shows that these are key issues for the success of local biodiversity conservation. These experiences have to be considered when planing for further levels of protection for the Brazilian várzea

REACHING THE CONVENTION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2010 TARGET - WHERE DO WE STAND?

GOOD, TATJANA. Core Project Office Biodiscovery, Diversitas, Centro de Ecologia, IVIC, Apdo. 21827, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela, tgood((AT))ivic.ve.

The unprecedented loss of biodiversity prompted the nations attending the 2002 Johannesburg World Congress on Sustainable Development to commit th em selves to the central target of the Convention of Biological Diversity, of: “achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss” (UNEP 2002). Participating governments are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and to report their progress to the CBD in the form of national reports. I analyzed the 2nd national reports submitted by 100 countries to critically look at uses and limitations of their national indicators of biodiversity. While over half the countries are still in the process of identifying potential indicators, 17 have done so already. In light of recent articles on the choice and development of global indicators for measuring trends in components of biodiversity (Butchart et al. 2004, Balmford et al 2005), these national indicators were subject to a more in-depth evaluation. Furthermore, I assessed various strategies employed by the countries in assessing biodiversity with particular em phasis on article 7 of the Convention: “inventorying and monitoring”. I describe the challenges and potential pitfalls the countries face in protecting biodiversity and evaluate their likelihood of meeting the CBD objectives by 2010.ABSTRACTS Universidade de Brasília, Brazil, July 200

FALLING TO PIECES: GLOBAL ESTIMATES OF HABITAT LOSS AND FRAGMENTATION.

JENNINGS, MICHAEL; Hoekstra, Jonathan M.; Boucher, Timothy M.; Molnar, Jennifer L. Nature Conservancy Global Priorities Group, 530 S. Asbury St., Suite 5, Moscow, ID, 83843, USA (mjennings((AT)) tnc.org; MJ); The Nature Conservancy Global Priorities Group, 217 Pine Street, Suite 1100, Seattle,WA, 98101, USA (JH, JLM); The Nature Conservancy Global Priorities Group, 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, 22203, USA (TB).

Habitat loss and fragmentation are widely recognized as the primary causes of biodiversity loss in terrestrial ecosystems. But how fragmented is the world? How does the degree of fragmentation change with the extent of habitat loss? Do relationships between habitat loss and fragmentation suggest processes that conservationists could manipulate to reduce the threat of fragmentation? To answer these questions, we analyzed global land cover data (1 km2 resolution) to quantify the extent of habitat loss and the distribution of remaining habitat block sizes globally as well as across each of the world’s terrestrial ecoregions. The observed relationship between the distribution of habitat block sizes and the total extent of habitat loss in ecoregions suggests a predictive model for the func tional linkage between habitat loss and fragmentation. We compare this relationship among different biomes to explore whether processes of habitat loss and fragmentation differ systematically. Our findings improve our understanding of the threats posed by ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation around the world, and suggest potential conservation strategies for minimizing adverse consequences for biodiversity

ENDANGERED FORESTS: MOBILIZING SCIENCE TO PROTECT ENDANGERED FORESTS WORLDWIDE.

FORD, JIM. ForestEthics, One Haight Street, San Francisco, California, 94102, USA, jim.ford((AT))forestethics.org.

As forests loss and biodiversity loss accelerate under pressure from logging and other industrial demands around the world, new commitments to protect biodiversity and natural systems by the very same companies responsible for much of this demand are a source of hope. Breakthroughs in conservation areas design in Chile and the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia that are a result of markets campaigns and the implementation of corporate commitments are exemplary. Sound, independent science is needed to guide the implementation of corporate commitments to protect biodiversity through their purchases of wood and paper products. “Ecological Components of Endangered Forests” outlines the major regional and global needs for conservation of forest ecosystems by scientists, GIS mapping projects and forest biodiversity experts. Three- and four-way partnerships between industry, scientists, non-governmental organizations and governments will be necessary as more regions worldwide are the subjects of far-reaching forest conservation initiatives where markets demand them

SELECTING LANDSCAPES FOR CONSERVATION: IMPACTS OF SPECIES PRIORITISATION.

EARLY, REGAN; Moilanen, Atte; Thomas, Chris. Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5YW, UK (re7((AT))york.ac.uk) (RE, CT); Metapopulation Research Group, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, FI-00014, FINLAND (AM).

A new reserve design algorithm ’ZONATION’ is used to identify complementary landscapes, the conservation of which would maximise the likelihood that all species within an assemblage would persist. The sensitivity of priority areas to the weighting of species is explored for British butterflies. Priority weightings are given to individual species according to (a) regional rarity and value, (b) national decline, and (c) European decline. Differences between regional and continental-scale priorities strongly affect the design of the reserve network. When species are weighted according to their regional or national priorities, locally rare species are heavily represented in the reserve network even if the species are common and widespread elsewhere in Europe, whereas European priority species are under-represented. However, weighting species to re- flect their European priority causes the representation of local high priority species to drop disproportionately more than that of local medium and low priority species. Ultimately, we produce a compromise solution for Britain, reflecting both continental and local biodiversity value. We argue that global and continental priorities must be incorporated into local and regional priority-setting, to ensure that internationally threatened species receive protection within their distributional “heartlands”, the are as where long-term conservation is likely to be most successful

ISLAND CONSERVATION: WHERE WE ARE, WHERE WE ARE GOING, AND WHAT WE NEED TO GET THERE.

DONLAN, C. JOSH; Wilcox, Chris; Lavoie, Christian; Campbell, Karl; Cruz, Felipe; Tershy, Bernie. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Corson Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2701 USA cjd34((AT))cornell.edu (CJD). Island Conservation, Center for Ocean Health, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA (CJD, BT). The Ecology Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia (CW). Galápagos National Park Service, Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador (CJD, CL, KC, FC). Charles Darwin Foundation, Casilla 17-01-3891, Quito, Ecuador (CL, KC, FC). United Nations Development Program, Av. Amazonas 2889, Quito, Ecuador (CL). Natural and Rural Systems Management, Gatton College, University of Queensland, Gatton Qld 4345 Australia (KC).

Nowhere but on islands is extinction so rife. Non-native mammals have triggered a massive wave of insular extinctions across the globe. They remain a premier threat today, and thus the removal of non-native mammals from islands is one of our most powerful conservation tools. Over the past decade, significant conservation gains have been made on islands worldwide and eradication techniques have been vastly improved. These techniques include leveraging and integrating 1) aerial hunting and poison broadcasting by helicopter, 2) the use of specially trained hunting dogs and groundhunting techniques, 3) the integration of global positioning system and geographic information system technology, and 4) improved Judas goat techniques. As island conservation practitioners tackle larger and more biological complex islands for eradication, they will face new challenges. These challenges will not only require technology and knowledge transfer, but will necessitate new tools and approache s. These will include 1) quantitative, statistical, and economic tools needed to help prioritize and guide decision making in eradication campaigns, 2) novel technical approaches (e. g., disease) that effectively and efficiently remove large populations of non-native species 3) new toxins that reduce or eliminate nontarget poisoning and secondary effects, and 4) sociological frameworks that are incorporated into eradication campaigns in an effort to obtain buy-in from island inhabitants and users. These four disciplines will encompass the challenges to island conservation in the coming decades

PARKSWATCH: TOWARDS MAKING PARKS WORK.

Martinez, Martha; GATTI, GUSTAVO. ParksWatch, Center for Tropical Conservation, Duke University, P.O. Box 90381, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0381, USA, (mmartinez((AT))Parkswatch.org).

The announcement of a new national park signals a potential success story in conservation. However, parks all over the world are under threat from diverse pressures including logging, fire, habitat fragmentation and the invasion of alien species, among them our own. Alleviating these pressures is often an uphill struggle, especially in the absence of strong institutional support and adequate financial resources. The mission of ParksWatch (www·parkswatch·org) is to alleviate such pressures by generating up-to-date information on the threats faced by parks and disseminating the information to management agencies, donors and the public. In addition, we suggest short and long-term strategies to improve the management of each protected area we assess. Currently, ParksWatch operates in nine South American countries and each country/regional office is staffed with highly motivated local conservationists. Here, I will provide an overview of ParksWatch and the methodology we use for evaluating the status of protected areas. Then, I will outline our vision for the future and the types of collaboration we seek to strengthen our role in conservation

MEASURING THE STATE OF BIODIVERSITY - LESSONS FROM THE HEINZ CENTER’S “STATE OF THE NATION’S ECOSYSTEMS” PROJECT.

LOVEJOY, THOMAS E. The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 735 South, Washington, DC 20004, USA (lovejoy((AT))heinzctr.org).

The Heinz Center’s “State of the Nation’s Ecosystems” report was a ground breaking, stakeholder-based effort to identify a succinct set of indicators of the use and condition of U. S. ecosystems, and may provide useful lessons for addressing the CBD’s 2010 goal. One hundred and three indicators describe key ecosystem attributes for coasts/oceans, farmlands, forests, fresh waters, grasslands/ shrublands, urban/suburban areas and the nation as a whole. Creation of an indicator framework and acceptance of this framework by diverse political interests were major achievements and illustrate that the process used to identify indicators can be as important as the indicators themselves. Many of the report’s indicators are directly relevant to the 2010 goals, including: at-risk species, at-risk plant/animal communities, overall biological community condition, non-native species, chemical contamination, ecosystem goods and services, and others. Data were available to support national reporting for 12 of 31 indicators describing “biological components”, and full data were available for only 2. Six indicators required additional technical development. This lack of essential information on biodiversity in an information-rich country like the United States is a surprising-if not alarming-finding, and the lack of scientific agreement on key best metrics poses an important challenge to the ecological community

DETECTING AND PREDICTING LAND COVER CHANGE IN THE VENEZUELAN NORTH-CENTRAL REGION: A SEARCH FOR LOCAL CONSERVATION PRIORITIES.

LACABANA, PABLO; Portillo-Quintero, Carlos; Carrasquel, Fabián. Asociación Civil PROVITA, Av. Las Acacias, Los Caobos. Edif. Torre La Previsora, Piso 15, Ofic. 15-1, Caracas, Venezuela, biodiversidad((AT))provitaonline.org (PL, FC, CPQ).

Based on the fact that detection and prediction of changes in regional critical areas may lead to more effective conservation efforts, we conducted a supervised classification of Landsat images from 1986 and 2001 over the north-central terrestrial ecosystems of Venezuela, a region of high biodiversity but also intensive human pressure. Tropical evergreen forest (EGF), semideciduous forests (SDF) and dry forests (DF) were mapped with an overall accuracy of 87%. Comparisons showed that 30%, 13% and 3% of DF, SDF and EGF disappeared in 15 years, respectively. The probability of total conversion of the three forest ecosystems to non-forest in the next 100 years was assessed using Markov Chain Analysis obtaining a probability of 0.91, 0.64 and 0.29 for the DF, SDF and E GF, respectively. Further analysis indicated a greater risk for the DF fragments to disappear given their critical size, non-protected status and rate of deforestation. Current trends predict high-stress scenarios for the DF related animal and plant communities in the future. To address this, we recommend implementing special protection to relatively large DF remnants and promoting the sustainable management of heavily fragmented DF areas. We also recommend establishing an ecological corridor that connects four important protected areas

ARE THE HIGHEST SPECIES RICHNESS AREAS OF BIRDS AND MAMMALS UNDER A PROTECTED STATUS IN VENEZUELA?

OLIVEIRA-MIRANDA, MARIA A.; Rodríguez, Jon Paul; Lazo, Rodrigo; Zambrano, Sergio; Tapiquén, Efraín; Ruiz, Augusto; Gutiérrez, Eliécer; Armas, Manuel; Solórzano, Luis Aníbal; Rojas-Suárez, Franklin. Centro Internacional de Ecología Tropical, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo. 21827, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela, molivei((AT)) usb.ve (MAOM). Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo. 21827, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela (JPR, SZ, ET, AR, EG, MA). Centro Internacional de Ecología Tropical, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo. 21827, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela (RL). Conservation International Venezuela, Av. San Juan Bosco, Edif. San Juan, Piso 8, Ofic. 8A, Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela (LAS, FRZ).

Species richness is one of the features considered for setting conservation priorities, and for evaluating the extant protected areas as well. Thus, it is relevant relying on maps for the distribution of this variable, particularly in the Neotropic. We have built a first version of richness maps for birds and mammals by implementing a geographical information system. Observed patterns of richness were compared with the Venezuelan network of strict protected areas (NSPA). Areas of higher richness for birds are dispersed in the country while for mammals are located mainly along a mountainous region. Maximum values obtained were 565 species (41.3% of country total) for birds, and 207 species (64.1% of country total) for mammals. NSPA includes 86% (531-565 spp) of areas with highest richness for the birds, and 72% (185-207 spp) for mammals. However, NSPA included the other levels of richness in less than 40% for birds and 24% for mammals. The distribution of species within groups and the richness centers among groups does not overlap. The results obtained suggest that the protection of birds and mammals in Venezuela requires reviewing extant NSPA and setting different strategies of management and conservation for each group

LEGAL ASPECTS OF VÁRZEA CONSERVATION: OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS. SURGIK,

ANA CAROLINA. National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA), CP 478, Manaus, AM 69060-020 Brasil carolinasurgik((AT)) hotmail.com.

The várzea management must take into account its legal aspects, as: definition, legal constitution, domain and jurisdiction. In Brazil, there are few legal determinations for várzea and these have not been efficient in its conservation. For the várzea concept, it has only a generic definition of areas subject to flooding, ignoring the ecological differences of its diverse types. It can makes management difficult. It is not appropriate to define várzea in legal terms; however, it is appropriate to legally define its environmental uses. About the legal constitution, the Law does not recognize the hybrid characteristic of várzea, and tries to encase it in the permanent preservation area concept or water concept, depending on the period of the year. To insert várzea in non-hybrid systems hinders its adequate management. The domain of várzea of the Amazonas/Solimões main channel is federal because it is flooded by federal water. It is key in the regulation of its use. However, várzea’s management is still difficult because there are other legal codes that ignore its hybrid nature (e. g. marine land - “terrenos de marinha”). The jurisdiction also is federal, through the Union Patrimonial Service (SPU) and National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA).ABSTRACTS Universidade de Brasília, Brazil, July 200

THE USE OF CAMERA TRAPPING TO IDENTIFY MEDIUM AND BIG MAMMALS IN CENTRAL AMAZON RAINFORESTS.

ARTEAGA, MARIA CLARA; Spironello, Wilson. Projeto TEAM (Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring). Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia. Manaus, AM, CEP 69083-000, Brazil. mariaclaraarteaga((AT))yahoo.com.

Mammals play an important role on diversity maintenance in Tropical Forests as herbivores, seed dispersers and controlling population growth of several species. The nocturnal and inconspicuous habits of most mammalian species and the dense covertures from forested areas make difficult monitoring and evaluating its community structure. Camera traps are a non-invasive method that permits to cover large areas along continuous time, and to detect rare and cryptic species. This method is being used to evaluate the medium and big mammal community in two reserves of upland rainforests from Central Amazon. Seven stations were settled in each reserve during two months from both rainy and dry seasons. In each station two cameras with passive sensor were installed to pick up the photos. The total sampling effort was 20.496 hours/camera during rainy season and 18.984 hours/camera during dry se ason. A total of 51 mammals were registered, composed by six orders, eight families and 15 species. This method has showed useful to register high species number in short time period. During long-term period it will help to evaluate activity patterns and population dynamics for that species that can be identified individually, being important to plan future conservation strategies in Tropical Forests.

BIODIVERSITY’S NATIONAL PRIORITY IN A CLIMATE OF EVERYDAY VIOLENCE.

BENJAMIN-FINK, NICOLE; Perry, Jim. Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, McNeal Hall,180, St. Paul, MN.55108, USA, benj((AT))umn.edu.

Israel is subjected to everyday conflict, resulting in violence. Israel’s society consists of a wide and fragmented range of value sets in which political and security needs take priority over sustainable development and biodiversity conservation needs. As a result, biodiversity is at considerable risk, especially endemic biodiversity. Our data come from interviews with Israeli scientists, managers of nature park reserves and upper level decision makers. Our results suggest that, there is not a strong link between biodiversity science and policy in Israel. A very small percentage of Israeli scientists report being involved in any aspect of national or subnational decision making. Our data further suggest that a small percentage of landscape management practices incorporate biodiversity management decisions. Biodiversity decision making is imbedded in religious heritage and conservation education, rather than strict biodiversity management needs. In addition, political and security agendas take priority on national decision making agenda. Biodiversity decision-making pattern is on a short time horizons and not sustainable in such a climate of everyday violence. In order to optimize long term biodiversity conservation we suggest that several relatively simple strategies would significantly tighten the link between biodiversity and science and policy.

BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION IN AN ERA OF ECONOMIC GLOBALIZATION.

ARAGON, SUSAN. Clark Uni-versity,950 Main Street, Graduate School of Geography, Worcester, MA 01610, USA, saragongeo((AT))yahoo.com.

Usually when we talk about the environmental effects of globalization it is referred global spread of pollution and waste and to the effects of global warming. Less attention has been focused, at least in the conservation biology literature, to the indirect consequences of the globalization of investments, trade, production and technology on the efforts to conserve biological diversity. This paper will explore the effects of economic globalization in the loss and fragmentation of habitats, introduction of exotic species and harvesting of natural resources. The growth and spread of investment, capital and financial services are considered the landmark of globalization. As the case examples of Indonesia, Brazil, and Costa Rica shown larger investments will appropriate large land holdings dedicated mainly to ranching and timber exploitation. These two economic activities are the main causes of deforestation in the tropics. Additionally, acquisition of larger holdings left many farmers landless who are forced to migrate either to the cities or forest frontiers. The liberalization of trade, reducing agricultural subsidies, tariffs, taxes, regulations and barriers that block trade could have detrimental effects with the increase of accidental introduction of exotic species and the overharvesting of wild resources such as non timber products of tropical forest.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND SCIENCE TO GUIDE POLICY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD.

ANDRIOLO, ARTUR. Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFJF, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brasil. andriolo((AT)) icb.ufjf.br.

In modern society the values and common sense are not property of all society members. The modern pluralism leads to an enormous relativism of the system values and interpretations. It raises the question: “How to respect differences and make decisions for nature conservation?”. This study is to support the ethics values as an essential procedure for policy taking in consideration the modern pluralism. Ethics is the philosophic discipline that analyses and guide society based on rational procedures to take decisions to solve problems. More specific, Environmental Ethics is dedicated to discuss philosophical aspects of environmental problems. Science offers an academic system to reach an objective knowledge of reality, and supports theories and practices related to environmental conservation. Science is not restricted by the society morality values, but its applicability and success will depend on policy strategies and society permeability to those actions. Environmental conservation will take place in this scenario. This study concludes that it is essential to consider the ethic values to warrant that conservation strategies are applied successfully. A participative process allows to increase community understanding about the nature and the role they play in the system. Education is the core relational element to establish communication between scientists and society.

STRATEGIES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SEDENTARY SPECIES.

BATISTA, VANDICK DA SILVA. Departamento de Ciências Pesqueira, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, AM, 69077-000, Brazil, tchoni((AT))uol.com.br.

Conservation of varzea environments would be facilitated if riverine people were motivated and willing to take conservation actions. However, they need to reap benefits for taking more risks and for spending more time being patrons of the floodplains and rivers. Fishes are an excellent exploitable resource. They usually are the most abundant and more fecund animals used by man, supporting even relatively intense fishing efforts. On the other hand, fish populations depend on the conservation of habitat integrity to maintain high productivity. This in particular applies to sedentary species that could give economic and social returns to riverine communities. There are many strategies that make the management of these species viable, but their application cannot be generalized due to regional differences and differences in local development. Adaptive practices are suggested as the best way to find the successful solutions to these complex problems.

INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES IN COLOMBIA.

BAPTISTE, MARIA PIEDAD; Franco, Ana Maria; Diaz, Juan Manuel. Programa Biología de la Conservación, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Bogotá D.C., Carrera 7 # 35-20, Colombia, mpbaptiste((AT))humboldt.org.co, amfranco((AT))humboldt.org.co, jmdiaz((AT)) humboldt.org.co (MPB, AMF, JMD).

The presence of exotic flora and fauna species is known in Colombian ecosystems. Despite this fact, invasive species have only been studied in particular cases such as the introduction of hydrobiological species and the possible effects caused by Crazy Ant (Paratrechina fulva). In order to prevent and control the negative impact of invasive species in the country, the Humboldt Institute has the purpose to consolidate unified bases and establish information exchange and disclosure mechanisms on this issue. Therefore, in collaboration with other researchers we developed an informative brochure regarding some of the most troublesome exotic species in Colombia, for instance the Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), the gorse (Ulex europaeus) and the Crazy Ant, including photos, basic information and some of the impact of these species. Additionally, the Humboldt Institute is developing a database on invasive species distributed in Colombia, and is promoting investigations on such species. We expect this brochure to become a key tool to identify invasive species in Colombia in order to achieve a better understanding of this global problem.

BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS AND THE CONSERVATION OF VÁRZEA ENVIRONMENTS.

BERNARD, ENRICO; Barbosa, Luis C.F.; Silva, José Maria C. Conservação Internacional Brasil, Escritório da Amazônia, Av. Nazaré 541, sala 310, Belém, PA, 66035-170, Brazil, e.bernard((AT))conservacao.org (E.B.).

The Amazonian várzeas are extremely dynamic, involving largescale ecological processes and a high biodiversity. In the Brazilian Amazonia, várzeas can cover 500000 km2, with most of the fishing resources and human populations. The cycling flooding processes significantly shape the geomorphology and exert control over the biota and the landscape use. The extension, complex interactions and the increasing human pressures poses a scientific challenge: How to manage várzeas in a sustainable way? Part of the answer lies in the adoption of a large-scale management system with enough flexibility in the location of zones of use and protection to incorporate the dynamics of the várzeas. Currently, there are 108 conservation units related to várzeas, 35 of strict protection (171356 km2), 73 of sustainable use (339117 km2), heterogeneously distributed, most covering just small fraction s of várzeas (24172 km2 effectively), and import rivers (e. g. Madeira, Javari, and Purús) have no strict reserve at all. We propose a model based on the concept of biodiversity corridors, with focus on connectivity. Corridors should be designed for following strictly the major migratory routes of várzea animals, such as waterbirds and fishes. Protected areas should be, mostly, of sustainable use, with more flexibility to change their management regimes according to the ecosystem dynamics.

ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: A CASE STUDY IN RIO DE JANEIRO STATE, SE BRAZIL.

ALVES, MARIA ALICE S.; Bergallo, Helena G.; Rocha, Carlos Frederico D.; Jenkins, Clinton; Van Sluys, Monique. Departamento de Ecologia, IBRAG, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, Maracanã, 20550-011, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, masa((AT))uerj.br (MASA, HGB, CFDR, MVS). Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328, USA (CJ).

The destruction of natural habitats is the main cause of species extinction. Protecting what habitats remain, and restoring their connectivity, is vital to the protection of many species. In Rio de Janeiro State, only five large remnants of Atlantic Forest remain. Two of these include important conservation units, Parque Estadual dos Três Picos/PETP and Parque Estadual do Desengano/PED. Both are isolated and the landscape between them is dominated by extensive areas for grazing and agriculture. We propose a strategy to restore connectivity between these remnants, preventing the extinction of many species. The largest fragment (partially protected by PETP) forms the southwest end of our proposed biological corridor. In the northeast, PED protects much of the second largest fragment, and forms the opposite end. Between PETP and PED are one large forest fragment and several medium-sized fragments, currently unprotected, but which could form the seeds to grow a biological corridor. Much of the non-forested land appears to be economically of low productivity. We propose that the most appropriate strategy would be to develop a mosaic of land uses, enabling the connection between these two important Atlantic Forest remnants. Support: CI, CNPq.

MODELING RISKS AND IMPACTS IN THE VARZEA.

ARRUDA, WARLEY C.; Forsberg, Bruce; Silva, U.L.; Miranda, F. P.; Beisl, C.; Garcia, J.W. Coordenacao de Pesquisas em Ecologia, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia, CP 478, Manaus AM 69011-970, warleyarruda((AT))vivax.com.br (WCA, BRF); World Wildlife Fund - Brasil (ULS); CENPES - Petrobras S.A. (FPM); COPPE - UFRJ (CB); Petrobras S.A. (JWG).

Large river floodplains are complex ecosystems where habitat and community structure vary continually in response to seasonal inundation cycles. Due to their seasonal connection to large river networks these systems are also especially vulnerable to impacts from river born pollutants and regional hunting and fishing pressure. Sophisticated models are required to predict the spatial and temporal variability of floodplain habitats and biota and evaluate their vulnerability to different anthropogenic threats. Here we describe a series of interrelated models which were developed to evaluate the risks and potential impacts of oil spills in the central Amazon floodplain of brazil, a region referred to locally as the várzea. Included are models for predicting the variability of habitat structure, the spatial pattern of inundation and the complex flow-path of oil spills in the várzea. The development of a risk management tool which integrates these models together with geo-referenced biological and socioeconomic data in a GIS environment is also discussed.