Multi-taxon inventory and landscape characterization in an agrosystem of the Brazilian Midwest targeted for payment for environmental services

Alessandro R Morais,Lia Raquel Souza Santos,Tainã Lucas Andreani,Antonio Olímpio De Souza,Nathan Pereira Lima Amorim,Rhayane Alves De Assis,Seixas Rezende Oliveira,Roniel Freitas-Oliveira,Rinneu Elias Borges,Gustavo Valtuille De Oliveira,Marco Antônio Guimarães,Mariana Nascimento Siqueira,Fábio Martins Vilar De Carvalho,Bruno Barros Bittar,Jânio Cordeiro Moreira

doi:10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2021-1283

Abstract

Abstract: The replacement of natural landscapes by anthropic environments has led to habitat loss and consequently, to the decline and extinction of many species populations. Several strategies, such as the creation of protected areas (PAs) and payment for ecosystem services have been adopted to mitigate the consequences of this biodiversity crisis. In Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil, a Water Producer Program (WPP) was established, which provides payment for ecosystem services for the maintenance of riparian vegetation in the region of the Ribeirão Abóbora, a river which supplies the city and metropolitan area. In the absence of environmental diagnostic studies in the region, this present study contributes to reducing some knowledge gaps, through the: (i) characterization of the landscape in the WPP area, (ii) characterization of species of fauna (amphibians, birds, fish, and medium and large terrestrial mammals) and woody flora that occur in this area, and (iii) comparison of species diversity (fauna and flora) found in our study area with the diversity observed in the Cerrado protected area network. Our results reveal a low native vegetation cover (~21% of total area), but we recorded 300 total species: 20 species of anuran amphibians, 100 birds, 10 fish, 16 terrestrial mammals (medium and large), and 154 woody plants. Our sample comprises species considered endemic to the Cerrado (e.g., Anuran - Barycholos terntezi and Mammal - Callithrix penicillata), threatened species (e.g., Mammals - Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tapirus terrestris), and exotic invasive species (Mammal - Sus scrofa). The results presented in this study are relevant and may help in the proposal of management actions within the scope of this important program of payment for environmental services.

Highlights

The rapid population decline and the consequent extinction of many species around the world have alarmed scientists and decision-makers (Pimm et al 2014, Maxwell et al 2016)
We observed a low index of native vegetation cover (~21%) in this area, but we recorded an expressive number of species of fauna and woody flora, including some species that are considered endemic to the Cerrado, threatened with extinction or by exotic invasive species
Located in a region of intense agricultural activity, the HMRA consists of rural properties that are beneficiaries of an important program of payment for environmental services, known as the Water Producer Programs (WPP)

Summary

Introduction

The rapid population decline and the consequent extinction of many species around the world have alarmed scientists and decision-makers (Pimm et al 2014, Maxwell et al 2016). PESs are categorized into different modalities (see Pagiola et al 2013, Wunder 2005), with special emphasis on those actions focused on water supply, which are called Water Producer Programs (WPP) (Pagiola et al 2013). This PES modality aims to preserve and/or restore riparian vegetation along important water courses with a view to providing water, both in quality and quantity, for public supply (Wunder 2005)

Methods

Results

Conclusion