Mesoamericana https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mesoamericana</strong> es la revista científica de la Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biología y la Conservación que tiene como miembro países como Mexico, Belice, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia y Panamá. Es una revista alojada en la plataforma de revistas de la Universidad de Panamá y se publica semestralmente (enero-junio, julio-diciembre). Va dirigida a un público interesado en áreas específicas del conocimiento científico propias de la cobertura de la revista, siendo esta biología, ciencias ambientales y conservación del medio ambiente.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Categorías Índice: Ciencias exactas y naturales</p> Universidad de Panamá es-ES Mesoamericana 1659-2794 Editorial https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7394 Alonso Santos Murgas Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH APPLE TREES IN URBAN AREAS OF OSORNO – LOS LAGOS REGION, CHILE https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7360 <p>Apple <em>Malus domestica </em>Borkh., 1803 (Rosales: Rosaceae), is a crop of strategic importance for Chile, of which 90% of its cultivated areas are concentrated in the Maule and O'Higgins Regions, but what is produced in other parts of the country are mostly backyard or marginal crops. During tours carried out in the city of Osorno, Los Lagos Region (40°34’25” S 73°08’43” W), severely defoliated apple trees were observed, so the aim of the study was to identify the insect species associated with them. A photographic record was made to observe morphological characteristics of the insects and specialized literature was consulted. According to the results, the defoliating insects correspond to larvae of <em>Orgyia antiqua </em>(L., 1758) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), in addition to the predator <em>Harmonia axyridis </em>(Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae); both exotic feral/naturalized species, with continuous distribution from the Coquimbo Region to the Los Lagos Region, Chile.</p> Rubén Collantes Javier Pittí Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 9 12 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7360 USE OF REFUGES FROM PHRYNONAX POECILONOTUS GÜNTHER, 1858 (COLUBRIDAE) IN CAPTIVITY https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7361 <p>The captive maintenance of <em>Phrynonax poecilonotus </em>presents challenges due to limited knowledge of its specific requirements. This study assessed environmental conditions, diet, shelter use, and shedding frequency in two individuals kept in terrariums for 12 months. Recorded temperatures ranged from 24-27 °C, relative humidity from 70-80 %, and a photoperiod of 8 hours light/16 hours dark. The specimens exhibited high acceptance of chicken eggs as food, consuming an average of 3 eggs every 10 days, which correlated with shedding every 2-3 weeks. Shelter usage varied between 32.14 % and 95.24</p> <p>% of the weekly time, highlighting its importance for the species' welfare. A preference for coconut fiber over Aspen substrate was observed. The results suggest that an egg-based diet is viable for <em>P. poecilonotus </em>in captivity and that access to shelters is a key factor in its management. Future studies with larger sample sizes could confirm these findings and enhance husbandry practices for the species.</p> Marcelo Mack Prado Víctor Martínez Cortes Kathania Herrera L. Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 13 17 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7361 OFFICIAL RECORD OF LARUS DOMINICANUS (Lichtenstein, 1823) IN SARIGUA NATIONAL PARK, PANAMA https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7362 <p>The presence of <em>Larus dominicanus </em>is reported for the first time in Sarigua National Park, Panama (8°1'60''N, 80°29'60''W), a semi-arid ecosystem characterized by high salinity and sparse vegetation. The record occurred incidentally in the La Albina sector during biweekly bird monitoring. Identification was confirmed through photographic analysis, noting white plumage with grey dorsals, black wings with white tips, a yellow beak with a red mark, and yellow legs. This finding suggests the species’ potential adaptation to arid environments, influenced by climate changes or resource availability, and underscores the need for continued monitoring to assess its impact on local ecological dynamics.</p> Anthony Marciaga Diego A. Arrocha Nadia Thais Ramírez Félix H. Camarena Q. Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 18 21 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7362 PREDATION OF A Parrot Snake, Leptophis ahaetulla, ON A MILKY FROG, Trachycephalus vermiculatus, in Panama https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7367 <p>This study documents a predation event on the Milky tree frog, <em>Trachycephalus vermiculatus</em>, by the Parrot Snake, <em>Leptophis ahaetulla</em>, in Santa Ana de Los Santos, Panama, on March 9, 2023. The goal was to record and analyze the predator-prey interaction between these species, contributing to knowledge about trophic relationships in the region. Direct observation and photography were used to document the event, which lasted approximately eight minutes from capture to complete ingestion of the frog. Species identification was performed with field guides specializing in reptiles and amphibians.</p> <p>Our results are the second record of this predation interaction in Panama and the first for the Azuero Peninsula. Documenting these types of interactions is essential for understanding ecological dynamics and food webs in Panamanian ecosystems.</p> Virgilio Villalaz Félix Camarena Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 22 26 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7367 NEW LOCAL RECORDS AND TAXONOMIC UPDATE OF BATS IN THE MAMONI VALLEY PRESERVE, CHEPO, PANAMA https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7396 <p>Based on recent records of <em>Molossus molossus</em> and <em>Thyroptera tricolor </em>by hand trapping, along with a taxonomic update, two new species, four genera, four subfamilies and two families were added to the bat inventory of the Mamoní Valley Reserve. These findings bring the total number of species recorded in the reserve to 65.</p> Nelson Guevara Yosari Caceres Mia Victoria Guevara Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 27 34 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7396 LET'S SAVE THE QUEEN CONCH, ALIGER GIGAS (LINNAEUS, 1758) ON OUR PANAMANIAN COASTS https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7368 <p>A summary of the state of knowledge of the biology and fisheries of the gastropod mollusk <em>Aliger gigas </em>(queen snail, Caribbean conch) in the Panamanian Caribbean is presented, and the use of the resource by artisanal and industrial fishing is highlighted. The biological and population status detected through evaluations carried out in both insular and continental areas is also analyzed, and finally, recommendations are made on some management and planning measures that should be immediately implemented, because if they are not implemented, the resource that is threatened will enter a process of extinction in the short term.</p> Darío Córdoba González Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 35 41 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7368 PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF WATER AT THE JOINT MOUTH OF THE PLAYITA AND PAVO RIVERS IN ARENAS https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7369 <p>The rivers that flow into the Gulf of Montijo in Veraguas (Panama) have a significant impact on this ecosystem. These rivers include the Playita and Pavo rivers in southern Mariato. Physicochemical and microbiological tests were conducted at their mouths. Microbiological tests used enterococci as indicators of fecal contamination. The objective of this study was to measure some of these factors, particularly the degree of fecal contamination in these rivers. Field trips were conducted during the rainy season of 2021 and the dry season of 2022. Surface water samples were taken, a total of five in each season. The samples were analyzed in the field for physicochemical factors (pH, temperature, conductivity, and total dissolved solids), and other samples in sterile containers at 7°C were taken to the microbiology laboratory of the Veraguas Regional University Center. These samples were analyzed for Enterococcus spp. using the Enterolert-DW system. Statistical tests were applied to the data using SPSS software. No significant differences were observed across sampling sites, but differences were observed when separated by season. Total dissolved solids, conductivity, and temperature were highest during the dry season. The pH was higher during the rainy season. Enterococcus counts remained the same across sampling sites and seasons and did not exceed the risk limits established for recreational activities in these rivers. These results are useful for monitoring pollution in these rivers as they flow toward the mouth of the Gulf of Montijo, which is important for the authorities' actions in managing the area.</p> José J. Him Fábrega Zimri Fuentes Yamy Villarreal Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 42 51 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7369 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN PORTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7370 <p>The international regional and national environment framework has changed, with new institutions emerging and new environmental legislations being established.</p> <p>Likewise, new efforts of international cooperation have been made, allowing progress in the decentralization of Environmental Management. The reform of the laws in the Panamanian state presents new challenges to Environmental Management, forcing a more efficient state in the use of natural resources and directing efforts towards the achievement of sustainable development policies in the context of regional integration.</p> <p>Panama's environmental status and economy are closely related; Human activities put pressure on the environment and natural resources (e.g. pollution from liquid effluents and solid waste) but they depend on natural resources. In addition, environmental status depends on its management and environmental policies. The latter are based to date on national regulations and technological progress and have international and economic dimensions.</p> Carlos Antonio Villarreal Pedro Argón Araúz Leones Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 52 58 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7370 PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF MACROINVERTEBRATES AND WATER QUALITY IN TRIBUTARIES OF EL MONTOSO FOREST RESERVE, TRES PUNTAS, HERRERA, PANAMA (2022– 2023) https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7371 <p>The occurrence of freshwater macroinvertebrates and water quality were evaluated in tributaries of the El Montoso Forest Reserve, located in the locality of Tres Puntas, Herrera Province, Panama. Sampling was conducted in November 2022 and March 2023 using D-frame nets, sieves, and manual collection techniques. A total of 28 families, 11 orders, and 3 classes were identified. The most representative orders were Megaloptera, Plecoptera, Coleoptera, and Trichoptera, with dominant families including Corydalidae (18.6%), Perlidae (17.9%), Polycentropodidae (8.7%), and Ptilodactylidae (8.0%). A higher occurrence of individuals was recorded during the dry season. The Shannon index indicated very high diversity (H' = 2.76), with higher values in the dry season than in the rainy season. The differences observed between seasons could be related to rainfall variation, which may indirectly affect habitat structure. During the rainy season, increased streamflow could cause physical disturbances that limit the persistence of certain organisms, whereas more stable conditions during the dry season may favor their establishment. The BMWP/PAN index yielded a value of 128, which, together with physicochemical parameters, indicates good water quality.</p> Diego A. Arrocha Marilín Del C. Rodríguez Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 59 69 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7371 ECONOMIC EVALUATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS FROM EL GUABAL SUSTAINABLE FARM https://revistas.up.ac.pa/index.php/mesoamericana/article/view/7372 <p>Agricultural products produced in an environmentally cleaner manner are increasingly in demand in foreign and domestic markets and this trend seems to continue, which drives the need to produce with criteria of respect for the environment. In addition to this, the agreements that the country has signed in environmental matters and the commitments it has acquired, oblige agricultural activity to review its policies, with a view to promoting sustainable development.</p> <p>To this end, alternative techniques for the development of the agricultural sector must be promoted, with environmental prevention and quality approaches, which incorporate new changes that recycle, reuse and recover the by-products generated in productive activities.</p> <p>Coclé presents appropriate conditions to take advantage of the demand for agro ecological products from domestic and foreign markets, but for this it is fundamentally necessary to increase the indices of productive efficiency, offer quality products and reduce costs to compete in prices, currently very high. In the country it is possible to do so due to the endowment of natural resources, the relatively low cost of labor and other factors, however, some restrictions can be identified for the development of agro ecological production and marketing that must be overcome; Among the main ones are the following:</p> <ul> <li>Large number of products with poor uniformity in quality aspects and small production volumes.</li> <li>Wide spatial distribution of</li> <li>Limited variety of authorized inputs in organic</li> <li>Low knowledge of producers of the potential of the foreign market and scarce technical services.</li> <li>Lack of an internationally recognized national certification</li> <li>Insufficient and inadequate refrigeration and post-harvest transport</li> </ul> Carlos Antonio Villarreal Pedro Argón Araúz Leones Copyright (c) 2025 2025-05-30 2025-05-30 27 1 70 76 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v27n1.a7372