During the National Geographic Pristine Seas Colombia Expedition in 2022, carried out in oceanic waters around the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve in the Colombian Caribbean, one individual of the giant isopod, Bathynomus giganteus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, was spotted on a deep-sea camera system. This observation is the first report for this species in the Reserve and specifically in Serranilla Bank. The isopod was recorded in a swimming behavior over soft sediments, at a depth of 650 m. Given that giant isopods are scavengers, this individual was likely attracted to the bait attached to the camera. This report extends the geographic distribution of Bathynomus giganteus in the Colombian Caribbean waters, which was previously only reported along the continental shelf.

Durante la Expedición National Geographic Pristine Seas Colombia 2022, realizada en aguas oceánicas alrededor de la Reserva de la Biosfera Seaflower en el Caribe colombiano, un individuo del isópodo gigante Bathynomus giganteus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879, fue avistado en un sistema de cámara de aguas profundas. Esta observación corresponde al primer reporte para esta especie en la Reserva, y particularmente en el bajo Serranilla. El isópodo fue registrados nadando sobre sedimentos blandos, a una profundidad de 650 m. Dado que los isópodos son carroñeros, probablemente este individuo fue atraído por el cebo adherido en la cámara. Este reporte amplía la distribución geográfica de Bathynomus giganteus en aguas del Caribe colombiano, anteriormente reportado solo a lo largo de la plataforma continental.

Biodiversity supports resiliency of ecosystems, and predators such as spiders assist with the health of ecosystems. Given the high diversity of spiders, this group of arachnids is relatively poorly understood, especially across biologically diverse regions such as the West Indies. Five species of spiders representing the genera Tmarus, Anasaitis, Habronattus, and possibly Corythalia are reported for the first time from The Bahamas, all of which are new genera records for The Bahamas.

Leucism, a mutation falling under the broader category of White Spotting, leads to white feathers or plumage in birds. While prevalent among domestic and captive birds, its occurrence in the wild is relatively rare. This mutation disrupts the normal development of melanin cells. Leucistic birds may exhibit either complete white plumage or partial white patches, with the extent of white plumage remaining consistent throughout their lifespan. In partial cases, leucism manifests in a bilaterally symmetrical manner. The male Scarlet-rumped Tanager, Ramphocelus passerinii, typically features predominantly black plumage, accentuated by vivid scarlet on the lower back, rump, and upper tail covers, along with a silvery bill, dark red iris, and blackish legs. Here, we document an instance of aberrant coloration in the Scarlet-rumped Tanager, a leucistic male observed on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica.

El leucismo, una mutación que se clasifica dentro de la categoría más amplia de manchas blancas, provoca plumas o plumajes blancosen lasaves. Aunque es frecuente entre aves domésticas y cautivas, su ocurrencia en la naturaleza es relativamente rara. Esta mutación interrumpe el desarrollo normal de las células que producen la melanina. Las aves leucísticas pueden presentar plumaje completamente blanco o parches blancos parciales y la extensión del plumaje blanco permanece consistente a lo largo de su vida. En casos parciales, el leucismo se manifiesta de manera bilateralmente simétrica. El macho del sargento, Ramphocelus passerinii, presenta el plumaje predominantemente negro, acentuado por escarlata vibrante en la parte inferior de la espalda, rabadilla y cobertoras superiores de la cola, junto con el pico plateado, el iris rojo oscuro y las patas negruzcas. Aquí, documentamos una instancia de coloración aberrante en el sargento, un macho leucístico observado en la vertiente del Pacífico de Costa Rica.

Pseudochrysops bornoi yateritas Smith and Hernández, 1992 is reported for Cuba for the first time in more than three decades, and Strymon toussainti (Comstock and Huntington, 1943) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) for the first time in more than 12 years. The observations were made between September 2023 and May 2024 at different locations in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo provinces. The known distribution range of both species increases by more than 100 km to the west and 30 km to the east of Guantánamo Bay Naval Base. We discuss ecological implications involving possible host plants, habitat, and seasonality, although more studies are necessary to understand the biology of these butterflies.

Se reporta por primera vez en más de tres décadas en Cuba a Pseudochrysops bornoi yateritas Smith y Hernández, 1992 y por primera vez en más de 12 años a Strymon toussainti (Comstock y Huntington, 1943) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Las observaciones se realizaron entre septiembre de 2023 y mayo de 2024 en diferentes localidades de las provincias de Santiago de Cuba y Guantánamo. Se amplían los rangos de distribución conocida de ambas especies más de 100 km al oeste y 30 km al este de la Base Naval de Guantánamo. Se discuten las implicaciones ecológicas de los presentes registros, incluyendo posibles plantas hospederas, hábitats y estacionalidad, aunque se necesitan más estudios para entender la biología de estas mariposas.

Invasive species such as the cane toad (Rhinella marina) can be detrimental to the ecosystems they invade, and can cause a decline of native species diversity. Introduced in Puerto Rico since the 1920's, the cane toad can be found across the whole island. We present the first known record of a predation attempt of Grant's blindsnake (Typhlops granti) by a cane toad in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Grant's blindsnake is endemic to Puerto Rico and is considered endangered. Observations such as this one help to better understand the effects of the cane toad on Puerto Rico's trophic chain.

We have examined studies on zooplankton and meiobenthos, specifically focusing on the copepod species in the vicinity of Puerto Rico. Our effort has culminated in the creation of the first thorough species checklist of marine copepods for the island. Through this comprehensive review, we have identified a total of 135 species being distributed across 46 families. This compilation sheds light on the marine copepod diversity in Puerto Rico, accounting for approximately one-quarter of the species documented in the Caribbean, indicating a major knowledge gap on the marine copepod fauna of the island waters.

Understanding the variability of the floral biology of crops and the impact of abiotic factors that influence this variation can be used to inform conservation and management of their living germplasms. This study evaluated the floral characteristics, pollen germination, and flowering phenology of four commercial cultivars of Mangifera indica (‘Julie,’ ‘Keitt,’ ‘Kent,’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’) at the Juana Diaz Experimental Station (JDES) in Puerto Rico using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results show significant differences across cultivars in variables related to inflorescence size (width, length), architecture, flower production, and flower sex ratios. However, these differences were not necessarily consistent across years. Flowers of M. indica reflect color in the UV region, but these patterns are qualitatively different in ‘Keitt,’ which also shows qualitative differences between perfect flowers and staminate flowers using both UV and visible spectrum photos. Mangifera indica trees produce more sucrose than glucose and fructose, but different cultivars presented different sugar profiles based on the relative percentage of sugar contents. Pollen viability was high for all cultivars, but pollen germination exhibited an optimal temperature that varied depending on the cultivar. Likewise, for all cultivars, pollen from staminate flowers exhibited higher germination percentages compared to pollen from perfect flowers at temperatures above optimal values. But at temperatures below the optimal, they had a tendency for lower germination percentages relative to perfect flowers, although this pattern was only significant for ‘Kent.’ The results may have important implications for the management of mango cultivars, especially within the context of projected climate change. For pollen-germinating cultivars that are susceptible to temperature increases, these cultivars may be at risk of being lost.

Hurricane María, a catastrophic natural event in 2017, left an indelible mark on the Puerto Rican landscape. This study examines the hurricane's ecological repercussions by analyzing tree cover in the municipality of Ponce, southern Puerto Rico. Our primary focus is on the changes in tree cover, encompassing urban, coastal, and rural areas, from before to after the hurricane. Utilizing high-resolution spatial imagery and remote sensing techniques, we map and compare vegetation cover in 2016 (pre-Hurricane María) and 2018 (post-Hurricane María). The study covers three landscapes of Ponce, from the north, center, and south of the municipality, offering a comprehensive understanding of the hurricane's impact on different landscapes. The findings reveal profound alterations in tree cover, with specific attention to the urban, coastal, and rural zones. In the aftermath of Hurricane María, the North/ Rural zone witnessed substantial decreases of 14.73% in tree cover. The Center/Urban zone displayed a mix of trends, highlighting the complex interaction between urbanization and hurricane impacts. Coastal areas in the South/Coast zone exhibited diverse impacts, emphasizing the need for conservation and restoration strategies. Detailed insights into specific neighborhoods underscore the localized social impacts of Hurricane María. Located in the northern region of the municipality, Guaraguao's negative change in tree cover may translate into reduced biodiversity and ecosystem services. Urban neighborhoods, such as San Antón, experienced considerable negative changes, indicating challenges such as increased heat stress and decreased aesthetic value. This research not only enriches our understanding of the ecological shifts induced by Hurricane María, but also informs for future resilience planning and conservation efforts. By emphasizing the interconnected nature of social and environmental impacts, the study serves as a tool for adaptive public policies that integrate ecological resilience with community well-being.

Although the butterfly fauna of Cuba has been well studied during the last few decades in the western and eastern regions of the island, less attention has been paid to the central region. Here we preliminarily describe the butterfly richness of Caletón de Don Bruno, Cienfuegos Bay, in central Cuba, based on ten field surveys. Species richness and sampling completeness were estimated through rarefaction analyses. We recorded 90 butterfly species, of which 25 are endemic taxa, with an estimated species richness of 92 ± 8, which are high values for a preliminary sampling. This may be related to the high floral diversity of the locality and its biogeographical placement. The observed butterfly fauna resembles those of similar habitats in other Cuban localities. Biogeographical and ecological implications of some of the observations are discussed.

Marine ecosystems rely on hard corals. Since 2014, a rapidly spreading disease causing stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has devastated coral reefs in the Caribbean. In 2019, corals exhibiting necrotic lesions compatible with SCTLD were documented on the coast of Grenada in the West Indies. These lesions, hereafter called Stony Coral Necrotic Lesions (SCNL), are associated with coral death. Concomitantly on the same reefs, signs of skin hyperpigmentation were detected in French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) and ocean surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus). This field study investigated potential correlations between SCNL abundance in representative transects and fish hyperpigmentation across 12 dive sites on Grenada's Southwest coast. The percentage of corals displaying SCNL was 45% of hard coral colonies. The study found a significant correlation (P = 0.004) between the percentage of fish affected by hyperpigmentation in a given reef and the abundance of SCNL in corals of the same dive site on evaluated transects. Sites located in St-Georges Bay also tended to have a higher proportion of diseased corals, but no significant difference was noted between study regions. This preliminary study provides insights into SCNL in Grenada and establishes a foundation for future longitudinal investigations including further evaluation of human-induced stressors that may threaten coral and fish health and make them more susceptible to diseases.

Information regarding freshwater ponds is sparse for the Caribbean and specifically for Jamaica. Although a variety of studies have highlighted the taxonomic composition of riverine habitats for Jamaica, there are few published studies which have focused on lentic habitats and none have examined the functional organisation, predator-prey interactions or diet of pond invertebrates in such systems. The study aimed to address that information deficit. From January 2014 to April 2015, eight high elevation ponds were sampled in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica. The macroinvertebrate community of each was organised into four functional feeding groups: collector, grazer, predator, and shredder. Shredders and grazers were poorly represented in the ponds based on count and productivity. Collectors were dominant in count and P/B ratios, while predators had the highest biomass proportion (68.1%; 42.09 gm^-2) and production (210.95 g m^-2yr^-1) in the sample area. The predator to non-predator ratio by count never exceeded 1:1. With predator biomass and productivity being high, the macroinvertebrate community remained stable due to prey taxa having higher P/B ratios than their respective predators. The study also highlighted the role of large invertebrates such as Odonata, as top predators in ponds that are devoid of insectivorous fish. Through dietary analyses, the baetid Callibaetis was noted to feed primarily on algae attached to surfaces, leading to its re-classification from collector to grazer. The gut content analyses for odonates showed that although there is inter-predation, these organisms primarily consumed the taxa which were most abundant in the sample area (Ostracoda, Ephemeroptera, and Chironomidae). This research represents the first of its kind to examine functional organisation of the invertebrate community in a pond system within Jamaica and allows for comparison with how communities in primarily temperate locations, where data are more available, are organised.

The countries of the Caribbean basin are regularly subjected to intense climatic events such as hurricanes. In early July 2024, Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 4 hurricane on record, striking Martinique with unprecedented intensity. These extreme weather events pose a significant threat to the breeding success of endangered sea turtles in the Caribbean. The main objective of this research was to determine the direct impact of Hurricane Beryl on the nesting populations of Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and Hawskbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). We estimated the different levels of the coastline in order to evaluate the evolution of the sea level height, swell intensity, and erosion across three beaches that were being monitored during the sea turtle nesting season. Map analyses show a total loss of Leatherback turtle nests due to submersion. While Hawskbill turtle nests were also submerged, the impact on egg survival is yet to be fully determined as short-term immersion could have less severe effects, especially for nests located further from the shoreline. These observations highlight the devastating consequences of Hurricane Beryl, in particular for Leatherback turtle nests. The increasing frequency and intensity of early-season hurricanes may have long-term implications for sea turtle populations in the Caribbean.

In Costa Rica, five species of squirrels are present, with the Variegated Squirrel, Echinosciurus variegatoides, being the largest and most common. This species primarily feeds on nuts, seeds, fruits, and other plant material, occasionally supplementing its diet with fungi, insects, and birds or their eggs. We observed the Variegated Squirrel consuming seeds from Aristolochia ringens fruits. This represents the first report of a species from the Aristolochiaceae family in the diet of the Variegated Squirrel. This discovery is significant due to the toxic compounds present in Aristolochia species, though many of these plants are used medicinally across various cultures. We reviewed the literature on the diet of the Variegated Squirrel and compiled a list of 54 plant species across 31 families. Some of these species are cultivated or have economic importance, which has led to the Variegated Squirrel being considered a pest in certain areas. The population of this squirrel has been significantly reduced in several regions where it was once abundant. Developing management strategies is crucial to protect this species from overhunting, while also safeguarding economically valuable crops from its impact.

En Costa Rica, hay cinco especies de ardillas, incluida la ardilla variegada, Echinosciurus variegatoides, la más grande y común. Esta especie se alimenta principalmente de nueces, semillas, frutos y otras partes de las plantas, complementando ocasionalmente su dieta con hongos, insectos y aves o sus huevos. Observamos a la ardilla variegada consumiendo semillas de los frutos de Aristolochia ringens. Este es el primer reporte de una especie de la familia Aristolochiaceae en la dieta de la ardilla variegada. Este hallazgo es significativo debido a los compuestos tóxicos presentes en las especies de Aristolochia, aunque muchas de estas plantas son utilizadas medicinalmente en diversas culturas. Revisamos la literatura sobre la dieta de la ardilla variegada y compilamos una lista de 54 especies de plantas pertenecientes a 31 familias. Algunas de estas especies son cultivadas o tienen importancia económica, lo que ha llevado a que la ardilla variegada sea considerada una plaga en ciertas áreas. La población de esta ardilla ha disminui-do significativamente en varias regiones donde antes era abundante. Es crucial desarrollar estrategias de manejo para proteger a esta especie de la sobrecacería, al mismo tiempo que se salvaguardan los cultivos de valor económico de su impacto.

Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) is a tropical species that was cultivated by the Mayans, who established the first cacao plantations in Central America. Cacao belongs to the group of plants with recalcitrant seeds, which, in some cases, reduces their viability. The use of somatic embryogenesis for its propagation has been highly relevant for improving production conditions and maintaining the production, aroma, and flavor characteristics of special cacao materials. The objective of this work was to obtain graphical information to compare the morphology and development of the zygotic and somatic embryos of Theobroma cacao. For this study, 40 fruits at different stages of development were collected and grouped into eight stages according to fruit length and development time. A total of 10 seeds per fruit were evaluated, and their embryos were extracted and compared in their different embryonic states (globular, torpedo, heart, and cotyledonary), with those produced asexually in vitro. The observations provide relevant information that allows for the comparison of the morphology of both types of embryos (zygotic and somatic), establishing a parallelism between the embryo development stages. This study highlighted that the development time of the zygotic embryo is shorter, but the desirable production and resistance characteristics achievable in the somatic embryo are not preserved.

Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) es una especie tropical, cultivado por los Mayas, quienes establecieron las primeras plantaciones cacaoteras en Centroamérica. El cacao está dentro del grupo de plantas que presentan semillas recalcitrantes, lo cual en algunos casos reduce su viabilidad. El uso de la embriogénesis somática para su propagación ha sido de gran relevancia para mejorar las condiciones de producción y mantener características de producción, olor y sabor de materiales especiales de cacao. El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener información gráfica para la comparación de la morfología y desarrollo del embrión cigótico y somático de Theobroma cacao. Para este estudio se colectaron 40 frutos en diferentes etapas de desarrollo, los cuales se agruparon en ocho etapas de acuerdo con la longitud del fruto y tiempo de desarrollo, en total se evaluaron 10 semillas por fruto a las cuales se les extrajo el embrión, los cuales fueron comparados en sus diferentes estados embrionarios (globular, torpedo, corazón y cotiledonar) con los producidos de forma asexual in vitro. Las observaciones obtenidas proporcionan información relevante que permite establecer la comparación de la morfología de ambos tipos de embriones (cigótico y somático), permitiendo establecer un paralelismo entre las fases de desarrollo del embrión. En este estudio se destacó que el tiempo de desarrollo del embrión cigótico es menor, pero no se conservan las características deseables de producción y resistencia que se puede lograr en el embrión somático.

Salmonella enterica infection can result in salmonellosis in humans. I list 30 S. enterica serovars reported as recovered from Gekko gecko and Phelsuma cf. grandis, two non-native gecko species established in the Caribbean and southern Florida, U. S. A. Several of these serovars are clinically significant, indicating that zoonotic transmission poses a potential risk to public health.

Mangrove habitats such as those at Salt River, Jamaica are considered to be nurseries for juvenile fishes as they provide shelter from waves. These habitats are highly productive, leading to increased food availability, and the complex mangrove terrain allows juvenile fishes to evade larger predators. The role of small and juvenile piscivores has been widely overlooked, and one hypothesis suggests that their presence in an ecosystem exerts considerable predation pressure on the new recruits. The diets of five piscivores that inhabit Salt River and the adjacent shores (Caranx hippos, Gobiomorus dormitor, Sphyraena barracuda, Tylosurus crocodilus, and Lutjanus apodus) were examined. The working hypothesis for this study was that the piscivores that inhabit Salt River do not prey on the more abundant secondary consumers in this ecosystem, but rather compete with them for similar resources. The stomach analyses revealed that three of the five piscivores fed on fishes in varying amounts. Tylosurus crocodilus had a high feeding index of anchovies, amphipods, and fish remains. Lutjanus apodus had a high feeding index of fish remains, decapods, amphipods, anchovies, and crustacean remains. For Sphyraena barracuda, the highest feeding index was fish remains. Caranx hippos fed on oligochaetes and polychaetes, and Gobiomorus dormitor fed predominantly on amphipods.

The ocean sunfish, Mola mola (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae), is among the world's heaviest bony fish. Despite its worldwide distribution and conspicuous appearance, its presence in certain oceanic regions remains underreported. This note documents the occurrence of a deceased Mola mola specimen on Utila, Bay Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea of Honduras. We present data on the morphology and osteological characteristics of the partially recovered specimen, as well as a photographic voucher from a previous encounter with a live individual in this region. Our contribution adds to a better understanding of the distribution of this species in the Western Atlantic and Mesoamerican Caribbean by confirming their occasional presence in the Bay Islands National Marine Park of Honduras.

Reef fish are characterized by a complex cycle of life, including a pelagic larval phase and a benthic phase during their juvenile and adult stages. Although the ecology of fish can be easily studied on coral reefs, their ecology during the larval migration in the pelagic environment is more challenging. In the present study, we used an isotopic approach to investigate the ecology of larvae from eight fish families (Acanthuridae, Apogonidae, Gobiidae, Haemulidae, Labridae, Lutjanidae, Scaridae, and Muraenidae), six of which were identified to species, and three to genus. Isotopic niches were described using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (¹³C/¹²C and ¹⁵N/¹⁴N) to discuss the partitioning of their ecological patterns at a larval stage. The results showed that individuals of different taxa exhibited close isotopic compositions indicating that the various fish taxa occupied similar isotopic niches during their pelagic migration, with the exception of the muraenid, which exhibited lower carbon isotopic composition. Most reef fish seemed to use the same food resources and habitat types during their larval stage, demonstrating their gregarious behavior during this pelagic phase.

The distribution of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) remains poorly understood in many regions due to a scarcity of sightings and recorded strandings. Here, we report the stranding of a false killer whale calf on Utila Island, Honduras in 2022. The newborn calf was found in poor physical condition with an undetermined cause of death. We present morphological data and supplementary notes on the partial skull and skeletal features of the calf, contributing information to the understanding of this species in the Western Caribbean Sea.

Among the different ecosystems colonized by aquatic macroinvertebrates, phytotelmic habitats, those that form in water retained within various plant structures, represent ample opportunity for study. In the case of plants from the Bromeliaceae family, morphological characteristics such as rosettes of leaves allow for the formation of reservoirs that store water and detritus, which also harbor a diverse fauna of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Some of these invertebrates are of medical relevance because they serve as vectors of pathogens. In this study, we set out to document the biodiversity of phytotelmic systems at the level of aquatic macroinvertebrates, particularly mosquitoes, that colonize different bromeliad species in the municipality of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. In addition to sampling macroinvertebrates, various morphometric characteristics of the plants, as well as physical-chemical parameters of the water contained in the bromeliads, were recorded. Insects were identified to the family level, while other invertebrates were identified to order, except for flatworms, which were identified to class. Specimens from the Culicidae family were identified to species. A total of 10,500 individuals were collected, corresponding to three phyla, seven classes, and 12 orders. Phylum Arthropoda accounted for 88.7% of all the captured organisms, followed by Annelida (10.8%); the remaining (0.5%) belong to phylum Platyhelminthes. At the rank of Class, Ostracoda accounted for 53.8% of all captured organisms, followed by Insecta (26.9%). In terms of orders, Podocopida (which includes all Ostracoda) represented 53.8% of the captured individuals, followed by Diptera (26.4%). Within Diptera, five different families were identified; Chironomidae was the most abundant with 43.9%, followed by Culicidae with 38.4%. Six species of culicids were identified, of which 74.9% were Wyeomyia mitchellii, with the remainder consisting of Aedes aegypti, A. albonotatus, A. albopictus, Culex biscaynensis, and W. vanduzeei. Family Pseudostigmatidae (Odonata) is documented for the first time in Hispaniola, and family Scirtidae (Coleoptera) for the second time.

De entre los diferentes ecosistemas que colonizan los macroinvertebrados acuáticos, los ambientes fitotélmicos, aquellos que se generan en agua retenida en diferentes estructuras vegetales, representan amplias oportunidades para estudiar. En el caso de las plantas de la familia Bromeliaceae, característicasmorfológicascomorosetasdehojaspermitenlaformacióndereceptáculosdealmacenamiento de agua y detritos, en la que además existe una fauna diversa de macroinvertebrados acuáticos. Algunos de estos invertebrados son de relevancia médica por ser vectores de patógenos. En este estudio nos dedicamos a documentar la biodiversidad de los sistemas fitotélmicos a nivel de macroinvertebrados acuáticos, particularmente mosquitos, que colonizan las diferentes especies de bromelias en el municipio de Jarabacoa, República Dominicana. Además de muestrear macroinvertebrados, también se registraron diferentes características morfométricas de las plantas, así como parámetros físico-químicos del agua contenida en las bromelias. Los insectos se identificaron a nivel de familia, mientras que otros invertebrados se identificaron a orden, excepto los platelmintos que se identificaron a clase. Especímenes de la familia Culicidae se identificaron a especie. Se colectaron 10,500 individuos, correspondientes a tres filos, siete clases y 12 órdenes. El filo Arthropoda representa el 88.7% de todos los organismos capturados, seguido de Annelida (10.8%); el resto (0.5%) pertenece al filo Platyhelminthes. En el rango de Clase, Ostracoda representa el 53.8% de todos los organismos capturados seguida de Insecta (26.9%). En relación con los órdenes, Podocopida (que incluye todos los Ostracoda) representa el 53.8% de los individuos capturados, seguido de Diptera (26.4%). Dentro de Diptera, se identificaron cinco familias diferentes; Chironomidae fue la más abundante con el 43.9%, seguida de Culicidae con el 38.4%. Se identificaron seis especies de culícidos, de los cuales el 74.9% fueron Wyeomyia mitchellii, y el resto consistieron en Aedes aegypti, A. albonotatus, A. albopictus, Culex biscaynensis y W. vanduzeei. La familia Pseudostigmatidae (Odonata) es documentado por primera vez en La Española, y la familia Scirtidae (Coleoptera) por segunda vez.

Small island states are amongst the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Many of these effects have been occurring along the coastal zones. Mangrove ecosystems are amongst the most effective natural protection against coastal erosion and inundation. Mangroves are particularly important to the islands of the Caribbean which are subject to the impacts of hurricanes and sea-level rise. Mapping of mangrove ecosystems is key for monitoring changes in their structure and health. This is critical for their conservation and rehabilitation and aids in improving coastal protection and the numerous other ecosystem functions that mangroves provide. Mangrove extent mapping and monitoring have been effectively carried out using advanced geospatial techniques and data. Mangrove species mapping from remotely sensed data, however, has been challenging due to the spectral similarity among several species. Despite this, species maps remain an integral component of monitoring changes within mangroves and provide a core metric towards their conservation. In this study, we combined radar backscatter data from Sentinel-1 with the spectral reflectance information from Sentinel-2 and tree height data from a global high resolution Canopy Height Model (CHM) produced by World Resources Institute (WRI) and Meta, to produce mangrove species maps for the Caroni Swamp region of Trinidad. A machine learning model was trained within Google Earth Engine's (GEE) open-source platform to produce five classes. We also included Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) to improve the detection of the two main mangrove species. Independent sets of GPS field data were collected and used to train the machine learning model and then conduct an accuracy assessment of the final mangrove species map. The combined optical-radar-CHM classified product resulted in an overall combined accuracy for both seasons of 98.95% and outperformed a classification based on 3 m PlanetScope SuperDove 8-band imagery at 96.55%. This study recommends that the combined multispectral, radar, CHM, GEE approach is a simple, cost-effective, highly accurate method that can be applied to mangrove species mapping within the Caribbean region.

The conservation status of more than 160,000 species has been assessed following IUCN guidelines, with greater than 13% considered data deficient. Maintaining an accurate understanding of native populations is challenging, especially for species with geographically large or discontinuous insular ranges. Here we assessed a data deficient population of a critically endangered reptile within the Caribbean biodiversity hotspot. We surveyed the island of Antigua for three weeks to assess whether the native Iguana delicatissima remains present. Morphological data from 98 observed and 29 captured iguanas showed no sign of pure remaining I. delicatissima; whilst 19 individuals had some morphological features of I. delicatissima. Sequence data and discriminant analyses of 17 microsatellite loci assigned all captured iguanas to I. iguana, although the presence of two I. delicatissima alleles are indicative of an old introgressed population. The only present mtDNA haplotype matched to the non-native iguana population on Grand-Terre, Guadeloupe. This provides genetic evidence of hurricane-mediated translocation as proposed happened in the aftermath of two 1995 hurricanes when debris-rafts with iguanas landed on Anguilla, Barbuda, and Antigua. The rapid decline of I. delicatissima places urgency on finding and conserving any surviving remnant populations, which we show are likely absent from Antigua, though we cannot rule out the presence of a few individuals.