André Lincoln Barroso Magalhães

Removing the abyss between conservation science and policy decisions in Brazil

The executive and legislative branches of Brazilian government have either proposed or taken a variety of initiatives that threaten biodiversity and ecosystems. Opposition by the scientific community has largely been ignored by decision-makers. In this short essay, we present recent examples of harmful policies that have great potential to erode biodiversity, and we suggest ways to communicate scientific knowledge to decision- makers. If the current gap between conservation science and policies is not filled, the country will threaten the maintenance of its natural capital and, consequently, the sustainability of essential societal activities in the long term.

The “Tilapia Law” encouraging non-native fish threatens Amazonian River basins

Freshwater ecosystems in Brazil, arguably the most diverse on the planet, have been disturbed by several threats in the past years, particularly competition for water and subsequent water abstraction, urbanization, severe drought, dam construction/water diversion, pollution from different sources, commercial exploitation, and the introduction of non-native species (Agostinho et al. 2005; Vitule et al. 2015; Lima et al. 2015; Winemiller et al. 2016). A worrying example is the federal law 5989/2009 that intends to naturalize non-native fish species by decree in Brazil, some of which have a high invasion potential, such as the carps Aristichthys nobilis, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and tilapias Oreochromis spp. (Lima et al. 2012; Vitule

Brazil's drought: Protect biodiversity

The Brazilian water crisis linked to climate change has led the government to take drastic measures (“Drought triggers alarms in Brazils biggest metropolis,” In Depth, H. Escobar, 20 February, p. [812][1]), such as water diversion projects to transpose water between isolated river basins,

We need better understanding about functional diversity and vulnerability of tropical freshwater fishes

Here we extend a discussion initiated by Toussaint et al. (Sci Rep 6:22125, 2016) concerning the relationship between global patterns of freshwater fish functional diversity (FD) and its vulnerability to human impacts. Based on a set of morphological traits, they concluded that Neotropical freshwater fishes have highest FD, but low vulnerability given high levels of functional redundancy. This conclusion implies that conservation efforts for freshwater fishes should emphasize temperate regions. This perspective is risky, because Toussaint et al.’s study seriously underestimates the full scope of FD, including important ecosystem services provided by fishes in the tropics. We briefly discuss some additional and well-documented aspects of tropical freshwater fish FD and conclude that tropical fish FD is highly vulnerable.

Ornamental exotic fish introduced into Atlantic Forest water bodies, Brazil

Specimens of Puntius arulius, P. ticto, P. titteya, P. oligolepis, Nannostomus beckfordi, Poecilia latipinna, P. velifera, Trichogaster pectoralis, and Betta splendens were recorded in the largest ornamental aquaculture center in Brazil. These fishes were introduced in the study sites by accidental escape and intentional release. There is evidence that six species are reproducing. Measures are proposed to prevent further spread of ornamental exotic fishes in the region

Colorful invasion in permissive Neotropical ecosystems: establishment of ornamental non-native poeciliids of the genera Poecilia/Xiphophorus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) and management alternatives

Riachos de cabeceira sao ambientes susceptiveis a invasao por peixes nao-nativos. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a reproducao de 22 populacoes dos poecilideos nao-nativos guppy Poecilia reticulata, molinesia preta Poecilia sphenops, molinesia Poecilia velifera, espadinha Xiphophorus hellerii, plati Xiphophorus maculatus e plati variado Xiphophorus variatus durante diferentes anos em cinco riachos de cabeceira localizados no maior polo de piscicultura ornamental da America do Sul, bacia do rio Paraiba do Sul, sudeste do Brasil. Foram encontradas femeas da maioria das especies em reproducao (estagios 2, 3, 4), durante todos os anos nos riachos e femeas gravidas de todas as especies apresentaram pequeno tamanho indicando nanismo. Juvenis de todas as especies foram frequentes em todos os locais. A fecundidade das seis especies sempre foi baixa em todos os periodos. Para os periodos bimestrais e totais, encontrou-se mais femeas que machos na maioria das especies. Temperatura e nivel de agua dos riachos, bem como precipitacao pluviometrica nao foram correlacionadas com a reproducao. Todas as populacoes estao estabelecidas nos locais e acoes de gerenciamento como dispositivos para impedir a fuga de peixes, erradicacao com rotenona e pesquisa cientifica sobre os efeitos negativos nas especies nativas sao discutidas em relacao as praticas de piscicultura na regiao.

Aquaculture expansion in Brazilian freshwaters against the Aichi Biodiversity Targets

The Convention on Biological Diversity proposed the Aichi Biodiversity Targets to improve conservation policies and to balance economic development, social welfare, and the maintenance of biodiversity/ecosystem services. Brazil is a signatory of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and is the most diverse country in terms of freshwater fish, but its national policies have supported the development of unsustainable commercial and ornamental aquaculture, which has led to serious disturbances to inland ecosystems and natural resources. We analyzed the development of Brazilian aquaculture to show how current aquaculture expansion conflicts with all 20 Aichi Targets. This case suggests that Brazil and many other megadiverse developing countries will not meet international conservation targets, stressing the need for new strategies, such as the environmental management system, to improve biodiversity conservation.

Establishment of the non-native fish Metynnis lippincottianus (Cope 1870) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) in lower São Francisco River, northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Alterations in the hydrologic regime downstream from hydroelectric dams create a high invasibility to non-native species. This study aims to analyze the establishment of non-native Metynnis lippincottianus downstream of the Xingó Dam, lower São Francisco River, Brazil. Adults in reproduction were found throughout the study. Gonadosomatic index was higher in the reproductive phases and the species produces a large number of small oocytes. Hydrometric level and water flow data after the construction of Xingó Dam showed decrease in both parameters, facilitating the establishment of M. lippincottianus. Management actions are suggested to reduce the threat on the native biota.

Small size today, aquarium dumping tomorrow: sales of juvenile non-native large fish as an important threat in Brazil

Informal sales of large-bodied non-native aquarium fishes (known as “tankbusters”) is increasing among Brazilian hobbyists. In this study, we surveyed this non-regulated trade on Facebook® from May 2012 to September 2016, systematically collecting information about the fishes available for trading: species, family, common/scientific names, native range, juvenile length, behavior, number of specimens available in five geographical regions from Brazil. We also assessed the invasion risk of the most frequently sold species using the Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST). We found 93 taxa belonging to 35 families. Cichlidae was the dominant family, and most species were native to South America. All species are sold at very small sizes (< 10.0 cm), and most display aggressive behavior. The hybrid Amphilophus trimaculatus × Amphilophus citrinellus, Astronotus ocellatus, Uaru amphiacanthoides, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Cichla piquiti, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Datnioides microlepis and Cichla kelberi were the main species available. The southeast region showed the greatest trading activity. Based on biological traits, the FIST indicated that Arapaima gigas, C. kelberi and C. temensis are high-risk species in terms of biological invasions via aquarium dumping. We suggest management strategies such as trade regulations, monitoring, euthanasia and educational programs to prevent further introductions via aquarium dumping.

Brazil naturalizes non-native species

Brazils national policies are putting the countrys megadiversity at risk ([ 1 ][1]–[ 3 ][2]). After passing a 2016 law that will put constraints on biodiversity research ([ 3 ][2]), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply has taken another controversial action: A new ordinance