Expanding the occurrence of Parmotrema enteroxanthum (Parmeliaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) in South America: first record from Brazil, and notes on distribution and conservation assessment

Arcyria marginoundulata Nann.-Bremek. & Y. Yamam. is recorded for the first time in South America from collections made in areas of Cerrado, also known as the Brazilian Savanna. This species has a restricted occurrence in Latin America, where it has been found in Mexico, Panama, and now Brazil, with all obtained from moist chamber cultures. In addition to updating the distribution of this species, we describe a variation in its natural grayish-white color to an orange hue for reasons yet to be defined.

Solanaceae is one of the most diverse families in the Americas, particularly in Argentina where it represents the fourth family in terms of species number. Although checklists for most South American countries have been published, some are outdated and there has been no analysis of Solanaceae diversity at country level. We present an updated summary of Solanaceae diversity in South America, an analysis of its distribution in Argentina, and preliminary conservation assessments for all species endemic to Argentina. Regression analyses were used for evaluating the ratio between taxa/area and endemic/total species, multivariate ordering methods were used to analyze the relationships between Argentine ecoregions, and the IUCN criteria were applied for conservation assessments. Results show that Solanaceae comprises 1611 species in South America. The highest diversity is in Peru, which, together with Ecuador, possesses more diversity than expected for the area; Chile and Brazil have the greatest percentage of endemic species. In Argentina, the Chaco ecoregion hosts the highest number of taxa, but largest number of endemic species is found in the Monte ecoregion. According to the IUCN criteria, 28 endemic species from Argentina are considered threatened. We discuss South American countries and Argentine ecoregions in terms of conservation priorities.

We document here the first record of Astrocaryum G.Mey. for Ceará State, Brazil. A. vulgare Mart., a species formerly known only to the Brazilian states of Amapá, Pará, Tocantins, Goiás, and Maranhão, was collected in areas of the Coastal Vegetation Complex, whose floristic composition is influenced by both the Caatinga and Cerrado domains. This finding expands our knowledge on the geographic distribution of this species in Brazil, contributing to its conservation and to future biogeographic studies. We present ecological, morphological and taxonomic data, a distribution map, photographs and illustrations, and update its conservation status.

The inverted forest: Aboveground and notably large belowground carbon stocks and their drivers in Brazilian savannas

Abstract: Parasites are an important component of the global biomass, having significant roles in several regulatory mechanisms in the ecosystem. Parasitism is one of the most common ecological interactions on the planet. Studies have shown that the helminth fauna of only 8% of amphibian species in Brazil have been studied, and this percentage is lower for the Odontophrynidae family, with only four of the 50 species kown to occur in Brazil having been investigated. Here, we present the helminth fauna of Proceratophrys ararype, an anuran endemic to the “Brejo de Altitude” Chapada do Araripe (Araripe Plateau), northeastern Brazil. The infection parameters analyzed were prevalence, mean intensity of infection and mean abundance of parasites. We used the Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient to check the correlations between the abundance of the parasites with the snout-vent length (SVL) of hosts. To verify the degree of aggregation of parasites in hosts, we used the dispersion index. Out of 40 specimens examined, 19 specimens were infected with at least one parasite. The overall prevalence was 47.5% with a mean infection intensity of 18.93 ± 10.77. The endoparasitic community associated with P. ararype consisted of six species of parasites, with Falcaustra mascula having the highest prevalence (25%). Most parasites had a uniform dispersion index in the hosts and their abundance was unrelated to host size. Here, we also present a compilation of all parasites associated with host species of the genus Proceratophrys from South America. Overall, we found 23 species of parasites associated with five host species (P. ararype, P. appendiculata, P. boiei, P. cristiceps, P. mantiqueira). Of these, two species of parasites (Oswaldocruzia mazzai and Strongyloides sp.) represent new records for the genus Proceratophrys. Our results demonstrate the lack of studies on amphibian helminth fauna and fill an important knowledge gap on the diversity of parasites of Proceratophrys ararype, an endemic frog from the Araripe Plateau, northeastern Brazil.

Rhynchosia Lour. has a pantropical distribution and comprises approximately 230 species, of which ca. 55 occur in the Neotropics and 31 in South America. The only existing taxonomic review that treated the South American species of the genus was carried out in 1978. It does not account for many new collections and several recently described species, and the delimitation of taxa remains problematic. Consequently, we undertook a comprehensive review of the South American species of Rhynchosia and present here a new taxonomic revision. The revision is based on our own fieldwork, extensive study of the relevant literature, and analysis of ca. 2000 herbarium collections including the nomenclatural types for all published names that have been linked to the South American taxa of Rhynchosia. Twenty-seven species are recorded for South America, where they are distributed in a variety of open and forested habitats, with the greatest diversity concentrated in the Cerrado domain. Most of the South American taxa are widely distributed in this region and some also occur in Central and North America. Rhynchosia minima is the only species in South America with a larger distribution that extends to the Old World. We provide an identification key, morphological descriptions for all of the recorded taxa, information about the nomenclatural types, synonyms, geographical distributions, habitats, phenology, and conservation status, as well as distribution maps, illustrations and photos of selected species in the field. We present six new synonymizations and 50 lectotypifications, of which 30 are second-step.

The Wallacean Shortfall and the role of historical distribution records in the conservation assessment of an elusive Neotropical snake in a threatened landscape

The Cerrado biome in the Sete Cidades National Park, an Ecological Reserve in Northeastern Brazil, has conserved its native biodiversity and presents a variety of plants found in other savannas in Brazil. Despite this finding the soil microbial diversity and community structure are poorly understood. Therefore, we described soil bacterial diversity and distribution along a savanna vegetation gradient taking into account the prevailing environmental factors. The bacterial composition was retrieved by sequencing a fragment of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned to 37 different phyla, 96 classes, and 83 genera. At the phylum level, a core comprised by Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia and Planctomycetes, was detected in all areas of Cerrado. 'Cerrado stricto sensu' and 'Cerradao' share more similarities between edaphic properties and vegetation and also present more similar bacterial communities, while 'Floresta decidual' and 'Campo graminoide' show the largest environmental differences and also more distinct bacterial communities. Proteobacteria (26%), Acidobacteria (21%) and Actinobacteria (21%) were the most abundant phyla within the four areas. All the samples present similar bacteria richness (alpha diversity) and the observed differences among them (beta diversity) were more related to the abundance of specific taxon OTUs compared to their presence or absence. Total organic C, N and P are the main abiotic factors structuring the bacterial communities. In summary, our findings show the bacterial community structure was clearly different across the Cerrado gradient, but that these environments share a bacterial phylum-core comprising Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Planctomycetes with other Brazilian savannas.

Arecaceae is one of the most morphologically diverse plant families in the world, represented by over 185 genera and 2600 species. The Mayan communities in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) have made extensive use of these palm species as food, construction materials, handicrafts and medicine. Deforestation, intensive use of native palms and their products, lack of management strategies, global warming, and climate change, are negatively impacting wild palm populations in this region. We assessed the conservation status of palm species that grow in the region following the IUCN criterion B: geographic range in the form of either B1 (extent of occurrence) or B2 (area of occupancy) or both. Twenty palm species were evaluated and considered not threatened (with the exception of Sabal gretherae, designated as an endangered species). In some particular cases, we consider that these evaluations are too optimistic. Previous evaluations carried out by the Mexican legislation are supported, with the exception of Attalea guacuyule, Cryosophila stauracantha, Gaussia maya and Thrinax radiata. We propose that the distribution and population density of Roystonea dunlapiana and R. regia in Mexico must be assessed to confirm their conservation status at national level. In the case of S. gretherae, a systematic evaluation of its taxonomic status must be implemented.

Paepalanthus Mart. sect. Diphyomene Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae) is mainly diversified in the savannas of Central Brazil (Cerrado). This is an unusual pattern regarding the highest diversity of Eriocaulaceae in Southeastern Brazil (in the Espinhaco Range). Despite this interesting contrast, the geographic distribution of these species has yet to be explored. The present work aims to detail the geographic distribution of species of Paepalanthus sect. Diphyomene in order to discuss biogeographical patterns. The species are also categorized according to their risk of extinction, based on the IUCN criteria, establishing their conservation status and implications for the conservation of the Cerrado domain. Distribution maps were constructed for each species based on geographical coordinates obtained in the field or from herbarium specimens. All eighteen species occur in the Cerrado domain, with sixteen species exclusive to it, whilst Paepalanthus erectifolius Silveira and P. chiquitensis Herzog also occur ...

Two species of stick insect with a distinctive morphology, Candovia evoneobertii (Zompro & Adis, 2001) and Echetlus fulgens Zompro, 2004, were considered to be native to Australia and introduced into Brazil. However, Heteronemia dubia (Caudell, 1904) and Heteronemia fragilis (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1907), both described more than a hundred years ago from South America, exhibit striking similarities with the two purportedly introduced species and are found to be conspecific with C. evoneobertii. Careful analysis of the literature and specimens revealed that these species belong to the Neotropical tribe Diapheromerini (Diapheromeridae) and represent a new genus, Arumatia Ghirotto gen. nov. We therefore propose Arumatia fulgens (Zompro, 2004) gen. et comb. nov. and Arumatia dubia (Caudell, 1904) gen. et comb. nov. We further redescribe A. dubia (Caudell, 1904) gen. et comb. nov. based on several specimens and synonymize Heteronemia fragilis syn. nov. and Candovia evoneobertii syn. nov. under it. Additionally, five new Brazilian species are described: Arumatia diamante Ghirotto gen. et sp. nov. from Abaíra, Bahia; Arumatia aramatia Ghirotto gen. et sp. nov. from Porto Nacional, Tocantins; Arumatia motenata Ghirotto gen. et sp. nov. from Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais; Arumatia crassicercata Ghirotto, Crispino & Engelking gen. et sp. nov. from Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Goiás; and Arumatia anyami Ghirotto, Crispino & Neves gen. et sp. nov. from Costa Marques, Rondônia. Species of Arumatia gen. nov. occur mostly in the Cerrado domain, and represent the first Diapheromeridae recorded in this area. Most species are known exclusively from females with only A. aramatia gen. et sp. nov. and A. motenata gen. et sp. nov. known from both sexes. Adult and egg morphology are described and illustrated in detail for all species, as well as the nymph stages for A. dubia. Biological observations are presented, including parthenogeny in A. dubia and one of the few detailed accounts of sexual behaviour in Euphasmatodea (for A. motenata gen. et sp. nov.). Finally, a species of Diapheromerini described in error from Brazil, Diapheromera armata Piza, 1973, is synonymized under the North American Megaphasma denticrus (Stål, 1875) (syn. nov.).

Context Species conservation assessments require information on distribution, habitat requirements and population demography and trends. Uncertain conservation assessments limit effective planning and may lead to poor management decisions. Top-order predators generally receive considerable attention from ecologists and conservation biologists, with the notable exception of large pythons and boas. They are typically elusive and have low population densities, posing challenges for ecological research and monitoring. Ecological and demographic data are lacking for most large snake species and are generally inadequate to properly assess conservation status or to evaluate their broader ecological roles. The Oenpelli python (Simalia oenpelliensis) is Australia’s second-longest snake species, but remains one of the least-known of the world’s pythons. Aims We sought to use non-systematically collected data from multiple sources to evaluate Oenpelli python population trends and habitat associations, and to assess its conservation status. Methods We identified apriori biases in data and evaluated their influences on environmental models and temporal variability in reporting patterns. We then used these findings to assess the conservation status of this species, identify knowledge gaps, and refine future survey and monitoring methods. Key results Oenpelli python records were strongly associated with monsoon rainforest, sandstone outcrops and perennial streams, irrespective of detection biases. Total area of occupancy was estimated to be 19 252 km2. Detection patterns were strongly seasonal and associated with periods of low rainfall and low moonlight, informing better-targeted survey and monitoring methods with improved sensitivity. Conclusions Oenpelli pythons have a highly fragmented distribution owing to their strong association with monsoon rainforest. This habitat is likely to provide more food resources and refuge from high temperatures than are the surrounding savanna woodlands. Detection probability should improve by surveying Oenpelli pythons in September on moonless nights and following periods of high rainfall. Taking a precautionary approach, the Oenpelli python qualifies as Vulnerable under IUCN criteria, supporting its current Red List and Northern Territory Government status. Implications Non-systematically collected data on poorly known species can be used to improve conservation assessments where there may otherwise be high uncertainty. The present study also highlighted the paucity of ecological knowledge of large iconic snake species globally.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive biology of Bowdichia virgilioides in an area of Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna). The study was carried out in Chapadinha, State of Maranhao in northeastern Brazil. Bowdichia virgilioides has cornucopia flowering and annual pattern. Flowering occurred at the beginning of the dry season, between June and August; and fruiting in the middle of this season, between July and October. The anthesis of B. virgilioides is diurnal, and the main flower resource is the nectar. During the flower opening, the anthers becomes dehiscent and thus pollen grains are deposited at the stigma, promoting automatic self-pollination. The species is self-compatible and apomitic. In the study area, they were visited by nine species of bees, four butterflies, two wasps, and two hummingbirds. The visits began in early morning and persisted throughout the day, with a peak of activity between 8:00 and 9:00 hours. Species of Centris were the main visitors of B. virgilioides . The butterfly and wasp species were considered resource robbers, and other floral visitors were considered occasional visitors. Although the flowers of B. virgilioides are widely visited, the species shows a high rate of inbreeding because of automatic self-pollination.

The Brazilian savanna (Cerrado domain), although without significant richness of Chrysobalanaceae, has widely distributed species of this family, and some endemic to this domain. Couepia, a Neotropical genus, includes 62 species distributed mainly in lowland tropical forests with three species recognized for the Brazilian savanna. Here we report a new species of Couepia endemic to Brazilian savanna in the region with the greatest agricultural advance in Brazil, from the states of Tocantins and Goiás. We provide a description, a distribution map, photographs, a preliminary conservation status assessment and comparisons with other species of the genus that occur in this domain. With this addition we help to contribute to the knowledge of plant biodiversity, which is an urgent and fundamental step towards planning and carrying out conservation actions.

A remarkable new predatory species of Baetidae was collected in a relict patch of Amazonian savanna in Brazil. The feeding habit of the nymph of this new species is very rare in mayflies. Baetidae is composed of more than 900 species, but only 12 are considered to be predators; in South America, the only species recognized as a predator is Harpagobaetis gulosus Mol 1986. The objectives of this study are to describe Harpagobaetis brigada sp. nov., based on nymphs and to amend the diagnosis of the genus. The predatory habit of the nymphs of the new species was confirmed by gut-content analysis and by direct observations of behavior. Based on similar morphological adaptations, we hypothesized that Adebrotus lugoi Salles, 2010 possesses predatory habit. Harpagobaetis brigada sp. nov. can be classified as psammophilous, inhabiting a threatened stream in a relict patch of savanna in southern Amazonia. Based on these characteristics, we recommend evaluation of this new species to identify its conservation status and to contribute to the assessment of the state of conservation of the Brazilian fauna.