Artículos científicos

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14821

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Dispersión de semillas por aves residentes en bosque ribereño urbano del río Torres, San José, Costa Rica
(Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) (Costa Rica), 2018) Quesada-Acuña, Sergio Gabriel; Porras Martínez, Carolina; Ramírez Alán, Oscar; Gastezzi-Arias, Paola
Resumen. Las aves son el principal dispersor de semillas de los ecosistemas neotropicales y es importante entender su papel en la regeneración natural de los ambientes degradados. En este trabajo, analizamos la dispersión de semillas por aves residentes en dos remanentes de bosque ribereño urbano del río Torres, San José, Costa Rica. Visitamos los sitios cuatro veces por época, en época lluviosa, seca y transición seca-lluviosa. En cada visita colocamos redes de niebla de tamaño estándar para capturar aves, recolectar sus excretas y separar las semillas. En total capturamos 168 aves de 23 especies residentes (12 familias, cinco órdenes). Capturamos más individuos y especies en la transición seca-lluviosa, sin diferencia entre los sitios. La transición seca-lluviosa tuvo mayor cantidad total de semillas, mayor promedio de semillas por individuo y tasa de captura de semillas. Las aves residentes pueden adaptarse a diferentes escenarios y su papel en la dispersión de semillas debe promoverse en los ecosistemas urbanos.
Acoustic indices applied to biodiversity monitoring in a Costa Rica dry tropical forest
(International Institute of Ecoacoustics (Insteco) (Italia), 2018) Retamosa Izaguirre, Monica; Ramírez-Alán, Oscar; De la O Castro, Jorge
Abstract. Standardized methods for biodiversity monitoring are needed to evaluate conservation efforts. Acoustic indices are used in biodiversity assessments, but need to be compared to traditional wildlife methods. This work was conducted in the Santa Rosa National Park between June and November, 2015. We installed recorders and conducted bird point counts in twelve sampling sites. We compared acoustic indices (Acoustic Evenness Index [AEI], Acoustic Diversity Index [ADI], Acoustic Complexity Index [ACI], Bioacoustic Index [BIO], Normalized Difference Soundscape Index [NDSI], Total Entropy [TE], Median Amplitude Envelope [MAE], Number of peaks [NP]) with indices from bird point counts (Bird Abundance, Bird Richness, Bird Diversity and Bird Evenness), and discuss the utility of acoustic indices as indicators for biodiversity monitoring in tropical forests. ADI, ACI, BIO and TE presented a similar temporal pattern peaking between 5 am and 6 am; and an additional peak at 5 pm, except for ACI. These patterns were consistent with the daily biological rhythms. AEI, ACI, BIO and Bird Abundance were related to characteristics of younger forests (lower percentage of canopy cover) but NP, ADI, TE, Bird Diversity and Bird Evenness were related to characteristics of older forests (higher percentage of canopy cover and a lower number of patches). ACI was positively correlated to Bird Abundance and NP was positively correlated to Bird Diversity. ACI reflects biological activity, but not necessarily a more diverse bird community in this study area. This might be an indication of a strong acoustic competition, or several highly dominant bird species in younger forests. Furthermore, acoustic communities in tropical forests commonly include insects (cicadas) and frogs, which might affect resulting acoustic indices. A variety of methods are probably needed to thoroughly assess biodiversity. However, a combination of indices such as ACI and NP might be considered to monitor trends in abundance and diversity of birds in dry forests.
It is not just about birds: what do acoustic indices reveal about a Costa Rican tropical rainforest?
(Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam (Ecuador), 2021) Retamosa Izaguirre, Monica; Barrantes-Madrigal, Jimy; Segura Sequeira, David; Spínola-Parallada, Manuel; Ramírez-Alán, Oscar
Abstract. Acoustic monitoring is used to assess biodiversity across large spatial and temporal scales. However, extracting meaningful information from large data sets might be exceedingly time consuming. For this reason, acoustic indices have been proposed as proxies for biodiversity monitoring. Although acoustic indices hold great promise for standardizing acoustic data analysis, the complexity of acoustic conditions requires careful examination of the relationship between an index and the underlying process of interest. We evaluated 11 acoustic indices at two operational levels: (1) acoustic community level (an aggregation of species that produces sound), using birds as an example to assess how well acoustic indices predict bird indices (abundance, richness, evenness and diversity); and (2) soundscape level (the collection of biological, geophysical and anthropogenic sounds from a landscape), using acoustic indices to classify the study sites according to their ecological condition. To study the relationship among these variables, we selected two study sites with different ecological conditions (in terms of vegetation structure and traffic noise) within the Braulio Carrillo National Park (BCNP), Costa Rica. We sampled the soundscape and bird community using 12 sampling points and four visits to each study site from June 2017 to August 2018. We continuously recorded sounds at sunrise and sunset, and for 10 minutes every hour, during two consecutive days per visit. In addition, we performed four bird counts per visit (sunrise and sunset). We performed a correlation analysis between 11 acoustic indices and 4 community bird indices. We analyzed the ability of acoustic indices to predict bird indices. Furthermore, we used acoustic indices to classify the two sites according to their ecological condition. Bird abundance and richness were positively correlated with acoustic evenness indices and negatively correlated with the acoustic diversity index, but the whole set of acoustic indices predicted bird indices weakly. However, the classification of the sites using acoustic indices was conducted with a high average precision of 0.93 (sd = 0.08). Acoustic indices appear to be more promising for evaluating the ecological condition of a site than abundance, richness or diversity of specific animal groups, in this case birds, in tropical rainforests.
Traces of coyote Canis latrans in the subalpine altitudinal gradient of Parque Nacional Chirripó, Costa Rica, and altitudinal review of the distribution area
(Asociación Mexicana de Mastozoología A.C. (México), 2024) Azofeifa-Romero, Yara; Gutiérrez-Gómez, Marco Gabriel; Durán-Alvarado, Francisco Javier
Abstract. The coyote is one of the American canids with the broadest geographic distribution. Although it is a common species, the upper limit of its altitudinal distribution has yet to be established. This study aims to contribute to the recording of coyote traces in a subalpine forest in the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica, and reviews its altitudinal distribution in México and Central America. We traveled 4.36 km between elevations of 3,118 to 3,821 m (the maximum altitude), to georeference and photograph coyote traces in the Parque Nacional Chirripó, Costa Rica. We asked locals and park rangers about coyote traces or sightings. In addition, we reviewed coyote reports in 2 research projects in Costa Rica and biodiversity platforms that covered México and Central America to contextualize the results. Indirect evidence was gathered of the presence of coyote in most of the walk up to the top of Cerro Chirripó. The evidence recorded at 3,821 m corresponds to a scat with length and diameter characteristic of this canid. In addition, we noted that the reports of coyotes in subalpine areas available on biodiversity platforms are scarce. The record in this study is consistent with the high dispersal capacity of this species and raises some questions about the use of resources, behavior, and altitudinal range of the coyote in Central America.
First photographic records of puma Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) and other terrestrial mammals in Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú, Prusia sector, Costa Rica
(Sociedad Argentina para el Estudio de los Mamíferos (SAREM) (Argentina), 2025) Azofeifa-Romero, Yara; Monge-Jiménez, Alexander; Aguilar-Barboza, Marvin
Abstract. Knowledge of mammal composition in Costa Rica’s protected areas is fundamental for both community ecology studies and conservation decision-making. We conducted an inventory of terrestrial mammals along eight trails in Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú, Prusia sector (PNVI-Pr) using complementary techniques to provide data for conservation planning. The mammalian inventory of PNVI-Pr includes one large-sized species, puma Puma concolor, 13 medium-sized species, and two species and three genera of small-sized mammals. This inventory suggests a rich mammal fauna yet to be fully identified, particularly among rodents and shrews, a pattern commonly observed in montane ecosystems.
Unveiling Novel Kunitz- and Waprin-Type Toxins in the Micrurus mipartitus Coral Snake Venom Gland: An In Silico Transcriptome Analysis
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2024) Saldarriaga-Córdoba, Mónica; Clavero-León, Claudia; Rey-Suarez, Paola; Nuñez-Rangel, Vitelbina; Avendaño-Herrera, Ruben; Solano-González, Stefany; Alzate, Juan F.
Abstract. Kunitz-type peptide expression has been described in the venom of snakes of the Viperidae, Elapidae and Colubridae families. This work aimed to identify these peptides in the venom gland transcriptome of the coral snake Micrurus mipartitus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a high diversity of venom-associated Kunitz serine protease inhibitor proteins (KSPIs). A total of eight copies of KSPIs were predicted and grouped into four distinctive types, including short KSPI, long KSPI, Kunitz–Waprin (Ku-WAP) proteins, and a multi-domain Kunitz-type protein. From these, one short KSPI showed high identity with Micrurus tener and Austrelaps superbus. The long KSPI group exhibited similarity within the Micrurus genus and showed homology with various elapid snakes and even with the colubrid Pantherophis guttatus. A third group suggested the presence of Kunitz domains in addition to a whey-acidic-protein-type four-disulfide core domain. Finally, the fourth group corresponded to a transcript copy with a putative 511 amino acid protein, formerly annotated as KSPI, which UniProt classified as SPINT1. In conclusion, this study showed the diversity of Kunitz-type proteins expressed in the venom gland transcriptome of M. mipartitus.
Deepsea fungi of the eastern tropical Pacific of Costa Rica: morphological, genetic, and enzymatic characterization
(Frontiers Media S.A. (Suiza), 2025) Rodríguez Ramírez, Ivonne; Solano-González, Stefany; Cortés, Jorge; Rojas-Jiménez, Keilor
Abstract. Introduction: Fungal communities have only been studied in a small portion of the vast variety of habitats that exist in deepsea environments, and studies aimed at understanding fungal diversity and function are minimal. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore both the fungal diversity in deepsea sediments and the enzymatic activities present in them, which are related to the ecological roles of the strains and their biotechnological potential. Methods: Eighteen sediment samples from three expeditions to deepsea areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) of Costa Rica were analyzed. Fungi were cultured on R2A medium, followed by physical characterization and molecular analysis (ITS and whole-genome sequencing) for the taxonomic identification of the strains. Once pure cultures were established, enzymatic tests for cellobiase, chitinase, lipase, cellulase, peroxidase, and laccase activities were performed, as well as surfactant activity. Results: Fifty-five fungal strains were isolated, and genetic analysis was conducted on 27 strains, of which 7.41% belong to the Basidiomycota group and 92.59% to Ascomycota. These strains are distributed across 14 species. Among the identified strains are Periconia LEGMi281a and Hortaea LEGMi415c. Two strains exhibited cellobiase and chitinase activity, one strain exhibited cellulase activity, and one exhibited laccase production. None of the species exhibited lipase or peroxidase activity, and no clear surfactant activity was detected. Whole-genome sequencing revealed significant size differences compared to reference genomes. Conclusion: The enzymatic activities of the strains suggest they may play a role in the degradation of organic matter and nutrient recycling, similar to terrestrial fungal counterparts. The differences in genome sizes, with the genomes of Periconia LEGMi281a and Hortaea LEGMi415c being larger than the reference genomes, pave the way for future research into deepsea adaptations, reflected in genetic changes. Additionally, the strains were identified as having high biotechnological potential.
Aislamiento de bacterias del suelo y su potencial utilización en sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales
(Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), 2011) Mau, Silvia; Vega, Karen; Araya, Mónica
Resumen. El estudio de microorganismos provenientes de ambientes naturales puede ser útil para la formulación de un compuesto microbiano aplicable para el bioaumento a un sistema de tratamiento de aguas. Se estudió microorganismos provenientes de muestras de suelo tomadas en Estación Biológica Tropical y Acuicultura “Río Macho”, Cartago, Costa Rica, y se seleccionaron cepas de los morfotipos más representativos. Se realizó cuatro tratamientos inoculando en el agua residual una suspensión de cada morfotipo seleccionado y posterior al tratamiento se cuantificó la DBO (demanda bioquímica de oxígeno). Los morfotipos de bacterias aisladas fueron bacilos Gram negativos (52,9%), bacilos Gram positivos esporulados (29,4%), bacterias filamentosas (11,8%) y bacilos Gram positivos no esporulados (5,9%). Tras los tratamientos se obtuvo una disminución entre un 94,7% hasta más de un 95,85% en la DBO inicial del agua residual, en contraste con el agua que no fue inoculada donde se obtuvo una disminución de un 91%. Este estudio preliminar evidencia un buen potencial de estas cepas para su utilización en sistemas de depuración de aguas residuales como inóculos para bioaumentación.
Cambios en la distribución altitudinal de las aves de Río Macho, Cartago, Costa Rica
(Departamento Científico de Aves Argentinas (Argentina), 2015) Ramírez-Alán, Oscar; Vargas-Masís, Roberto; Cordero, Roberto A.
Resumen. Las aves poseen un alto potencial como indicadoras de los efectos del cambio climático debido a su facilidad de observación y de monitoreo continuo. Estudios previos acerca del efecto del cambio climático sobre las aves han mostrado que existen variaciones en la distribución de las especies. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el cambio en la distribución altitudinal de la avifauna de la Estación Biológica Río Macho y sus alrededores, en Costa Rica. Utilizando puntos de conteo, transectas, redes de niebla, grabaciones de sonido y observaciones, se registró la avifauna del área y se compararon los límites de altitud máxima previamente reportados para las especies con las altitudes registradas en este trabajo. Se registraron 197 especies, de las cuales el 14.8% fueron encontradas a altitudes mayores que el límite máximo reportado previamente. Las especies de zonas altas con mayor sensibilidad ecológica poseen un mayor riesgo de extinción, ya que no tienen la posibilidad de desplazarse a zonas más altas. Por lo tanto, se deben desarrollar estrategias para mantener poblaciones viables de especies endémicas de zonas altas.
Ecosistemas Nuevos: Definición, Controversias y Desafíos
(Red Costarricense de Restauración Ecológica (RCRE) (Costa Rica), 2025-06) Rojas, María Fernanda; Fernández, Alejandro; Vargas-Murillo, José Daniel; Cordero-Solórzano, Roberto A.
Resumen. El concepto de "ecosistemas nuevos", "novel ecosystems" o neoecosistemas, ha sido objeto de un intenso debate en la comunidad científica. Este término, acuñado recientemente, hace referencia a aquellos ecosistemas que han sido significativamente alterados por actividades humanas, generando nuevas combinaciones de especies y procesos ecológicos que difieren de aquellos existentes en el pasado (Higgs, 2017). Sin embargo, aún no existe un consenso sobre en qué momento un ecosistema debe ser considerado como "nuevo" y si esta categoría debe ser adoptada de manera oficial en la ciencia de la restauración ecológica.
Taxonomic position and glochidia from the freshwater mussel, Anodonta luteola (Unionoida: Unionidae), in Costa Rica
(Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) (Costa Rica), 2017) Cruz, Rafael A.; Quesada Céspedes, Rebeca
Abstract. Glochidia larvae from Anodonta luteola were observed in gills of Oreochromis niloticus from a farm in Cañas, Guanacaste. Samples were taken and analyzed by electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. Glochidia were 311, 8μm total length (TL), 331,7μm total height (TH), and 251,1μm hinge dorsal length (HDL). Anodonta has 21 species reported for the Panamica province, and A. luteola has five synonyms, often used in different reports.
DNA Barcoding Evidence of the Tropical Invasive Lineage of Sinanodonta woodiana in Costa Rica
(Eagle Hill Institute (Estados Unidos), 2021) Bauer, William G.; Stewart, Donald T.; Quesada Céspedes, Rebeca; Arias Valverde, Sidey; Easy, Russell H.
Abstract. Chinese Pond Mussels (Sinanodonta) are invasive freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) that are now widely distributed in non-native parts of Asia, Europe and, to a lesser extent, the Americas. In the present study, Chinese Pond Mussels were identified in a cox1 DNA barcoding survey of mussels from an aquaculture facility in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. These sequences are identical or nearly identical to those of the so-called “tropical invasive lineage” of Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea), probably introduced on aquaculture fish from a hatchery in Taiwan. Identification of the source of these mussels has implications for understanding their ecological adaptations and natural history. To our knowledge there are no assessments of the ecological impacts of Chinese Pond Mussels in Mesoamerica.
Declaração de Heredia: Princípios sobre o uso da inteligência artificial na publicação científica
(Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), 2024) Penabad-Camacho, Liana; Penabad-Camacho, María Amalia; Mora-Campos, Andrea; Cerdas-Vega, Gerardo; Morales-López, Yuri; Ulate-Segura, Mónica; Méndez-Solano, Andrea; Nova-Bustos, Nidya; Vega Solano, Maria Fernanda; Castro-Solano, María Milagro
Resumo. Introdução. A Declaração de Heredia propõe, na perspectiva da publicação científica, uma série de considerações para o uso responsável da Inteligência Artificial (IA) nos processos de pesquisa que levam à publicação científica. A IA é reconhecida como uma ferramenta cujo uso deve ser evidente e transparente para um exercício de conhecimento claro, rastreável e reprodutível. Chama-se a atenção para os desafios colocados pela incorporação da IA na publicação científica em termos de diversidade de opções, de evitar a propagação de preconceitos e desinformação e de respeito pela propriedade intelectual. Princípios. Estão organizados em quatro grupos: gerais e para as funções de autoria, revisão por pares e edição. Destacam a importância da utilização da IA como ferramenta, seus resultados são filtrados por seres humanos numa perspectiva ética e responsável, reportando de forma transparente qual modelo foi utilizado, o que foi consultado e quando foi feita a consulta. Reflexão final. Mostra que se trata de um cenário em constante evolução, cujo objetivo final deve ser o bem-estar humano e a qualidade de vida.
The Heredia Declaration: Principles on the use of artificial intelligence in scientific publishing
(Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), 2024) Penabad-Camacho, Liana; Penabad-Camacho, María Amalia; Mora-Campos, Andrea; Cerdas-Vega, Gerardo; Morales-López, Yuri; Ulate-Segura, Mónica; Méndez-Solano, Andrea; Nova-Bustos, Nidya; Vega-Solano, María Fernanda; Castro-Solano, María Milagro
Resumen. Introducción. La Declaración de Heredia propone, desde la perspectiva de la edición científica, una serie de consideraciones para el uso responsable de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en los procesos de investigación que llevan a la publicación científica. Se reconoce a la IA como una herramienta cuyo uso se debe evidenciar y transparentar para un ejercicio claro, trazable y reproducible del conocimiento. Se llama la atención sobre los retos que supone la incorporación de la IA a la edición científica en cuanto a la diversidad de opciones, el evitar la propagación de sesgos y desinformación, y el respeto a la propiedad intelectual. Principios. Están organizados en cuatro grupos: general, para los roles de autoría, revisión por pares y edición. Resaltan la importancia de utilizar la IA como una herramienta cuyos resultados son filtrados por seres humanos que, desde una perspectiva ética y responsable, reportan, de forma transparente, a qué modelo, qué se consultó y cuándo se hizo la consulta. Reflexión final. Pone de manifiesto que se trata de un escenario en constante evolución cuyo fin último debe ser el bienestar humano y la calidad de vida.
Modelo de gestión y sostenibilidad de revistas científicas en vía diamante (Acceso Abierto no comercial) de la Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), 2024) Mora-Campos, Andrea; Penabad-Camacho, Liana; Penabad-Camacho, María Amalia; Vega Solano, Maria Fernanda; Castro-Solano, María Milagro; Nova-Bustos, Nidya; Ulate-Segura, Mónica; Méndez-Solano, Andrea; Morales-López, Yuri; Cerdas-Vega, Gerardo
Resumen. Objetivo. Presentar las etapas de construcción de una estructura que organiza las buenas prácticas derivadas del diseño de un modelo de gestión y sostenibilidad de revistas científicas en vía diamante –acceso abierto no comercial– en la Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica. Introducción. Se realiza una valoración del contexto latinoamericano, costarricense e institucional en cuanto a las políticas sobre el conocimiento abierto de los últimos 20 años. Por lo que se describe la ruta institucional y el registro cronológico que muestra la evolución de la gestión editorial de las revistas desde la creación de la primera hace 50 años, aproximadamente. Modelo de gestión. Se detalla la elaboración del modelo de gestión de las revistas científicas en el cual se toman en cuenta la conceptualización, los principios orientadores, el equipo de trabajo, las instancias de apoyo y asesoría, la sostenibilidad financiera y el monitoreo y la evaluación de las revistas. Resultados. Destacan la innovación, adaptabilidad y alineación con estándares internacionales del modelo, además del trabajo colaborativo, la planificación estratégica y la protección institucional, lo que principalmente, conlleva a la creación de productos tangibles como un reglamento y un manual de procedimientos. Conclusiones. La capacidad de adaptación en gestión editorial de las revistas científicas es crucial para el progreso científico y social. Este modelo promueve la sostenibilidad y calidad editorial con énfasis en la vía diamante, la Ciencia Abierta y la inclusión estudiantil, además se reconoce su impacto internacional en la promoción de la ciencia como bien público y en la resistencia a modelos basados en Article Processing Charges (APC). Recomendaciones. Están organizadas según los diferentes sectores que gestionan la comunicación científica, donde se destaca la importancia de que promuevan el acceso abierto no comercial, generen espacios para discutir la sostenibilidad financiera de la gestión editorial del conocimiento en abierto y creen espacios para la cooperación internacional. Finalmente, reconocer la comunicación científica como un bien público, debe estar acompañado de acciones concretas que aseguren recursos adecuados y estables que permitan mantener la gestión editorial de calidad y promuevan prácticas éticas y transparentes.

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