Description: This article discusses the seasonal dynamics and distribution patterns of birds associated to the sub-Antarctic wetlands in Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (54-55°S), Chile. Abstract: Little is known about bird ecology in sub-Antarctic ecosystems of the Cape Horn Reserve (CHBR), Chile. The authors examined the role of altitude, seashore distance, lake size, season, and vegetation cover in affecting bird diversity and abundance on Navarino Island (54-55°S, 67°W) in the CHBR. The authors determined avian community composition, species richness and relative abundance for wetlands and their adjacent habitats on a seasonal basis. A total of 56 species belonging to 10 orders and 25 families were recorded, and significant seasonal changes for bird species (P = 0.001) and abundance (P < 0.01) were observed, with 33.9% residents, 48.2% winter migrants, and 17.9% with unknown migratory status. The distance of wetlands from the coastline was the main predictor variable for annual species richness (P < 0.01) and total avian abundance (P < 0.05). Wetlands far from the seashore and at higher altitudes had lower diversity and abundance, although the change in elevation was relatively slight (< 300 m). These data show the seasonal patterns and dynamics, as well as the major underlying mechanisms, for ...

Description: In this presentation, the authors discuss research on a question: Does Moses Maimonides disagree with Aristotle on the question concerning particular providence? This presentation includes information on Maimonides, the evil inclination, the good inclination, five opinions on providence, and arguments and conclusions.

Description: This article discusses ecological theory and values in the determination of conservation goals. Abstract: The definition of conservation goals is a complex task, which involves both ecological sciences and social values. A brief history of conservation strategies in Germany (protection of cultural landscapes), United States (wilderness ideal), and southern Chile (preservation paradigm and the more recent interest in ecotourism) illustrates a broad range of conservation goals. To encompass such an array of conservation dimensions and goals, the ecosystem approach adopted by the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity represents a good approach. However, to become effective, this kind of approach requires clarifying and agreeing upon basic concepts, such as ecosystem. To serve that purpose, the authors present a scheme that considers the selected phenomena, internal relationship, and the component resolution to define an ecosystem. The authors conclude that: (1) conservation traditions encompass interests in the preservation of both natural and cultural heritages, which also appear as mutually dependent dimensions. Hence, nature and humans are brought together as much in the goals as in the processes of conservation. (2) In the context of current global change, it is impossible to completely "isolate" protected areas from direct or ...

Description: This article discusses Senda Darwin Biological Station. Abstract: Senda Darwin Biological Station (SDBS) is a field research center immersed in the rural landscape of northern Chiloé island (42°S), where remnant patches of the original evergreen forests coexist with open pastures, secondary successional shrublands, Sphagnum bogs, Eucalyptus plantations and other anthropogenic cover types, constituting an agricultural frontier similar to other regions in Chile and Latin America. Since 1994, the authors have conducted long-term research on selected species of plants (e.g., Pilgerodendron uviferum) and animals (e.g., Aphrastura spinicauda, Dromiciops gliroides) that are considered threatened, poorly known or important for their ecological functions in local ecosystems, and on ecosystems of regional and global relevance (e.g., Sphagnum bogs, North Patagonian and Valdivian rain forests). Research has assessed the responses of species and ecosystems to anthropogenic land-use change, climate change, and the impact of management. During this period, more than 100 scientific publications in national and international journals, and 30 theses (graduate and undergraduate) have been produced by scientists and students associated with SDBS. Because of the authors' understanding of the key role that humans play in ecological processes at this agricultural frontier, since the establishment of SDBS the authors have been committed to creative ...

Description: This article discusses the phenology of Tayloria dubyi (Splachnaceae) in the peatlands of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Abstract: The sub-Antarctic Magellanic ecoregion harbors a high diversity of bryophytes, greater than the species richness of vascular plants. Despite this fact, phenological studies on bryophytes are lacking for this ecoregion and Chile. Based on the study of the sporophytic phase of Tayloria dubyi, an endemic moss from the sub-Antarctic Magellanic ecoregion, the authors propose a methodology for phonological studies on austral bryophytes. The authors defined five phenophases, easily distinguishable with a hand-lens, which were monthly recorded during 2007 and 2008 in populations of T. dubyi at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park and Mejillones Bay on Navarino Island (55°S) in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. The sporophytic (or reproductive) phase of T. dubyi presented a clear seasonality. After growing in November, in three months (December - February) of the austral reproductive season the sporophytes mature and release their spores; by March they are already senescent T. dubyi belongs to the Splachnaceae family for which entomochory (dispersal of spores by insects, specifically Diptera) has been detected in the Northern Hemisphere. The period of spores release in T. dubyi coincides with the months of highest ...