Brazilian Amazon Research Articles

How much biodiversity do we lose in planted forests? A case study with dung beetles in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

How much biodiversity do we lose in planted forests? A case study with dung beetles in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

Impact of post-harvest processing and roasting conditions on the physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of cocoa beans from the Brazilian Amazon

Interest in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and its derivatives has grown mainly due to the high concentration of phenolic compounds (PC), which exhibit potentially beneficial effects on human health. Brazil is the sixth-largest producer of cocoa beans worldwide, with the Amazon region, particularly the state of Pará, playing an increasingly significant role in this production. This study evaluated the effects of pod storage, fermentation time, type of drying platform, municipality and roasting time and temperature on cocoa beans from the Brazilian Amazon. Parameters such as moisture, pH, and cut test were assessed, and individual phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to evaluate total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH and ORAC methods. Results showed that the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the beans are influenced by the municipality of origin. Fermentation time was the pre-processing condition that most significantly influenced the physicochemical and bioactive properties of the beans, causing reductions of 55–76% in individual phenolic compounds and 43.5–60.57% in antioxidant capacity after seven days. While roasting tends to degrade most phenolic compounds, catechin can form or stabilize at higher temperatures and longer roasting times.

Large-scale forest protection: the successful case of the Kayapo people in the Brazilian Amazon

Forest conservation is essential for action on climate change and biodiversity loss. Forest loss and degradation are increasing around the world, including in the Amazon. It is widely reported that Indigenous communities can be effective in forest protection, but less attention has been paid to explaining how they are able to do this in the face of severe threats. This article investigates what can be learned from the success of the Kayapo Indigenous communities and their organizations in protecting more than nine million hectares of primary forest in one of the most highly degraded and deforested areas of the Brazilian Amazon. We use geographic information system analysis to demonstrate the extent of forest protection, along with field work to examine the crucial alliances with conservation NGOs from governance and planning perspectives. Our interdisciplinary analysis is guided by the three-pillar framework for integrated landscape management and is informed by interviews conducted with Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff working for the Kayapo NGOs. Based on this data and the experience of the Kayapo people, we identify the main factors that facilitated large-scale forest conservation. Our research also reveals that the work of the Kayapo NGOs aligns with the principles of strong governance and effective planning. Lastly, we discuss key lessons and critical considerations to ensure the continued viability and ongoing success of the Kayapo NGOs in achieving their objectives.

Intrafamilial Transmission of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in Indigenous Peoples of the Brazilian Amazon: Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis

Intrafamilial Transmission of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in Indigenous Peoples of the Brazilian Amazon: Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis

Use of colored fruit-baited traps for trapping Cerambycidae (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea) reveals six new records for the state of Rondônia, southwestern Brazilian Amazon

In this study, we used colored fruit-baited traps for trapping cerambycid beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea: Cerambycidae) in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon, state of Rondônia, northern Brazil. Our collections revealed six new records for the state, Sphallotrichus bidens (Fabricius, 1801), Cosmoplatidius abare Napp & Martins, 2006, Chydarteres dimidiatus dimidiatus (Fabricius, 1787), Neolampedusa obliquator (Fabricius, 1801), Deltosoma fernandezi Dalens & Giuglaris, 2014, and Corimbion nigroapicatum Martins, 1970. The latter two also represent new records for Brazil. Photographs of the dorsal habitus of the six species are provided. We also provide distribution maps for D. fernandezi, previously recorded only from French Guiana, and C. nigroapicatum, previously known from Colombia and Bolivia. The use of colored fruit-baited traps for trapping Cerambycidae is briefly discussed in the light of published data and the new information provided herein.

Cattle supply chain fidelity in the Brazilian Amazon: key considerations for deforestation monitoring

Abstract Supply chain governance (SCG) is an increasingly important approach to man- age environmental protection and human rights in agricultural systems across the tropics. SCG helps relay the preferences of international consumers to producers and fills environmental policy gaps. Brazil’s Zero-Deforestation Cattle Agreements (CA) are one of the longest-standing examples of SCG but shortcomings in implementation have reduced their conservation impacts. Chief among the reasons for their limited effect is that slaughterhouses monitor only the suppliers they buy from directly. This does not account for the complex supply network upstream of the direct sale, whose dynamics are also poorly understood. We provide the first comprehensive characterization of the strength and duration of cattle supply chain relationships based on animal transaction records from across the Brazilian Amazon. Whereas direct supply relationships (from ranchers to slaughterhouses) are relatively few and long-lasting, upstream relationships between ranchers are numerous and short-lived. Expanding monitoring to include these upstream sup- pliers increases the number of monitored transactions by an order of magnitude. However, 1% of the largest direct suppliers sell nearly half of cattle to CA slaughterhouses. More comprehensive upstream monitoring of only these prolific suppliers could greatly increase coverage at a fraction of the cost. While it may be challenging to monitor the entire supply network, significant advancements are within reach.

Green tech soil analysis: a comparison of potentially toxic element contents among urban, agricultural, and gold mining areas in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Artisanal gold mining can lead to soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), necessitating soil quality monitoring due to environmental and human health risks. However, determining PTE levels through acid digestion is time-consuming, generates chemical waste, and requires significant resources. As an alternative, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) offers a faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable analysis. This study compared total As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn obtained from pXRF with their pseudo-total contents obtained through acid digestion (USEPA method 3051A) in areas influenced by artisanal gold mining in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. pXRF data and machine learning algorithms were used to predict extractable Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Linear regression models were fitted to compare the two methods, and random forest and support vector machine techniques were used to predict extractable contents. The best regression model fits for the pseudo-total PTE contents were those for Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb in agricultural areas (R2 > 0.80); Fe and Mn in gold mining residue (R2 > 0.70); and Ba, Cu and Mn in urban areas (R2 > 0.80). The best models for predicting the extractable PTE contents were those for Cu (R2 = 0.72; RMSE = 2.58mgdm-3) and Zn (R2 = 0.71; RMSE = 1.44mgdm-3) in agricultural areas and for Zn (R2 = 0.72; RMSE = 0.43mgdm-3) in gold mining residue. The results demonstrated that pXRF can characterize and predict PTE contents in mining-impacted areas, offering a sustainable approach to soil quality analysis.

Validation and Error Minimization of Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Relative Height Metrics in the Amazon

Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) is a relatively new technology for global forest research, acquiring LiDAR measurements of vertical vegetation structure across Earth’s tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate forests. Previous GEDI validation efforts have largely focused on top of canopy accuracy, and findings vary by geographic region and forest type. Despite this, many applications utilize measurements of vertical vegetation distribution from the lower canopy, with a wide diversity of uses for GEDI data appearing in the literature. Given the variability in data requirements across research applications and ecosystems, and the regional variability in GEDI data quality, it is imperative to understand GEDI error to draw strong inferences. Here, we quantify the accuracy of GEDI relative height metrics through canopy layers for the Brazilian Amazon. To assess the accuracy of on-orbit GEDI L2A relative height metrics, we utilize the GEDI waveform simulator to compare detailed airborne laser scanning (ALS) data from the Sustainable Landscapes Brazil project to GEDI data collected by the International Space Station. We also assess the impacts of data filtering based on biophysical and GEDI sensor conditions and geolocation correction on GEDI error metrics (RMSE, MAE, and Bias) through canopy levels. GEDI data accuracy attenuates through the lower percentiles in the relative height (RH) curve. While top of canopy (RH98) measurements have relatively high accuracy (R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 5.33 m), the accuracy of data decreases lower in the canopy (RH50: R2 = 0.54, RMSE = 5.59 m). While simulated geolocation correction yielded marginal improvements, this decrease in accuracy remained constant despite all error reduction measures. Some error rates for the Amazon are double those reported in studies from other regions. These findings have broad implications for the application of GEDI data, especially in studies where forest understory measurements are particularly challenging to acquire (e.g., dense tropical forests) and where understory accuracy is highly important.

Bartonella spp. in bats from the Brazilian Amazon Forest.

Despite the great diversity of bats (64 species) in the State of Acre, northwestern Brazil, there are no studies on occurrence and diversity of Bartonella spp. in bats in this region. The present study investigated the occurrence and molecular identity of Bartonella spp. in spleen samples (n = 271) from bats of 30 different species from this region, within the Amazon biome. Twenty-one out of 208 (10.1%) samples positive in the PCR for the mammalian gapdh endogenous genes were positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp. based on the nuoG gene. The two gltA Bartonella genotypes detected grouped with those previously identified in bats from other locations, expanding the diversity of genotypes associated with bats. This study provided the first molecular evidence of the presence of Bartonella spp. in bats in the state of Acre and in bats of the species Lophostoma silvicolum, Vampyressa thyone, Tonatia saurophila and Phyllostomus elongatus.

Description of Boylea inflata sp. nov. (Cyclopoida: Bomolochidae), a new parasitic copepod from sea catfishes (Siluriformes: Ariidae) in the Brazilian Amazon Coast, with amended diagnosis of this rare genus

Description of Boylea inflata sp. nov. (Cyclopoida: Bomolochidae), a new parasitic copepod from sea catfishes (Siluriformes: Ariidae) in the Brazilian Amazon Coast, with amended diagnosis of this rare genus

Nocturnal activity and forestry-urban dispersal of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from an ecotourism park in Amazonian Brazil.

Phlebotomine sand flies are insects of notorious importance in public health, mainly due to their involvement in the transmission of Leishmania protozoa. Their flight activity occurs predominantly in the twilight/night period, being stimulated mainly by the need to search for food and reproduction. Despite being naturally wild, some species are able to invade anthropized environments. Present work aimed to assess the nocturnal activity and forestry-urban dispersal of phlebotomine sand flies from an ecotourism park in Belém, Amazonian Brazil. The study area comprised a horizontal transect, extending from a forest park to the neighboring urban environment, in Belém. Sampling was conducted with night-operating light traps. Nocturnal activity was assessed through time-set captures with a collection bottle rotator in the forest environment. Dispersal was assessed through captures carried out along the transect, starting from the forest edge (0 m), extending to the urban environment (50-200 m), phlebotomine sand flies were identified. Abundance, richness, diversity, and sampling sufficiency were estimated. Fourteen species were recorded in the surveyed environments, with Nyssomyia antunesi, Trichophoromyia brachipyga, and Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis being the most abundant. Nocturnal activity behavior of Ny. antunesi occurred between 8 PM and 4 AM while that of Th. brachipyga and Th. ubiquitalis occurred between 2 AM and 6 AM. In the urban environment, the 150 m site presented the highest abundance. Bichromomyia flaviscutellata was sampled in all sites. Gravid females of Pressatia choti and Bi. flaviscutellata were sampled in the urban environment. Putative differential activity between the species herein assessed and their urban dispersal observed are worthy of note, adding data for supporting vector surveillance at a local scale.

Can tree hollow diameter be predicted? A study of native commercial trees in the eastern brazilian Amazon

The objective of this research was to test selected and validated generic and species-specific equations to estimate three different hollow diameter measurements in native commercial trees from a managed forest in the state of Pará, Brazil. A sample of 4,912 hollow trees, involving 29 species, was used to model the mean hollow diameter at tree level, and another composed of 3,867 hollow trees, belonging to 28 species, was used to model the mean hollow diameter of the first log of the commercial stem and the hollow diameter at the base of the tree. 30% of the two samples were previously randomly separated to validate the equations. The variables diameter at breast height (DBH), commercial height (hc), diameter of the log at the base of the tree (Db) and stem quality (SQ) were used in the modeling. In general, the models showed low adjusted coefficients of determination and the relevant standard errors of estimation. Despite this, validation indicated that the equations could generate accurate estimates. It has been found that it is more efficient, in terms of accuracy, to estimate the mean hollow diameter of the first log of the commercial stem, although it is more practical to estimate the hollow diameter at the base of the tree. Compared to generic equations, specific equations can generate more accurate estimates. Therefore, the hollow diameter in commercial trees can be estimated as a function of variables obtained from the forest inventory, and the best strategy is the use of species-specific equations to estimate the average hollow diameter in the initial portion of the commercial stem.

Ecological index analysis in the coastal and estuarine waters of the tropical Amazon Region

The Brazilian Amazon Coastal Zone holds the largest estuarine area in the world, located in the Amazon Continental Shelf (ACS). Additionally, it encompasses numerous estuaries and channels, such as Furo do Muriá (FM) and Furo da Laura (FL), which make up the local landscape and favor the primary productivity of water. The objective of this study was using the trophic index (TRIX) and O'Boyle index to determine the trophic state in the ACS area, FL, and FM, compare the results, and relate them to seasonality and river discharge in the sites. In the three estuaries, the applied methodology was the same: temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and saturation rate of dissolved oxygen data were obtained in situ, and the samples were filtered for the analysis of nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, and chlorophyll a. The highest TRIX values were found in FL (3.89–3.12) and ACS (4.43–4.44), while for the O'Boyle index, the highest values were found in FL (16.73–100) and FM (43.3–100). Comparing the indices, it was observed that their classification was similar only in the ACS during the period of maximum discharge of the Amazon River (eutrophic), varying slightly in the minimum discharge period (potentially eutrophic for O'Boyle and eutrophicated for TRIX). This difference can be explained by the additional variables considered by the TRIX, such as nutrients and chlorophyll a. The scenario was completely different for FM and FL, where the TRIX showed greater variation owing to the presence of dissolved inorganic nutrients. Both indices can be used to simply and directly reflect the eutrophication conditions of estuarine areas: the joint and multiparametric approach of the indices provides complementary information regarding the dynamics of studied environments through their trophic status.

Diversity, vertical stratification and detection of Leishmania DNA in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) collected in the Mapinguari National Park, Brazilian Amazon

This study aimed to assess the diversity patterns of sand fly fauna across different strata and detect Leishmania DNA in these insects in the Mapinguari National Park in Rondônia and Amazonas states, Northern Brazil. Sand flies were collected with “HP” light traps in the canopy (15 m) and at ground level (1 m) on two trails, during August and November 2021 and March and August 2022. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to identify Leishmania species. A total of 8,040 individuals (2,303♂ – 28.64 %, 5,737♀ – 71.36 %) were collected and 53 species and 13 genera were identified. The most abundant species were Psychodopygus chagasi (21.00 %), Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis (13.61 %) Psychodopygus davisi (11.69 %), Nyssomyia fraihai (10.58 %), Nyssomyia antunesi (6.68 %) and Nyssomyia richardwardi (5.55 %). Species diversity was greater in the canopy (Shannon index H' = 10.8 common species) when compared to ground level (H' = 10.5 common species). We observed a minimum infection rate of 0.45 % (22/4,868 females), in which Leishmania braziliensis DNA was found in Ps. chagasi and Le. lainsoni DNA in Ps. chagasi, Ny. richardwardi, Ps. ayrozai and Th. ubiquitalis. The minimum infection rate of Leishmania in the canopy was 0.47 % (19/4,031) and in the ground was 0.52 % (3/567). In the present study, we observed Le. lainsoni DNA in females of Ny. richardwardi for the first time. The data presented in this study contribute to understanding sand fly diversity and its distribution between the states of Rondônia and Amazonas. They may be useful for implementing targeted control measures to reduce the spread of leishmaniasis and implement entomological surveillance strategies.

Human outbreaks of a novel reassortant Oropouche virus in the Brazilian Amazon region.

The Brazilian western Amazon is experiencing its largest laboratory-confirmed Oropouche virus (OROV) outbreak, with more than 6,300 reported cases between 2022 and 2024. Here, we sequenced and analyzed 382 OROV genomes from human samples collected in Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, and Roraima states, between August 2022 and February 2024, to uncover the origin and genetic evolution of OROV in the current outbreak. Genomic analyses revealed that the upsurge of OROV cases in the Brazilian Amazon coincides with spread of a novel reassortant lineage containing the M segment of viruses detected in the eastern Amazon region (2009-2018) and the L and S segments of viruses detected in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador (2008-2021). The novel reassortant likely emerged in the Amazonas state between 2010 and 2014 and spread through long-range dispersion events during the second half of the 2010s. Phylodynamics reconstructions showed that the current OROV spread was mainly driven by short-range (< 2 km) movements consistent with the flight range of vectors. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion (22%) of long-range (> 10 km) OROV migrations were also detected, consistent with viral dispersion by humans. Our data provides a view of the unprecedented spread and evolution of OROV in Brazilian western Amazon region.

Exploring Prehospital Data for Pandemic Preparedness: A Western Brazilian Amazon Case Study on COVID-19.

The timely management of rapidly evolving epidemiological scenarios caused by disease outbreaks is crucial to prevent devastating consequences. However, delayed laboratory diagnostics can hamper swift health policy and epidemic response, especially in remote regions such as the western Brazilian Amazon. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volume and characteristics of emergency medical services (EMS) in Manaus, focusing on how the pandemic affected sensitive indicators such as response time and the use of advanced life support ambulances. Additionally, the study seeks to understand how changes in prehospital EMS patterns, triggered by the pandemic, could be utilized as health surveillance tools, enabling a more rapid response in epidemic scenarios. This retrospective, descriptive study included data from the SAMU (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência) medical records between January and June 2020. A total of 45,581 calls resulted in mobile units being dispatched during this period. These patients were predominantly male (28,227, 61.9%), with a median age of 47 years (IQR 30-67). The median response time significantly increased during the pandemic, reaching a median of 45.9 min (IQR 30.6-67.7) (p < 0.001). EMS calls were reduced for trauma patients and increased for other medical emergencies, especially respiratory conditions, concomitantly to an escalation in the number of deaths caused by SARS and COVID-19 (p < 0.001). The employment of advanced life support ambulances was higher during the pandemic phase (p = 0.0007). The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a temporary disorder in the volume and reason for EMS calls in Manaus. Consequently, sensitive indicators like the response time and the employment of advanced life support ambulances were negatively affected. Sudden prehospital EMS pattern changes could play an important role in health surveillance systems, allowing for earlier establishment of countermeasures in epidemics. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital EMS and its role in health surveillance should be further explored.

Fiscal policy and deforestation

We investigate the impact of fiscal policy on deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forests. We first construct a theoretical dynamic model to examine the effects of government spending and tax revenues on the environment. We then run a VAR model to test the implications of fiscal policies on Brazilian deforestation, using data from June 1998 to May 2022. Our results suggest that government expenditures reduce deforestation in both forests. Moreover, deficit-inducing and balanced-budget fiscal policy shocks have dampening effects on deforestation, with the latter being more effective. This is good news for developing countries like Brazil. They can combat deforestation through fiscal policy in a way that doesn't worsen their fiscal situation. Our findings were unaltered when we considered the effects of a simulated fiscal policy based on spending on public goods only (social assistance, science and technology, defense, education, health, national security, and transportation).

Spatiotemporal relationship between agriculture, livestock, deforestation, and visceral leishmaniasis in Brazilian legal Amazon

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an urgent public health concern in Brazil. We evaluated the spatiotemporal distribution of VL to better understand the effects of economic activities related to agriculture, livestock, and deforestation on its incidence in the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA). The data on newly confirmed cases of VL in Brazilian municipalities from 2007 to 2020 were extracted from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and analyzed. The data on agricultural production (planted area in hectares) and livestock (total number of cattle) were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), whereas deforestation data (in hectares) were obtained from the Amazon Deforestation Estimation Project (PRODES). SatScan and the local indicators of spatial association (LISA) were used to identify the spatial and temporal patterns of VL and its relationships with economic and environmental variables. The cumulative incidence rate was found to be 4.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Based on the LISA results, areas with a high incidence of VL and deforestation were identified in the states of Roraima, Pará, and Maranhão. Strengthening deforestation monitoring programs and environmental enforcement actions can help implement public policies to control illegal deforestation and mitigate the socio-environmental vulnerability in the BLA. Therefore, areas identified in this study should be prioritized for controlling VL.

Sabellaria wilsoni Lana and Gruet, 1989 on the Brazilian Amazon coast: Fast growth with high mortality, production, and turnover rate

Given the enormous ecological importance of sabellariid (Annelida: Sabellariidae) reefs for marine environments, data on the life history traits of these reef builders are essential for understanding ecosystem function. We assessed the functional parameters of a population of Sabellaria wilsoni (Annelida: Sabellariidae) on the Brazilian Amazon coast, where this polychaete builds extensive reef systems. The species had fast growth, a relatively short life span (1.30 years), and a high mortality rate (3.87 year−1). The mean annual biomass (58 g AFDM m−2) and production (233 g AFDM m−2 year−1) were very high and resulted in a high production-to-biomass ratio (P/B ratio: 4.02 year−1). The months with the highest productivity were those with the greatest reef coverage and density of worms, which coincided with the periods of reef growth. The high P/B ratio indicates the rapid replacement of biomass in this tropical population. These data support the hypothesis that S. wilsoni is an r-strategist, which is favored by the elevated temperatures and abundance of feeding resources and grains (for tube building) found on the Amazon coast. The present study is the first to produce systematic data on the population dynamics and production of a sabellariid species in the Western Atlantic Ocean. These data provide a baseline for understanding how shallow-water trophic webs function, as well as for monitoring these coastal habitats in the tropics.

Governance and policy constraints of natural forest regeneration in the Brazilian Amazon

Governance and policy constraints of natural forest regeneration in the Brazilian Amazon