Systematic reviews and meta-analytical approach are a tool used in different social and biological disciplines, but its application in evaluating ethnobiological information is scarce. Thus, through this analytical approach, we seek to answer if there are any patterns in the mexican ethnozoological scientific production. We searched for studies published between 2005 and 2015 in catalogues, repositories and databases. For evaluating significative differences among seven variable datasets, we first used non parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests and then Tukey multiple comparison tests. We also determined the link between researchers and institutions with a multidimensional non-metric scaling analysis. We found 295 published studies, book chapters were the most representative (27%), diffusion articles (20%), impact factor articles (15%) and indexed articles (14%). There are significant differences in the number of publications among the evaluated years, among thematic areas, study focus (qualitative/quantitative), ethnographic and biological methods. Regarding academic linking, we identified 94 author adscription institutions, however, no research networks were identified. Our results suggest that the amount, diffusion and reach of mexican ethnozoological production show a tendency to non-periodic publishing, predilection for qualitative approach, a low use of statistical and ethnobiological analysis, as well as an inadequate selection of biological methods. We suggest this data analysis approach will allow a better standardization for information taking and processing, aiding the discipline in its growth and consolidation.

Seagrasses in coastal environments have been threatened by increased human activities; these have negatively altered processes and environmental services, and have decreased grassland areas. The aim of this study was to generate knowledge of Thalassia testudinum distribution, state of the structure and fragmentation level in two reefs of the Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV). Two different reefs were selected: Sacrificios in the North and near the coast, and Cabezo in the South and away from the coast. Shoot-specific and area-specific characteristics of submerged macrophytes meadows present were determined, and four morpho-functional groups were identified. Significant differences between plant coverage were tested through nonparametric ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test. A supervised classification of spatial high-resolution image verified with field data was performed (55 Sacrificios and 290 Cabezo). The fragmentation level was calculated using landscape metrics, class level and thematic maps were made based on four covers. The meadows were dominated by Thalassia testudinum; maximum densities were 208 shoot/m2 in Cabezo, and 176 shoot/m2 in Sacrificios. Cabezo presented grasses with short (9 cm) and thin leaves (0.55 cm) on average; while Sacrificios showed longer (23.5 cm) and thicker (1 cm) leaves. Sacrificios showed lower fragmentation degree than Cabezo; in both cases, the vegetation cover fragmentation corresponded to less than 50 %. Although Cabezo reef presents further fragmentation, which creates a large number of microenvironments, being recognized for its importance as recruitment area. This work serves as a baseline for the creation of an adequate management plan (formation of a core area of Cabezo). It is necessary to complement this work with new efforts for the recognition of seagrass prairies in all PNSAV reefs, as well as periodic monitoring and recognition of ecosystem services.

Geothermally heated ecosystems experience extreme temperatures and play important ecological, cultural, and socio-economic roles in many environments. They support a diversity of plants that are often used by local communities. This study focused on five hot springs with varying geochemical traits in the northeast of Mexico. The diversity surrounding each hot spring was analyzed along with the impact of climatic factors. In total, we observed 2022 individual plants across 155 species and 55 families. Shrub strata dominated the rosetophyll scrub and low thorn forest, while tree strata were more common in the tropical dry forest; the herbaceous stratum exhibited the least diversity across all sites. A decrease in species richness was observed at higher elevations, while species abundance showed an inverse trend, being highest in the rosetophyll scrub. The plant communities exhibited clear differentiation in species composition with 30 indicator species identified across the five hot springs. Notably, only Helietta parvifolia was found in three sites. The variation in plant abundance was linked to elevation and evaporation. Each type of vegetation surrounding the hot springs demonstrates unique characteristics based on plant composition, suggesting that plant diversity may offer significant benefits to the surrounding communities in the northeast of Mexico.

Epiphytes represent a key component in tropical forests. They are affected by anthropogenic and natural disturbances suffered by forests, since they depend on their hosts and the microclimatic conditions they generate. We analyzed differences in abundance, species richness, and vertical distributions of epiphytic bromeliads in primary and disturbed forests. We found a higher abundance (5316 individuals) and species richness (8 species) of bromeliads in disturbed forest than in primary forest (1360 individuals and 4 species, respectively). Most bromeliads (97%) were found on Taxodium mucronatum, a dominant tree with rough bark in the disturbed forest (gallery forest). Bromeliads were more abundant in the middle of the tree and diminished towards the trunk base and the upper crown. Tillandsia baileyi was the most abundant bromeliad, and the size categories of this species differentially colonize trees in gallery forest according to Johansson zones; seedlings of T. baileyi abundantly colonize the upper canopy, and juveniles colonize the middle canopy or secondary branches. Gallery forest represents an important reservoir for epiphytic bromeliads. Hence, it is important to extend this kind of study to wetland sites to understand the role they play as a habitat for epiphytes, as well as the dynamics and ecological processes that occur in such habitats.