The carbon pool of Amazonian peatlands is immense and mediates critical ecological functions. As peatlands are dynamic, similar to other wetland systems, modeling of the relationship between organic matter and dry bulk density allows the estimation of the accumulation and/or decomposition of peats. We tested several models: the generalized linear mixed logarithmic, to test depth, and the non-linear logarithmic and power-law models. There is a negative power-law relationship between organic percentage and dry bulk density using peat samples collected in Amazonian peatlands (n = 80). This model is supported by the coefficient of determination (R²) estimates garnered from model fitting, while Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) values further support parsimonious models. We also ran trials of the ideal mixing model with two parameters: k1 representing organic density and k2 representing mineral. The mixture of organic and inorganic components generally falls in accordance with the theory that decreasing k1 trends with increasing k2, although k2 values for these peat samples are negative. The organic k1 coefficient allows us to identify two sites out of the nine investigated, which can be prioritized for their carbon dynamics. The presence of high-density samples, which were not related to depth, indicates clay intrusion in these peatlands. We hope the modeling can explain processes significant to these globally important carbon-rich ecosystems.

The effort to uncover herpetofauna within the zone of influence of the Sierra del Divisor National Park has been focused on the northern reaches. The Abujao basin represents the Sierra del Divisor region well in an understudied area central to the Peruvian Amazon. We found 108 species of amphibians and squamate reptiles. Seven records extend ranges from the northern regions, while two records unite with southern regions (Madre De Dios and the Fitzcarrald Arc/Purus valley). There are higher levels of diversity attributable to land-cover units indicative of high terraces and hilly zones, as opposed to low hydromorphic habitats. Our new record for Pristimantis iiap Padial, Gagliardi-Urrutia, Chaparro & Gutiérrez, 2016 brings more resolution to this newly described species. We made observations of an unidentified species of blindsnake, which could represent a unique part of the fauna. Despite variations, we only uphold the presence of various subspecies of Micrurus annellatus Peters, 1871.

Records of Galictis vittata (Greater Grison) from the Amazon basin are sparse, particularly in the Madre de Dios region, where only three records have been published. This study elaborates on seven observations of Galictis vittata within and near small interior forest streams of the Las Piedras tributary in Madre de Dios, Peru. While G. vittata inhabits terrestrial environments, it has also been observed in association with aquatic habitats in parts of its range. Although limited to seven observations, all documented sightings of G. vittata in the Las Piedras region have been associated with stream ecosystems. Based on our records, prior research from the region, and known natural history of the species, we hypothesize that streams are a preferred habitat in Amazon rainforests. Additionally, we provide behavioral notes associated with the encounters.

In the examination of social aggregation behavior in animal communities, often referred to as ‘schools’ in the context of aquatic organisms, one frequently cited explanation is the influence of pre...

This study presents the first watershed-wide checklist and geo-referenced dataset of amphibians and reptiles from two primary forest localities along the Las Piedras River, Madre de Dios, Peru. Compiled from pitfall traps, quadrats, transects and opportunistic observations between 2004 and 2024, the dataset contains 2,327 records across 165 species, including several new distribution records from the central basin near the Huascar River. The Madre de Dios region in south-eastern Peru is renowned for its biodiversity and old-growth rainforests, hosting diverse flora and fauna. Protected areas like the Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park are vital refuges for wildlife and research hubs. The region faces threats from deforestation and illegal mining, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. Despite being one of the most diverse regions for herpetofauna globally, biogeography reports from the Las Piedras River are limited. Notably, sixty non-volant mammal species and 144 fish species have been documented, along with 59 frog and 11 reptile species at the Las Piedras Biodiversity Station (LPBS). However, a comprehensive review of reptile diversity in the watershed is lacking. This study presents a survey and occurrence dataset for reptile and amphibian species at LPBS and the Amazon Research and Conservation Centre (ARCC), including opportunistic records to provide complete taxonomic coverage. Furthermore, we review and compile other reported occurrences. This dataset and review offer detailed species and geographical information, supporting further research on herpetofauna biogeography and ecology and aiding conservation efforts on the Las Piedras River. This list of reptile and amphibian species from the Las Piedras River in Peru includes new records from the basin's central area, near the Huascar River's confluence. It unifies data from early efforts to find herpetofauna at the Las Piedras Biodiversity Station spanning more than ten years. Over a decade of sampling, combined with opportunistic records, comprehensive taxonomic coverage of herpetofauna on the tributary has been provided. Our dataset contains 2,327 distinct geo-referenced records, categorised into Anura (1788), Crocodilia (10), Gymnophiona (1), Squamata (517) and Testudines (11). These records span 165 identified species, along with one entry recorded at the genus level (Chironius). This dataset was structured and managed using Microsoft Excel, where geo-referenced species occurrence data were organised into standardised formats compatible with GBIF publishing requirements. The dataset was subsequently validated and formatted as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), the standard format for biodiversity data sharing, using GBIF's Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT). This structured approach ensures interoperability and compliance with global biodiversity informatics standards, supporting its integration into herpetofauna biogeography and conservation efforts. This dataset also includes new records from the central basin of the Las Piedras River near the Huascar River confluence. By offering 2,327 distinct geo-referenced records, this dataset (https://doi.org/10.15468/sa8m3q) supports ongoing research into herpetofauna biogeography and conservation efforts in a region under increasing pressure from deforestation and other human activities. Based on our dataset and an accompanying review of historical records and publications, we document a total of 175 herpetofauna species in the Las Piedras River watershed. This total includes 96 reptile species (ARCC = 70, LPBS = 76) and 79 amphibian species (ARCC = 64, LPBS = 69), from both geo-referenced and literature-confirmed sources.