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Prof. Igor Berkunsky
Instituto Multidisciplinario sobre Ecosistemas y Desarrollo Sustentable

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Population Ecology
0 Bird conservation
0 Conservation Amphibian & Reptilian.
0 Endangered species ecology
0 Conservation biology and ecology

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Short Biography

Igor Berkunsky has a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences, and is a career scientist in CONICET at In- stituto Multidisciplinario sobre Ecosistemas y Desarrollo Sustentable. His interests include the conservation, ecology, and health of reptiles, amphibians, and birds. During his early career he worked on a variety of projects involving the status and conservation of sensitive wildlife spe- cies. For the last several years, he has focused on population studies and monitoring methods for endangered species.

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Journal article
Published: 17 August 2021 in Diversity
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A key aspect in the conservation of endangered populations is understanding patterns of genetic variation and structure, which can provide managers with critical information to support evidence-based status assessments and management strategies. This is especially important for species with small wild and larger captive populations, as found in many endangered parrots. We used genotypic data to assess genetic variation and structure in wild and captive populations of two endangered parrots, the blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis, of Bolivia, and the thick-billed parrot, Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, of Mexico. In the blue-throated macaw, we found evidence of weak genetic differentiation between wild northern and southern subpopulations, and between wild and captive populations. In the thick-billed parrot we found no signal of differentiation between the Madera and Tutuaca breeding colonies or between wild and captive populations. Similar levels of genetic diversity were detected in the wild and captive populations of both species, with private alleles detected in captivity in both, and in the wild in the thick-billed parrot. We found genetic signatures of a bottleneck in the northern blue-throated macaw subpopulation, but no such signal was identified in any other subpopulation of either species. Our results suggest both species could potentially benefit from reintroduction of genetic variation found in captivity, and emphasize the need for genetic management of captive populations.

ACS Style

Carlos I. Campos; Melinda A. Martinez; Daniel Acosta; Jose A. Diaz-Luque; Igor Berkunsky; Nadine L. Lamberski; Javier Cruz-Nieto; Michael A. Russello; Timothy F. Wright. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Two Endangered Neotropical Parrots Inform In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation Strategies. Diversity 2021, 13, 386 .

AMA Style

Carlos I. Campos, Melinda A. Martinez, Daniel Acosta, Jose A. Diaz-Luque, Igor Berkunsky, Nadine L. Lamberski, Javier Cruz-Nieto, Michael A. Russello, Timothy F. Wright. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Two Endangered Neotropical Parrots Inform In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation Strategies. Diversity. 2021; 13 (8):386.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Carlos I. Campos; Melinda A. Martinez; Daniel Acosta; Jose A. Diaz-Luque; Igor Berkunsky; Nadine L. Lamberski; Javier Cruz-Nieto; Michael A. Russello; Timothy F. Wright. 2021. "Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Two Endangered Neotropical Parrots Inform In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation Strategies." Diversity 13, no. 8: 386.

Journal article
Published: 03 May 2021 in Russian Journal of Herpetology
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Two new species of small-sized terrestrial toad of the genus Melanophryniscus from the highland grasslands of the Ventania and Tandilia Mountain Systems in Buenos Aires province, Argentina, are described. We assign provisionally Melanophryniscus diabolicus sp. nov. (Ventania mountains) and Melanophryniscus nigricans sp. nov. (Tandilia mountains) as both belonging to the Melanophryniscus stelzneri group. The new species differs from other congeners by a distinctive combination of characters: dorsum dark black, tympanum concealed, venter blackish, and distribution on highland rocky grasslands in the mountains of Tandilia (M. nigricans sp. nov.), and on highland rocky grasslands in the mountains of Ventania and coastal dune grassland (M. diabolicus sp. nov.). Moreover, the advertisement call of the new species is noticeable different between species and close related species M. atroluteus and M. montevidensis. Both species have experienced local extinctions and should be categorized as threatened species.

ACS Style

Tomás Martínez Aguirre; Judit E. Dopazo; Agustina Cortelezzi; María Luz Arellano; Clara Trofino Falasco; María Verónica Simoy; Igor Berkunsky. Two New Species of the Genus Melanophryniscus (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) from Pampa Grasslands of Argentina. Russian Journal of Herpetology 2021, 28, 108 -116.

AMA Style

Tomás Martínez Aguirre, Judit E. Dopazo, Agustina Cortelezzi, María Luz Arellano, Clara Trofino Falasco, María Verónica Simoy, Igor Berkunsky. Two New Species of the Genus Melanophryniscus (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) from Pampa Grasslands of Argentina. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 2021; 28 (2):108-116.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tomás Martínez Aguirre; Judit E. Dopazo; Agustina Cortelezzi; María Luz Arellano; Clara Trofino Falasco; María Verónica Simoy; Igor Berkunsky. 2021. "Two New Species of the Genus Melanophryniscus (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) from Pampa Grasslands of Argentina." Russian Journal of Herpetology 28, no. 2: 108-116.

Journal article
Published: 09 March 2021 in Neotropical Biology and Conservation
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The study of biodiversity is a fundamental step to develop conservation strategies. Reptile populations are immersed in a global crisis, due to anthropic disturbances. Almost the entire Pampa ecoregion in Argentina was modified for agricultural and livestock activities, the only remnants of mountain native grasslands in Buenos Aires province being the Tandilia and Ventania mountain systems. Ventania reptiles have been exhaustively researched in last years, while Tandilia counts with fewer studies. We presented an actualized reptiles list of the Tandilia Mountain System. We used five data sources to collect presence records: literature, fieldwork, museum collection, citizen science, and a online database. The composition of reptiles from the Tandilia Mountain range includes 26 species in 12 families. Due to the presence of several endemic reptiles, and the representativeness of more than half of the reptiles of Pampa Ecoregion, Tandilia would be useful to determine conservation priority areas to conserve the native grassland and their reptile fauna.

ACS Style

David Gustavo Vera; Diego Omar Di Pietro; Germán Tettamanti; Manuel Eirin; Clara Trofino Falasco; María Florencia Aranguren; Jorge Daniel Williams; Federico Pablo Kacoliris; Igor Berkunsky. An annotated list of the reptiles of the highland grassland of Tandilia Mountains, Argentina. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 2021, 16, 185 -204.

AMA Style

David Gustavo Vera, Diego Omar Di Pietro, Germán Tettamanti, Manuel Eirin, Clara Trofino Falasco, María Florencia Aranguren, Jorge Daniel Williams, Federico Pablo Kacoliris, Igor Berkunsky. An annotated list of the reptiles of the highland grassland of Tandilia Mountains, Argentina. Neotropical Biology and Conservation. 2021; 16 (1):185-204.

Chicago/Turabian Style

David Gustavo Vera; Diego Omar Di Pietro; Germán Tettamanti; Manuel Eirin; Clara Trofino Falasco; María Florencia Aranguren; Jorge Daniel Williams; Federico Pablo Kacoliris; Igor Berkunsky. 2021. "An annotated list of the reptiles of the highland grassland of Tandilia Mountains, Argentina." Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16, no. 1: 185-204.

Journal article
Published: 18 August 2020 in Neotropical Biology and Conservation
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Philodryas agassizii is an endangered snake of shrubland and grasslands well preserved in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. In the southeastern area of its range, this snake was only found associated with highland grassland of the Tandilia and Ventania mountain systems, Argentina. In this work, we described six new records of Philodryas agassizii from the Tandilia Mountain System, which represent four new localities for the species. These records extend the known range of Philodryas agassizii in the Tandilia mountain system, 100 km from the closest previously known site.

ACS Style

David Gustavo Vera; Igor Berkunsky; Germán Tettamanti; Manuel Eirin; Federico Pablo Kacoliris; Diego Omar Di Pietro. Filling gaps in the southern range of the endangered snake Philodryas agassizii: new localities in Tandilia highland grassland, Argentina. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 2020, 15, 351 -357.

AMA Style

David Gustavo Vera, Igor Berkunsky, Germán Tettamanti, Manuel Eirin, Federico Pablo Kacoliris, Diego Omar Di Pietro. Filling gaps in the southern range of the endangered snake Philodryas agassizii: new localities in Tandilia highland grassland, Argentina. Neotropical Biology and Conservation. 2020; 15 (3):351-357.

Chicago/Turabian Style

David Gustavo Vera; Igor Berkunsky; Germán Tettamanti; Manuel Eirin; Federico Pablo Kacoliris; Diego Omar Di Pietro. 2020. "Filling gaps in the southern range of the endangered snake Philodryas agassizii: new localities in Tandilia highland grassland, Argentina." Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15, no. 3: 351-357.

Journal article
Published: 13 December 2019 in Revista Veterinaria
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Desde su captura hasta el destino final, los loros silvestres experimen-tan diferentes condiciones durante el transporte, originando así oportunidades de infección y transmisión de enfermedades. Conocer la prevalencia de parásitos en loros habladores silvestres (Amazona aestiva) permitirá un control más eficiente de las parasitosis en aquellos individuos destinados al cautiverio. Además, este trabajo ayudará a de-terminar qué parásitos son específicos del loro hablador, y cuales son los resultados de infecciones desde otras especies hospedadoras durante el proceso de comercialización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los parásitos gastrointestinales de los loros ha-bladores en la región del Impenetrable Chaqueño, en Argentina. Fueron colectadas muestras de heces de 38 pichones y cuatro adultos. También se examinaron cuatro pi-chones muertos. Un tercio de los nidos inspeccionados (n=21) y un cuarto de los indivi-duos examinados fueron positivos a la presencia de protozoos y helmintos. A nivel in-dividual, Eimeria sp fue el parasito más prevalente (25%), seguido de Isospora sp (5%), Giardia lamblia (5%), Capillaria sp (2%) y Ascaridia sp (2%). Las inspecciones en busca de parásitos en las vísceras de los cuatro pichones hallados muertos por causas naturales, fueron negativas. Como en la mayoría de los estudios con loros silvestres, la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en el loro hablador fue baja, si se compara con los valores reportados para loros en cautiverio. Debido a que los pichones de este loro son capturados frecuentemente para el tráfico de mascotas, conocer el ensamble de parásitos intestinales y su prevalencia en individuos silvestres, puede ser útil para el tratamiento de pichones destinados al cautiverio.

ACS Style

I Berkunsky; R A. Ruggera; M S. López; S I. Faegre; R M. Aramburú. Gastrointestinal parasites of wild blue fronted amazons in Chaco, Argentina. Revista Veterinaria 2019, 30, 90 -93.

AMA Style

I Berkunsky, R A. Ruggera, M S. López, S I. Faegre, R M. Aramburú. Gastrointestinal parasites of wild blue fronted amazons in Chaco, Argentina. Revista Veterinaria. 2019; 30 (2):90-93.

Chicago/Turabian Style

I Berkunsky; R A. Ruggera; M S. López; S I. Faegre; R M. Aramburú. 2019. "Gastrointestinal parasites of wild blue fronted amazons in Chaco, Argentina." Revista Veterinaria 30, no. 2: 90-93.

Journal article
Published: 19 June 2018 in Parasites & Vectors
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Parasites can exert selection pressure on their hosts through effects on survival, on reproductive success, on sexually selected ornament, with important ecological and evolutionary consequences, such as changes in population viability. Consequently, hemoparasites have become the focus of recent avian studies. Infection varies significantly among taxa. Various factors might explain the differences in infection among taxa, including habitat, climate, host density, the presence of vectors, life history and immune defence. Feeding behaviour can also be relevant both through increased exposure to vectors and consumption of secondary metabolites with preventative or therapeutic effects that can reduce parasite load. However, the latter has been little investigated. Psittaciformes (parrots and cockatoos) are a good model to investigate these topics, as they are known to use biological control against ectoparasites and to feed on toxic food. We investigated the presence of avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium), intracellular haemosporidians (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon), unicellular flagellate protozoans (Trypanosoma) and microfilariae in 19 Psittaciformes species from a range of habitats in the Indo-Malayan, Australasian and Neotropical regions. We gathered additional data on hemoparasites in wild Psittaciformes from the literature. We considered factors that may control the presence of hemoparasites in the Psittaciformes, compiling information on diet, habitat, and climate. Furthermore, we investigated the role of diet in providing antiparasitic secondary metabolites that could be used as self-medication to reduce parasite load. We found hemoparasites in only two of 19 species sampled. Among them, all species that consume at least one food item known for its secondary metabolites with antimalarial, trypanocidal or general antiparasitic properties, were free from hemoparasites. In contrast, the infected parrots do not consume food items with antimalarial or even general antiparasitic properties. We found that the two infected species in this study consumed omnivorous diets. When we combined our data with data from studies previously investigating blood parasites in wild parrots, the positive relationship between omnivorous diets and hemoparasite infestation was confirmed. Individuals from open habitats were less infected than those from forests. The consumption of food items known for their secondary metabolites with antimalarial, trypanocidal or general antiparasitic properties, as well as the higher proportion of infected species among omnivorous parrots, could explain the low prevalence of hemoparasites reported in many vertebrates.

ACS Style

Juan F. Masello; Javier Martínez; Luciano Calderón; Michael Wink; Petra Quillfeldt; Virginia Sanz; Jörn Theuerkauf; Luis Ortiz-Catedral; Igor Berkunsky; Dianne Brunton; José A. Díaz-Luque; Mark E. Hauber; Valeria Ojeda; Antoine Barnaud; Laura Casalins; Bethany Jackson; Alfredo Mijares; Romel Rosales; Gláucia Seixas; Patricia Serafini; Adriana Silva-Iturriza; Elenise Sipinski; Rodrigo A. Vásquez; Peter Widmann; Indira Widmann; Santiago Merino. Can the intake of antiparasitic secondary metabolites explain the low prevalence of hemoparasites among wild Psittaciformes? Parasites & Vectors 2018, 11, 357 .

AMA Style

Juan F. Masello, Javier Martínez, Luciano Calderón, Michael Wink, Petra Quillfeldt, Virginia Sanz, Jörn Theuerkauf, Luis Ortiz-Catedral, Igor Berkunsky, Dianne Brunton, José A. Díaz-Luque, Mark E. Hauber, Valeria Ojeda, Antoine Barnaud, Laura Casalins, Bethany Jackson, Alfredo Mijares, Romel Rosales, Gláucia Seixas, Patricia Serafini, Adriana Silva-Iturriza, Elenise Sipinski, Rodrigo A. Vásquez, Peter Widmann, Indira Widmann, Santiago Merino. Can the intake of antiparasitic secondary metabolites explain the low prevalence of hemoparasites among wild Psittaciformes? Parasites & Vectors. 2018; 11 (1):357.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Juan F. Masello; Javier Martínez; Luciano Calderón; Michael Wink; Petra Quillfeldt; Virginia Sanz; Jörn Theuerkauf; Luis Ortiz-Catedral; Igor Berkunsky; Dianne Brunton; José A. Díaz-Luque; Mark E. Hauber; Valeria Ojeda; Antoine Barnaud; Laura Casalins; Bethany Jackson; Alfredo Mijares; Romel Rosales; Gláucia Seixas; Patricia Serafini; Adriana Silva-Iturriza; Elenise Sipinski; Rodrigo A. Vásquez; Peter Widmann; Indira Widmann; Santiago Merino. 2018. "Can the intake of antiparasitic secondary metabolites explain the low prevalence of hemoparasites among wild Psittaciformes?" Parasites & Vectors 11, no. 1: 357.

Journal article
Published: 05 June 2018 in Neotropical Biology and Conservation
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Raptor abundance has been poorly documented in the Neotropics. Here we describe the abundance and composition of the diurnal bird raptor community of Llanos de Moxos, one of the largest and less studied Neotropical savannah. During four consecutive breeding seasons (i.e., August 2007 to February 2008, August 2008 to January 2009, August 2009 to January 2010, and August 2010 to January 2011), we monitored 11 transects and 30 points, searching for raptors’ activity. We detected 29 diurnal bird raptor species in the region, which represented almost half of diurnal bird raptor species of Bolivia. As expected, scavengers and generalists were most frequent and abundant diurnal bird raptors. The Llanos de Moxos shared 83% of raptor species with Venezuelan Llanos and 67% with Chaco wetlands. The Llanos de Moxos is an important migratory and conservation region for some species as Swainson’s hawk, Chaco eagle, osprey and peregrine falcon. The lack of effective protected areas in the region is concerning, and, thus, the establishment of such areas should be a conservation priority.Keywords: Accipitridae, Cathartidae, Falconidae, hawk, monitoring, Neotropics, species’ inventory, savannah.

ACS Style

Gonzalo Daniele; Federico P. Kacoliris; Igor Berkunsky. Diurnal bird raptors of Llanos de Moxos, Bolivia. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 2018, 13, 94-100 .

AMA Style

Gonzalo Daniele, Federico P. Kacoliris, Igor Berkunsky. Diurnal bird raptors of Llanos de Moxos, Bolivia. Neotropical Biology and Conservation. 2018; 13 (2):94-100.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gonzalo Daniele; Federico P. Kacoliris; Igor Berkunsky. 2018. "Diurnal bird raptors of Llanos de Moxos, Bolivia." Neotropical Biology and Conservation 13, no. 2: 94-100.

Journal article
Published: 01 May 2018 in Science of The Total Environment
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The objective of this work was assessing the sensitivity of leeches to several water quality attributes in lowlands streams. We used occupancy modelling that account explicitly for detectability, to estimate the influence of four variables (dissolved oxygen, 5-days biochemicals oxygen demand, conductivity, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen) affecting nine species. We described the sensitivity as a change in the occupancy along the range of water quality attributes. We found at least one species of Helobdella in 81% of sites and Helobdella, as genus, was detected along the entire gradient of each attribute. However, differences in the sensitivity were observed between species. For example, if we analyse the sensitivity of the genus Helobdella to dissolved oxygen, we can say that it is very tolerant. However, if we analyse the response to dissolved oxygen of each one of the species of Helobdella, we will realize that H. michaelseni, and H. simplex showed a high occupancy at high levels of dissolved oxygen; while H. hyalina and H. triserialis lineata showed high occupancy at low levels. Describe the sensitivity of the species in terms of occupancy, offers a new methodology to understand how the species behave along a stressor gradient.

ACS Style

Agustina Cortelezzi; Bettina S. Gullo; María V. Simoy; Rosana E. Cepeda; Claudia B. Marinelli; Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo; Igor Berkunsky. Assessing the sensitivity of leeches as indicators of water quality. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 624, 1244 -1249.

AMA Style

Agustina Cortelezzi, Bettina S. Gullo, María V. Simoy, Rosana E. Cepeda, Claudia B. Marinelli, Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo, Igor Berkunsky. Assessing the sensitivity of leeches as indicators of water quality. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 624 ():1244-1249.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Agustina Cortelezzi; Bettina S. Gullo; María V. Simoy; Rosana E. Cepeda; Claudia B. Marinelli; Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo; Igor Berkunsky. 2018. "Assessing the sensitivity of leeches as indicators of water quality." Science of The Total Environment 624, no. : 1244-1249.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2017 in Ecological Modelling
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ACS Style

María Laura Maestri; Rosana Ferrati; Igor Berkunsky. Evaluating management strategies in the conservation of the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw ( Ara glaucogularis ). Ecological Modelling 2017, 361, 74 -79.

AMA Style

María Laura Maestri, Rosana Ferrati, Igor Berkunsky. Evaluating management strategies in the conservation of the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw ( Ara glaucogularis ). Ecological Modelling. 2017; 361 ():74-79.

Chicago/Turabian Style

María Laura Maestri; Rosana Ferrati; Igor Berkunsky. 2017. "Evaluating management strategies in the conservation of the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw ( Ara glaucogularis )." Ecological Modelling 361, no. : 74-79.

Journal article
Published: 07 September 2017 in Biological Conservation
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Psittaciformes (parrots, cockatoos) are among the most endangered birds, with 31% of Neotropical species under threat. The drivers of this situation appear to be manifold and mainly of anthropogenic origin. However, this assessment is based on the last extensive consultation about the conservation situation of parrots carried out in the 1990s. Given the rapid development of anthropogenic threats, updated data are needed to strategize conservation actions. Using a population approach, we addressed this need through a wide-ranging consultation involving biologists, wildlife managers, government agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations. We gathered up-to-date information on threats affecting 192 populations of 96 Neotropical parrot species across 21 countries. Moreover, we investigated associations among current threats and population trends. Many populations were affected by multiple threats. Agriculture, Capture for the Pet Trade, Logging, each of them affected > 55% of the populations, suggesting a higher degree of risk than previously thought. In contrast to previous studies at the species level, our study showed that the threat most closely associated with decreasing population trends is now Capture for the local Pet Trade. Other threats associated with decreasing populations include Small-holder Farming, Rural Population Pressure, Nest Destruction by Poachers, Agro-industry Grazing, Small-holder Grazing, and Capture for the international Pet Trade. Conservation actions have been implemented on < 20% of populations. Our results highlight the importance of a population-level approach in revealing the extent of threats to wild populations. It is critical to increase the scope of conservation actions to reduce the capture of wild parrots for pets.

ACS Style

I. Berkunsky; P. Quillfeldt; D.J. Brightsmith; M.C. Abbud; J.M.R.E. Aguilar; U. Alemán-Zelaya; R.M. Aramburú; A. Arce Arias; R. Balas McNab; Thorsten J. S. Balsby; J.M. Barredo Barberena; S.R. Beissinger; M. Rosales; Karl Berg; C.A. Bianchi; E. Blanco; A. Bodrati; C. Bonilla-Ruz; Esteban Botero-Delgadillo; S.B. Canavelli; R. Caparroz; R.E. Cepeda; O. Chassot; C. Cinta-Magallón; Kristina Cockle; G. Daniele; Carlos de Araújo; A.E. de Barbosa; L.N. de Moura; H. Del Castillo; S. Díaz; J.A. Díaz-Luque; L. Douglas; A. Figueroa Rodríguez; Rony Garcia-Anleu; J.D. Gilardi; P.G. Grilli; J.C. Guix; M. Hernández; A. Hernández-Muñoz; F. Hiraldo; E. Horstman; R. Ibarra Portillo; J.P. Isacch; J.E. Jiménez; L. Joyner; M. Juarez; F.P. Kacoliris; V.T. Kanaan; L. Klemann-Júnior; S.C. Latta; A.T.K. Lee; A. Lesterhuis; M. Lezama-López; C. Lugarini; G. Marateo; C.B. Marinelli; Jaime Martinez; M.S. McReynolds; C.R. Mejia Urbina; G. Monge-Arias; T.C. Monterrubio-Rico; A.P. Nunes; Fdp Nunes; C. Olaciregui; J. Ortega-Arguelles; E. Pacifico; L. Pagano; N. Politi; G. Ponce-Santizo; H.O. Portillo Reyes; Nêmora Pauletti Prestes; F. Presti; K. Renton; G. Reyes-Macedo; Eva Ringler; L. Rivera; A. Rodríguez-Ferraro; A.M. Rojas-Valverde; R.E. Rojas-Llanos; Y.G. Rubio-Rocha; André Saidenberg; A. Salinas-Melgoza; V. Sanz; H.M. Schaefer; P. Scherer-Neto; G.H.F. Seixas; P. Serafini; L.F. Silveira; E.A.B. Sipinski; M. Somenzari; D. Susanibar; J.L. Tella; C. Torres-Sovero; C. Trofino-Falasco; R. Vargas-Rodríguez; L.D. Vázquez-Reyes; T.H. White; S. Williams; R. Zarza; J.F. Masello. Current threats faced by Neotropical parrot populations. Biological Conservation 2017, 214, 278 -287.

AMA Style

I. Berkunsky, P. Quillfeldt, D.J. Brightsmith, M.C. Abbud, J.M.R.E. Aguilar, U. Alemán-Zelaya, R.M. Aramburú, A. Arce Arias, R. Balas McNab, Thorsten J. S. Balsby, J.M. Barredo Barberena, S.R. Beissinger, M. Rosales, Karl Berg, C.A. Bianchi, E. Blanco, A. Bodrati, C. Bonilla-Ruz, Esteban Botero-Delgadillo, S.B. Canavelli, R. Caparroz, R.E. Cepeda, O. Chassot, C. Cinta-Magallón, Kristina Cockle, G. Daniele, Carlos de Araújo, A.E. de Barbosa, L.N. de Moura, H. Del Castillo, S. Díaz, J.A. Díaz-Luque, L. Douglas, A. Figueroa Rodríguez, Rony Garcia-Anleu, J.D. Gilardi, P.G. Grilli, J.C. Guix, M. Hernández, A. Hernández-Muñoz, F. Hiraldo, E. Horstman, R. Ibarra Portillo, J.P. Isacch, J.E. Jiménez, L. Joyner, M. Juarez, F.P. Kacoliris, V.T. Kanaan, L. Klemann-Júnior, S.C. Latta, A.T.K. Lee, A. Lesterhuis, M. Lezama-López, C. Lugarini, G. Marateo, C.B. Marinelli, Jaime Martinez, M.S. McReynolds, C.R. Mejia Urbina, G. Monge-Arias, T.C. Monterrubio-Rico, A.P. Nunes, Fdp Nunes, C. Olaciregui, J. Ortega-Arguelles, E. Pacifico, L. Pagano, N. Politi, G. Ponce-Santizo, H.O. Portillo Reyes, Nêmora Pauletti Prestes, F. Presti, K. Renton, G. Reyes-Macedo, Eva Ringler, L. Rivera, A. Rodríguez-Ferraro, A.M. Rojas-Valverde, R.E. Rojas-Llanos, Y.G. Rubio-Rocha, André Saidenberg, A. Salinas-Melgoza, V. Sanz, H.M. Schaefer, P. Scherer-Neto, G.H.F. Seixas, P. Serafini, L.F. Silveira, E.A.B. Sipinski, M. Somenzari, D. Susanibar, J.L. Tella, C. Torres-Sovero, C. Trofino-Falasco, R. Vargas-Rodríguez, L.D. Vázquez-Reyes, T.H. White, S. Williams, R. Zarza, J.F. Masello. Current threats faced by Neotropical parrot populations. Biological Conservation. 2017; 214 ():278-287.

Chicago/Turabian Style

I. Berkunsky; P. Quillfeldt; D.J. Brightsmith; M.C. Abbud; J.M.R.E. Aguilar; U. Alemán-Zelaya; R.M. Aramburú; A. Arce Arias; R. Balas McNab; Thorsten J. S. Balsby; J.M. Barredo Barberena; S.R. Beissinger; M. Rosales; Karl Berg; C.A. Bianchi; E. Blanco; A. Bodrati; C. Bonilla-Ruz; Esteban Botero-Delgadillo; S.B. Canavelli; R. Caparroz; R.E. Cepeda; O. Chassot; C. Cinta-Magallón; Kristina Cockle; G. Daniele; Carlos de Araújo; A.E. de Barbosa; L.N. de Moura; H. Del Castillo; S. Díaz; J.A. Díaz-Luque; L. Douglas; A. Figueroa Rodríguez; Rony Garcia-Anleu; J.D. Gilardi; P.G. Grilli; J.C. Guix; M. Hernández; A. Hernández-Muñoz; F. Hiraldo; E. Horstman; R. Ibarra Portillo; J.P. Isacch; J.E. Jiménez; L. Joyner; M. Juarez; F.P. Kacoliris; V.T. Kanaan; L. Klemann-Júnior; S.C. Latta; A.T.K. Lee; A. Lesterhuis; M. Lezama-López; C. Lugarini; G. Marateo; C.B. Marinelli; Jaime Martinez; M.S. McReynolds; C.R. Mejia Urbina; G. Monge-Arias; T.C. Monterrubio-Rico; A.P. Nunes; Fdp Nunes; C. Olaciregui; J. Ortega-Arguelles; E. Pacifico; L. Pagano; N. Politi; G. Ponce-Santizo; H.O. Portillo Reyes; Nêmora Pauletti Prestes; F. Presti; K. Renton; G. Reyes-Macedo; Eva Ringler; L. Rivera; A. Rodríguez-Ferraro; A.M. Rojas-Valverde; R.E. Rojas-Llanos; Y.G. Rubio-Rocha; André Saidenberg; A. Salinas-Melgoza; V. Sanz; H.M. Schaefer; P. Scherer-Neto; G.H.F. Seixas; P. Serafini; L.F. Silveira; E.A.B. Sipinski; M. Somenzari; D. Susanibar; J.L. Tella; C. Torres-Sovero; C. Trofino-Falasco; R. Vargas-Rodríguez; L.D. Vázquez-Reyes; T.H. White; S. Williams; R. Zarza; J.F. Masello. 2017. "Current threats faced by Neotropical parrot populations." Biological Conservation 214, no. : 278-287.

Journal article
Published: 11 August 2017 in Oryx
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The sand-dune lizard Liolaemus multimaculatus is an Endangered species endemic to the Pampean coastal dunes of Argentina. To inform the development of a future Action Plan for this species, we investigated the demography and conservation status of all remaining populations, and we suggest management actions appropriate to local needs. We used population viability analysis to assess extinction risk in three inbreeding scenarios and estimate the minimum viable population and the minimum area requirement. To assess the current status of each local population, we used information related to population size, human pressure and connectivity. The results were then used to set and prioritize conservation management actions at local level. Our models indicated that populations of > 2,400 individuals would be viable in the long term and that inbreeding depression has a strong effect on extinction risk. The southern patches of coastal dune contain the largest populations of sand-dune lizards, and they are also better connected and less threatened. We suggest land protection as the priority management action for populations larger than the minimum viable population, whereas habitat recovery, when possible, should be the priority for patches of coastal dune smaller than the minimum area requirement. Supplementation with a small number of individuals could stabilize unviable populations but should be considered only in certain situations.The long-term conservation of the sand-dune lizard will be feasible only if a conservation action plan is developed and implemented.

ACS Style

Federico P. Kacoliris; Melina A. Velasco; Camila Kass; Nicolas Kass; Verónica Simoy; Pablo G. Grilli; Tomas Martínez Aguirre; Diego O. Di Pietro; Jorge Williams; Igor Berkunsky. A management strategy for the long-term conservation of the Endangered sand-dune lizard Liolaemus multimaculatus in the Pampean coastal dunes of Argentina. Oryx 2017, 53, 561 -569.

AMA Style

Federico P. Kacoliris, Melina A. Velasco, Camila Kass, Nicolas Kass, Verónica Simoy, Pablo G. Grilli, Tomas Martínez Aguirre, Diego O. Di Pietro, Jorge Williams, Igor Berkunsky. A management strategy for the long-term conservation of the Endangered sand-dune lizard Liolaemus multimaculatus in the Pampean coastal dunes of Argentina. Oryx. 2017; 53 (3):561-569.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federico P. Kacoliris; Melina A. Velasco; Camila Kass; Nicolas Kass; Verónica Simoy; Pablo G. Grilli; Tomas Martínez Aguirre; Diego O. Di Pietro; Jorge Williams; Igor Berkunsky. 2017. "A management strategy for the long-term conservation of the Endangered sand-dune lizard Liolaemus multimaculatus in the Pampean coastal dunes of Argentina." Oryx 53, no. 3: 561-569.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2017 in Ecological Indicators
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Agustina Cortelezzi; Laura Armendáriz; María V. Simoy; Claudia B. Marinelli; Rosana E. Cepeda; Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo; Igor Berkunsky. Site-occupancy modelling: A new approach to assess sensitivity of indicator species. Ecological Indicators 2017, 79, 191 -195.

AMA Style

Agustina Cortelezzi, Laura Armendáriz, María V. Simoy, Claudia B. Marinelli, Rosana E. Cepeda, Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo, Igor Berkunsky. Site-occupancy modelling: A new approach to assess sensitivity of indicator species. Ecological Indicators. 2017; 79 ():191-195.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Agustina Cortelezzi; Laura Armendáriz; María V. Simoy; Claudia B. Marinelli; Rosana E. Cepeda; Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo; Igor Berkunsky. 2017. "Site-occupancy modelling: A new approach to assess sensitivity of indicator species." Ecological Indicators 79, no. : 191-195.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2017 in Avian Conservation and Ecology
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Igor Berkunsky; Luciano N. Segura; Román A. Ruggera; Sarah I. K. Faegre; Clara Trofino-Falasco; Fernando G. López; Melina A. Velasco; Federico P. Kacoliris; Rosana M. Aramburú; Juan C. Reboreda. Reproductive parameters of the Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) in the dry Chaco forest. Avian Conservation and Ecology 2017, 12, 1 .

AMA Style

Igor Berkunsky, Luciano N. Segura, Román A. Ruggera, Sarah I. K. Faegre, Clara Trofino-Falasco, Fernando G. López, Melina A. Velasco, Federico P. Kacoliris, Rosana M. Aramburú, Juan C. Reboreda. Reproductive parameters of the Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) in the dry Chaco forest. Avian Conservation and Ecology. 2017; 12 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Igor Berkunsky; Luciano N. Segura; Román A. Ruggera; Sarah I. K. Faegre; Clara Trofino-Falasco; Fernando G. López; Melina A. Velasco; Federico P. Kacoliris; Rosana M. Aramburú; Juan C. Reboreda. 2017. "Reproductive parameters of the Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) in the dry Chaco forest." Avian Conservation and Ecology 12, no. 2: 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2016 in Ardea
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In this study we analyse factors affecting nest survival in Blue-fronted Parrots Amazona aestiva breeding in the Chaco region of northern Argentina. We combined temporal and environmental variables in order to determine which best explain variation in overall nest survival and in predation dependent nest survival. We predicted that high and deep cavities, that are inaccessible to snakes and other predators, would have high daily survival rates. We compared the relative effects on nest survival of time of the breeding season, stage of the nesting cycle, and characteristics of the nest cavity. We modelled daily survival rate (DSR) for all observed nests, and daily survival rate for nests that had been predated (daily survival rate in relation to predation exclusively, DSRp). Nest predation accounted for 50% of nest failures. DSR was on average 0.989, translating into an apparent hatching success of 0.39. DSR decreased with time of breeding and increased with nest age. DSRp decreased with time of breeding and inclination of the nest cavity entrance hole and increased with height from the ground of the entrance hole. There was a quadratic effect of nest age on DSRp, such that daily survival was highest during incubation, lowest at hatching and the early nestling stage, but increasing throughout the remainder of the nestling stage. This effect became more pronounced as the breeding season advanced. Year and observer effects did not affect the probability of survival. Temporal patterns and characteristics of the nest cavity explained most of the variation in nest survival in Blue-fronted Parrots, which highlights the relevance of including these covariates in future studies of nest survival in parrots, and has important management and conservation implications.

ACS Style

Igor Berkunsky; Luciano N. Segura; Rosana M. Aramburú; Román A. Ruggera; Walter S. Svagelj; Juan C. Reboreda. Nest Survival and Predation in Blue-Fronted Parrots Amazona aestiva : Effects of Nesting Behaviour and Cavity Characteristics. Ardea 2016, 104, 143 -151.

AMA Style

Igor Berkunsky, Luciano N. Segura, Rosana M. Aramburú, Román A. Ruggera, Walter S. Svagelj, Juan C. Reboreda. Nest Survival and Predation in Blue-Fronted Parrots Amazona aestiva : Effects of Nesting Behaviour and Cavity Characteristics. Ardea. 2016; 104 (2):143-151.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Igor Berkunsky; Luciano N. Segura; Rosana M. Aramburú; Román A. Ruggera; Walter S. Svagelj; Juan C. Reboreda. 2016. "Nest Survival and Predation in Blue-Fronted Parrots Amazona aestiva : Effects of Nesting Behaviour and Cavity Characteristics." Ardea 104, no. 2: 143-151.

Journal article
Published: 27 April 2016 in Neotropical Biology and Conservation
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The Valcheta Frog, Pleurodema somuncurense (Cei, 1969), is a critically endangered species endemic from Somuncura plateau, Patagonia, Argentina. Although this frog is facing several human-related threats, the available information about its population status and trends is scarce. In order to update the range of the species, from 2013 to 2015, we conducted exhaustive surveys in all its geographical distribution, including sites never explored in the past. In 2014, we estimated occupancy and probability of detection with a three-visit survey in 40 sites of headwaters of Valcheta stream. Frogs were present in 58% of sites, and the probability of detection was high. We increased the known range of Valcheta Frog in 160%, by adding new sites occupied by the species. However, the status of the species remains of great concern, since its total range barely reaches 4 square kilometres.Keywords: threatened amphibians, Somuncura plateau, occupancy models, population decline.

ACS Style

Melina Alicia Velasco; Federico Pablo Kacoliris; Igor Berkunsky; Sofía Quiroga; Jorge Williams. Current distributional status of the critically endangered Valcheta Frog: Implications for conservation. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 2016, 11, 1 .

AMA Style

Melina Alicia Velasco, Federico Pablo Kacoliris, Igor Berkunsky, Sofía Quiroga, Jorge Williams. Current distributional status of the critically endangered Valcheta Frog: Implications for conservation. Neotropical Biology and Conservation. 2016; 11 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Melina Alicia Velasco; Federico Pablo Kacoliris; Igor Berkunsky; Sofía Quiroga; Jorge Williams. 2016. "Current distributional status of the critically endangered Valcheta Frog: Implications for conservation." Neotropical Biology and Conservation 11, no. 2: 1.

Journal article
Published: 04 September 2015 in Neotropical Biology and Conservation
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The selection of breeding sites in response to temporary pond characteristics has been frequently documented in several anuran species. Small and shallow temporary ponds are usually preferred. The Tandilean red-belly toad, Melanophryniscus aff. montevidensis, is an endemic species that breeds in temporary ponds of remnants of highland grasslands in Tandilia mountain system, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The goals of this work are to characterize breeding sites of Tandilean red-belly toad, and to assess the availability of potential breeding sites at remnants of highland grasslands. Tandilean red-belly toad was observed using ponds and temporary creeks in valleys and slopes of mountains. The median of dimensions for the breeding sites was 8m length, 4m wide and 10cm depth (n = 40). The majority of the breeding sites were circular and of natural origin. The dominant breeding site substrates were mud and vegetation. We found 115 potential breeding sites in grassland remnants of surroundings of Tandil city, giving a density of 7.1 potential breeding sites/km2. The density of potential breeding sites in highland grasslands of Tandilia Mountains was similar in most surveyed remnants. Therefore, our results suggest that size of remnant is not affecting the breeding habitat availability. Keywords: pampas, temporary ponds, reproduction, conservation, Tandil.

ACS Style

Agustina Cortelezzi; Igor Berkunsky; María Verónica Simoy; Rosana Cepeda; Claudia Marinelli; Federico P. Kacoliris. Are breeding sites a limiting factor for the Tandilean redbelly toad (Bufonidae) in pampean highland grasslands? Neotropical Biology and Conservation 2015, 10, 182-186 .

AMA Style

Agustina Cortelezzi, Igor Berkunsky, María Verónica Simoy, Rosana Cepeda, Claudia Marinelli, Federico P. Kacoliris. Are breeding sites a limiting factor for the Tandilean redbelly toad (Bufonidae) in pampean highland grasslands? Neotropical Biology and Conservation. 2015; 10 (3):182-186.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Agustina Cortelezzi; Igor Berkunsky; María Verónica Simoy; Rosana Cepeda; Claudia Marinelli; Federico P. Kacoliris. 2015. "Are breeding sites a limiting factor for the Tandilean redbelly toad (Bufonidae) in pampean highland grasslands?" Neotropical Biology and Conservation 10, no. 3: 182-186.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2015 in Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad
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Maria Gabriela Agostini; Agustina Cortelezzi; Igor Berkunsky; Gabriela Soler; Patricia Burrowes. First record of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infecting threatened populations of Tandilean Red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus aff. montevidensis) in Argentina. Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad 2015, 86, 826 -828.

AMA Style

Maria Gabriela Agostini, Agustina Cortelezzi, Igor Berkunsky, Gabriela Soler, Patricia Burrowes. First record of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infecting threatened populations of Tandilean Red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus aff. montevidensis) in Argentina. Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad. 2015; 86 (3):826-828.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Gabriela Agostini; Agustina Cortelezzi; Igor Berkunsky; Gabriela Soler; Patricia Burrowes. 2015. "First record of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infecting threatened populations of Tandilean Red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus aff. montevidensis) in Argentina." Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad 86, no. 3: 826-828.

Journal article
Published: 17 June 2015 in Animal Conservation
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F. P. Kacoliris; Melina Alicia Velasco; Igor Berkunsky; C. E. Celsi; Jorge Williams; D. Di-Pietro; S. Rosset. How to prioritize allocating conservation efforts: an alternative method tested with imperilled herpetofauna. Animal Conservation 2015, 19, 46 -52.

AMA Style

F. P. Kacoliris, Melina Alicia Velasco, Igor Berkunsky, C. E. Celsi, Jorge Williams, D. Di-Pietro, S. Rosset. How to prioritize allocating conservation efforts: an alternative method tested with imperilled herpetofauna. Animal Conservation. 2015; 19 (1):46-52.

Chicago/Turabian Style

F. P. Kacoliris; Melina Alicia Velasco; Igor Berkunsky; C. E. Celsi; Jorge Williams; D. Di-Pietro; S. Rosset. 2015. "How to prioritize allocating conservation efforts: an alternative method tested with imperilled herpetofauna." Animal Conservation 19, no. 1: 46-52.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2015 in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
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Studies on breeding biology in Neotropical birds are crucial for understanding different aspects of their life histories and also for their conservation. We describe the nesting biology of the Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) in central Argentina, a common suboscine that inhabits south temperate forests. We monitored 367 nests from October to February 2005–2008. Nest initiation followed a unimodal distribution with a peak in November. Within the forest, no nests were built on exotic tree species. Mean clutch size was 3.05 ± 0.05 eggs and decreased with time within the breeding season; egg size did not vary across the breeding season. Nesting cycles lasted, on average, 25.8 ± 0.1 days (nest construction: 6.1 ± 0.4 days; incubation period: 11.9 ± 0.1 days; nestling period: 13.8 ± 0.1 days). At least one young fledged in 26% of nests, 62% were depredated, and 11% were abandoned. Egg survival rate was 0.95 ± 0.02, hatching success rate was 0.84 ± 0.02, and nestling survival rate was 0.81 ± 0.03. Partial nestling losses were detected in 45% of the nests, of which 52% were because of brood reduction. Each breeding pair had on average 4.4 ± 0.2 nesting attempts over the breeding season. Our results support the prediction that small clutch sizes are associated with extensive breeding seasons and several nesting attempts within a season. Except for the short incubation period, all other breeding features reported in this study differ from those of most north temperate birds and are consistent with the life history traits of Neotropical birds.

ACS Style

Luciano N. Segura; Bettina Mahler; Igor Berkunsky; Juan C. Reboreda. Nesting biology of the Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria Coronata) in south temperate forests of central Argentina. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 2015, 127, 1 .

AMA Style

Luciano N. Segura, Bettina Mahler, Igor Berkunsky, Juan C. Reboreda. Nesting biology of the Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria Coronata) in south temperate forests of central Argentina. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 2015; 127 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luciano N. Segura; Bettina Mahler; Igor Berkunsky; Juan C. Reboreda. 2015. "Nesting biology of the Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria Coronata) in south temperate forests of central Argentina." The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 127, no. 2: 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2015 in Avian Conservation and Ecology
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Berkunsky, I., M. V. Simoy, R. E. Cepeda, C. Marinelli, F. P. Kacoliris, G. Daniele, A. Cortelezzi, J. Diáz, J. Mateo Friedman, and R. M. Aramburú. 2015. Assessing the use of forest islands by parrot species in a neotropical savanna. Avian Conservation and Ecology 10(1): 11.http://dx.doi.org/10.5751/ACE-00753-100111

ACS Style

Igor Berkunsky; María V. Simoy; Rosana E. Cepeda; Claudia Marinelli; Federico P. Kacoliris; Gonzalo Daniele; Agustina Cortelezzi; José A. Díaz-Luque; Juan Mateo Friedman; Rosana M. Aramburú. Assessing the use of forest islands by parrot species in a neotropical savanna. Avian Conservation and Ecology 2015, 10, 1 .

AMA Style

Igor Berkunsky, María V. Simoy, Rosana E. Cepeda, Claudia Marinelli, Federico P. Kacoliris, Gonzalo Daniele, Agustina Cortelezzi, José A. Díaz-Luque, Juan Mateo Friedman, Rosana M. Aramburú. Assessing the use of forest islands by parrot species in a neotropical savanna. Avian Conservation and Ecology. 2015; 10 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Igor Berkunsky; María V. Simoy; Rosana E. Cepeda; Claudia Marinelli; Federico P. Kacoliris; Gonzalo Daniele; Agustina Cortelezzi; José A. Díaz-Luque; Juan Mateo Friedman; Rosana M. Aramburú. 2015. "Assessing the use of forest islands by parrot species in a neotropical savanna." Avian Conservation and Ecology 10, no. 1: 1.