Mesoamericana

Editorial

Alonso Santos Murgas — 2025-11-21

Distribution, diversity, and abundance of bivalves (pelecypoda) in the mangrove swamp of Chame bay, Panama Oeste province, Panama

Darío Córdoba González — 2025-11-21

The mangrove ecosystem is vital both locally and globally, hosting a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including animals, plants, mollusks, and birds. This makes it one of the five most productive ecological zones worldwide. Given Panama's extensive coastlines that provide ideal conditions for mangrove growth, it serves as an excellent site for studying the biodiversity of bivalve species associated with this habitat. Recognizing the significance of this ecosystem, a comprehensive study was conducted to gather information on the diversity and abundance of mollusks (Pelecypoda) at two sites within the mangrove of Chame Bay, located in the province of Panama Oeste. Two sampling sections were designated as Section A (Punta Chame) and Section B (El Líbano). At each site, individuals were collected using random sampling from three quadrants, with three adult mangrove trees selected for this purpose. Specimens were gathered from the sediment surrounding the mangrove, as well as from the roots and trunk, during low tide from July to December 2016. The collected specimens were preserved for identification in the laboratory at the Malacology Museum of the University of Panama (MUMAUP) and subsequently processed for inclusion in the National Reference Collection housed at this facility. The data revealed low species richness at both sites, with El Líbano demonstrating less diversity compared to Punta Chame, which had a higher abundance of organisms.

A total of six genera and seven bivalve species were identified across three mangrove species: Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove), Pelliciera rhizophorae (pinuelo mangrove), and Avicennia germinans (black mangrove). Notably, the bivalve species most consumed by residents were Anadara tuberculosa and Mytella guyanensis, with A. tuberculosa being the most overexploited due to consumption. A diversity analysis for the Chame district indicated that the Pelecypoda class exhibited an H' index of 1.509 in Punta Chame, with a dominance value (D') of 0.2797 and equity (J') of 0.7754. In contrast, the Líbano sector showed an H' index of 0.9507, with equity and dominance values of J' = 0.685 and D' = 0.5078, respectively. The observed low population levels and limited diversity of these species in the mangroves of the Chame district can be largely attributed to anthropogenic activities such as mangrove deforestation for charcoal production, excessive extraction by external settlers for commercial purposes, pollution, and the establishment of shrimp farms.

Observation on sheltering behaviour in Leptodeira rhombifera (squamata: colubridae)

Miguel A. Youngs-Mitre — 2025-11-21

Leptodeira rhombifera is a widely distributed snake found in both dry and humid tropical habitats, demonstrating remarkable adaptability. In this study, we document the refuge behavior of an adult individual on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, where it was observed sheltering in a door frame on seven out of ten visits over two months. Ambient temperatures ranged from 25.9°C to 27.7°C, with relative humidity between 90% and 98%. The recurrence of the same individual in its refuge suggests fidelity to specific microhabitats, likely due to thermal stability and predator protection. Previous studies have shown that refuge selection in ectothermic snakes is influenced by thermoregulation and security, and in this case, the use of an anthropogenic structure could indicate an adaptation to human-modified environments. The observation of this behavioral pattern suggests that L. rhombifera possesses advanced spatial awareness, allowing it to optimize both its physiological well-being and ecological security. These findings enhance our understanding of the species' refuge ecology and highlight the role of artificial structures in their behavior, which may have implications for its conservation in anthropized landscapes.

Taxonomic list of earwigs (insecta: dermaptera) of Central America

Julio C. Estrada-Álvarez — 2025-11-21

Based on the bibliographic data available to date, a list of earwigs (Dermaptera) described or reported in Central American countries is presented.

Cleaner production on poultry farms: a path to sustainability

Carlos Antonio Villarreal — 2025-11-21

Pig production is one of the main agricultural activities that supplies the global demand for meat. However, it is also one of the regions that generates the greatest environmental impacts, such as soil and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of solid waste. The adoption of Cleaner Production (PML) practices in pig farms is presented as an effective alternative to reduce negative effects on the environment, improve efficiency in the use of resources and optimize economic profitability. This article analyzes the different PML strategies applied in pig farms, describes the resources and methods used for data collection and presents a detailed analysis of the results obtained. In addition, the benefits, challenges, and possible recommendations for the implementation of these practices at the global level are discussed. The results show that farms that adopt PML practices experience improvements in resource efficiency, reduction of polluting emissions and an increase in profitability in the long term.

Drosera cayennensis under threat

Nadia Thais Ramírez — 2025-11-21

Drosera cayennensis is an insectivorous plant of the sundew family, that is, it can trap insects on which it feeds, because the root system is poorly developed, which causes it to barely fulfill the function of absorbing water and keeping the plant attached to the ground. This plant usually inhabits regions with wet and swampy climates and soil; it also requires abundant sunlight and shares similar characteristics with most insectivorous and carnivorous plants. In Panama we have identified this insectivorous plant in The Montoso Forest Reserve, which is being threatened by deforestation, burning and the expansion of the agricultural and livestock sector, presenting a risk to the biodiversity of the country.

Implementation of Cleaner Production in Pig Farms

Pedro Argón Araúz Leones — 2025-11-21

This article analyzes the different PML strategies applied in pig farms, describes the resources and methods used for data collection and presents a detailed analysis of the results obtained. In addition, the benefits, challenges, and possible recommendations for the implementation of these practices at the global level are discussed. The results show that farms that adopt PML practices experience improvements in resource efficiency, reduction of polluting emissions and an increase in profitability in the long term.