Pedro Hoffmann

Although the next conference is still a way off, we’ve created this account to share updates on venue and dates, as well as news and publications on FRUGIVORES & SEED DISPERSAL

Artwork: María León Ilustración

A Neotropical otter defecating in a wetland of the Pampa biome, extreme south of Brazil. Otters commonly deposit their feces (spraints) in conspicuous sites known as latrines. These sites serve as important communication points.

The image shows footprints of a neotropical otter (small, four-toed) alongside larger three-toed capybara footprints. In the lower section, there is an otter spraint (droppings).

On the track of the neotropical otter and capybaras.

Some photos of the amazing wetlands of the Taim Ecological Station: a Ramsar site in southern Brazil.

I’m so happy to be back in the field, collecting data on these big guys in the Southern Brazilian wetlands of the Pampa biome for my thesis! 🌾

Site where the spraints were collected at the Taim Ecological Station (ESEC Taim) including neotropical otter prey remains and spraints (scale in cm). (a) Canal inhabited by otters. Otter vestiges: (b) Trachemys dorbigni preyed upon by otters , (c) Synbranchus marmoratus preyed upon by otters , (d) Neotropical otter footprint, (e) bird bones, and (f, g) Neotropical otter faeces (spraints) with numerous visible fish scales.

Examples of aquatic macrophyte specimens recovered from neotropical otter faeces. (A) Lemna minuta , (B) Wolffiella oblonga , and (C) Azolla filiculoides. Scale 1 mm.

Secondary dispersal of 4 ferns and 28 flowering plants by Neotropical otters in Brazil. "Diploendozoochory” occurs when propagules are ingested first by prey and then by otters. @freshwaterscience.bsky.social @wwf-water.bsky.social @sibecol.bsky.social @ebdonana.bsky.social doi.org/10.1111/fwb....

Hi Miguel! Like Andy said, the large amount of propagules comes from pteridophytes, and we also discovered that larger spraints contain more richness. Additionally, larger spraints that contain a greater variety of prey also show more propagules.

A close-up photograph of a juvenile tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) resting on the ground among grass and soil. The lizard’s vibrant green scales with black and cream-colored markings contrast with the earthy background. Sunlight filters through the grass, highlighting the intricate pattern on its head and body. The tegu appears alert, with its eyes focused and limbs positioned for movement.

Look at this beautiful baby tegu, Salvator merianae! This large Neotropical lizard, found across most of Brazil, can grow over a meter long. They are generalist reptiles that consume fruits and disperse seeds.

Climb forest, climb: diverse disperser communities are key to assist plants tracking climate change on altitudinal gradients Climate change is forcing species to shift their distribution ranges. Animal seed dispersers might be particularly important in assisting plants tracking suitable climates to higher elevations. Howe.....

🔥 New paper out 🔥

Seed dispersers help plants tracking climate change on mountains!

Animals are dispersing plant species to higher elevations... but over half of the plants arriving at higher elevations were exotic. 🦎🐦💩🌿

@newphyt.bsky.social

🧪🍁🌐🌏

nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

Just finishing a graphite study of a turtle skull for my scientific illustration class. Exploring anatomy and shading techniques!

Once plantas de Tenerife 'conquistan' las alturas de la isla para escapar del cambio climático, ¿podrán seguirlas el resto? Animales están dispersando las semillas de algunas especies vegetales en zonas más elevadas, ayudándolas a colonizar nuevos territorios y sobrevivir a las altas temperaturas asociadas a la crisis clim...

www.eldiario.es/canariasahor...

Hello! I’m Pedro, and my research focuses on the role of semiaquatic mammals in dispersing seeds in wetland ecosystems. I study species like capybaras, coypus, and Neotropical otters, primarily in the Brazilian Pampa biome. Currently, I’m a PhD student at FURG, in southernmost Brazil.

Neotropical otter at Bolaxa stream, Southern Brazil.

Our recent study shows that capybaras can disperse whole aquatic #plants via fur & gut! 🌿

#wetlands #biodiversity

Discover more about these semiaquatic giants👇

📖 doi.org/10.1590/1676-0611-BN-2024-1629