Araripe Plateau Research Articles

Ecologic, Geoclimatic, and Genomic Factors Modulating Plague Epidemics in Primary Natural Focus, Brazil.

Plague is a deadly zoonosis that still poses a threat in many regions of the world. We combined epidemiologic, host, and vector surveillance data collected during 1961-1980 from the Araripe Plateau focus in northeastern Brazil with ecologic, geoclimatic, and Yersinia pestis genomic information to elucidate how these factors interplay in plague activity. We identified well-delimited plague hotspots showing elevated plague risk in low-altitude areas near the foothills of the plateau's concave sectors. Those locations exhibited distinct precipitation and vegetation coverage patterns compared with the surrounding areas. We noted a seasonal effect on plague activity, and human cases linearly correlated with precipitation and rodent and flea Y. pestis positivity rates. Genomic characterization of Y. pestis strains revealed a foundational strain capable of evolving into distinct genetic variants, each linked to temporally and spatially constrained plague outbreaks. These data could identify risk areas and improve surveillance in other plague foci within the Caatinga biome.

Late-Holocene changes in vegetation and fire within a forest refuge in the Araripe region, northeastern Brazil

In semi-arid northeastern Brazil, where water is scarce, rainforest refugia can be seen along the coastal relief, where the trade winds bring in humidity from the Atlantic Ocean, or further inland, at the Araripe plateau where water comes from aquifer resurgence. In order to reconstruct past changes in water resurgence and in their associated vegetation types, we analyzed pollen, charcoal, and trace elements from sediment cores collected in the permanent swamps created by the resurgences. Our high temporal resolution analyses show that the vegetation was more sparse and drier than today until 2700 cal yr BP. Between 2700 and 2000 cal yr BP, palm swamp and evergreen forest tree taxa started to expand, suggesting an increase in water resurgence. At 2000 cal yr BP, the moist forest with Mauritia expanded and fire activity changed from mixed to woody fuel particles. During the last 200 cal yr BP, a decrease in the palm tree Mauritia flexuosa, an expansion of Poaceae and an increase in macrocharcoal particles are attributed to an increase in anthropogenic activities in the Araripe Basin. The Late-Holocene climatic trend seen at Araripe mirrors that of eastern Brazil and has controlled the aquifer activity, including during the major droughts that affected the region. This is highly relevant for the application of public policies that rely on the aquifers of Araripe for the 21st century.

Quaternary geomorphological dynamics of colluvial deposits from silicophytoliths and soil micromorphology, Araripe plateau, northeast of Brazil

Quaternary geomorphological dynamics in the lowland tropics of South America can be described from the stratigraphy of hillslope colluvium and alluvial deposits. The analysis of sediments through the identification of depositional microfeatures and biomineralized microfossils, combined with their absolute dating by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), allow the reconstruction of paleoenvironmental conditions. The objective of this work was to investigate the dynamics of depositional processes leading to colluvial deposition in the Araripe Plateau, Northeastern Brazil, from the analysis of stratigraphic sections, using phytoliths as indicators of paleovegetation and sediment micromorphology in the identification of depositional processes. The correlation of sediments ages, ranging from the OS3 to the OS2 (Last Glacial Maximum) with phytophysiognomy indices indicated the contribution and deposition of phytoliths from an arboreal/shrubby vegetation, replaced on the surface by grass vegetation. Periods of drier climates were correlated with LGM ages, with more open vegetation composed of grasses, in synchronously with less intense geomorphological events. The micromorphological analysis revealed that the characteristics of the deposits reflect more the action of depositional processes than pedogenetic ones. The correlation of phytolithic indices with micromorphology corroborated the environmental and geomorphological dynamics of the periods dated in the stratigraphic sections.

Two new species of <i>Mimosa</i> from northeastern Brazil

Two new species of Mimosa sect. Batocaulon ser. Leiocarpae are described from northeastern Brazil. Mimosa cardosoi occurs in the seasonally dry woodlands known as Caatinga from the upland areas of central Bahia state. It is close to M. mensicola from which differs by leaves with smaller and more numerous leaflets and by the shape of the leaflets, calyx, and corolla. Mimosa simonii is known only from the Araripe plateau along the Ceará-Pernambuco states border. It is similar to M. verrucosa from which it differs by spiculate leaves, larger leaflets, and corolla stellate-pubescent over its entire length.

Physico-chemical evaluation of whole myrtle pulp (Eugenia gracillima Kiaersk.)

The aim of this study was to examine the physical, chemical and physicochemical properties of myrtle fruits at their "ripe" stage, in order to better understand the characteristics of this fruit. The fruit was purchased from Agrodóia located on the Araripe plateau in the town of Exu - PE and taken to the Laboratory for the Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products (LAPPA) at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) for physical, chemical and physicochemical analysis: water content, water activity, ash, color, Soluble Solids (ºBrix), titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins. The fruit of the myrtle tree was found to have a high water content, be rich in vitamin C (136.21 mg/100g) with a characteristic aroma and taste, with a reddish and violet color when ripe and a high protein content of 1.17% of the fruit, making it an excellent option for fresh consumption.

Remnant wetlands under palm swamps in the Araripe Plateau, Brazilian semiarid

Palm swamps are typical of the plateaus in the Brazilian savanna, but they are present in remnant in the Brazilian semiarid region, exceptionally in selective concave sectors of the edge and steep slopes at the Araripe Plateau. This study aimed to investigate the genesis and evolution of remnant wet soils under buriti palms/palm swamps in the Brazilian semiarid. Three pedons were selected, described, and classified according to the World Reference Base for soil resources. Soil samples were collected from the surface down to the lithic contact at each pedon. Morphology, chemical, and physical attributes were analyzed. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating was applied to buried horizons at soil profile soil profile number 1. Our results show that remnant wetlands are associated with dynamics of the hydrogeological conditions and the regional relief, strongly influenced by the morphostructure and the current morphogenesis of the Araripe Plateau. In clear contrast with typical semiarid soils, the hydrolysis and ferrolysis have produced acid, hyperdystrophic, and C-rich horizons. Evidence of colluvium and alluvium show that the soils are polycyclic. The ages between <200 to 850 yr reveal evidence of a parent material of colluvium/alluvial origin from a current sedimentation phase, attributed to erosion scarp, mass movements, and fluvial flow with low capacity.

Late quaternary geomorphological evolutionary dynamics of the Araripe sedimentary plateau, northeast of Brazil

The stratigraphic and geochronological data, compared to the set of ages already known for the semi-arid Northeast of Brazil, allowed us to understand part of the geomorphological dynamics of the sub-humid sector of the Araripe Plateau, in the south of the State of Ceará. Paleoenvironmental records were recovered through the study of Quaternary deposits generated by climatic inputs, in the range of 72.0 ka BP to the Early Holocene. Except for section CSM-C, it was observed that all other debris flows found do not exceed the MIS 3/LMG in age, and that morphogenetic events linked to gravitational flows are constrained until the Lower Holocene, coinciding with the findings in other sectors of the Northeast of Brazil such as the Borborema Highlands. Thus, as in other locations, it appears that the depositional processes and the formation of successive colluvial ramps in the Araripe Plateau occurred at times of strong climatic instability, as periods of intense rainfall disrupted the pedo-geomorphic equilibirum of the landscape. Despite the undeniable predominance of semi-arid conditions for the Brazilian Northeast during the Quaternary, the results obtained suggest that such conditions were neither homogeneous nor constant, and that in the last 40.0 ka. BP the Northeast experienced climatic fluctuations with abrupt oscillations, on millennial scales, from dry to wetter conditions and vice versa, which apparently coincide with the displacement of the ITCZ to more southern positions in line with the Heinrich events in the Northern Hemisphere. From the end of the Lower Holocene towards the Present, drainage began to actively dissect colluvial sediments, in response to continued changes in the base level around the Plateau. This scenario led to a longitudinal reworking of the sediments along valley bottoms and channels, forming fluvial plains. This aspect points to the fact that the surface dynamics of the landscape, at least from the Middle Holocene onwards, was rather defined by changes in the base level (and ultimately in land use), and erosion of colluvial deposits, than by the entry of new episodes of climatically conditioned sedimentation of great magnitude.

Black soils in the Araripe basin, Northeast Brazil: Organic and inorganic carbon accumulation in a Chernozem-Kastanozem-Phaeozem sequence

The Global Soil Partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines Chernozem, Kastanozem, and Phaeozems as black soils characterized by high natural fertility and dark surface horizons enriched in organic matter. Chernozems and Kastanozems are also characterized by carbonate accumulation. In the Araripe basin located in northeastern Brazil, black soils formed from limestone are present in the scarps of the Araripe Plateau. Despite their importance, particularly in dry climatic regions, there are no studies characterizing the soils of this region. Thus, our study aimed characterizing the macro and micromorphological, physical, and chemical attributes of three soil profiles (Chernozem, Kastanozem, and Phaeozem, respectively in the upper, middle, and lower third) in a toposequence of the Araripe region. In addition, we identified the main mechanisms of organic and inorganic C accumulation in these profiles. Our results showed that the combination of high mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) content, high MAOM/soil organic C ratio, and low C/N ratio indicates a high degree of transformation and stabilization the organic matter in these soils. The high 2:1 clays and exchangeable Ca2+ benefits the stabilization of organic C by means of organic–mineral interactions. Additionally, the dominance of carbonates of geogenic origin (limestone particles in the sand fraction) is indicative of the low dissolution of these carbonates. Through micromorphological evaluation, pedogenic carbonates were observed at the top of the B horizon of these soils, where the carbon dioxide (CO2) pressure is lower. The variation in relief demonstrated an ostensible influence on inorganic C constrained to the Phaeozem (lower third). This favored high humidity and root activity at depth, increasing the CO2 pressure and hindering the re-precipitation of carbonates despite the high pH and abundance of exchangeable Ca2+.

Managed logging negatively affects the density and abundance of some dry forest specialist bird species of northeastern Brazil

AbstractThe Caatinga, the largest region of seasonally dry tropical forest in the Neotropics, suffers high rates of deforestation and habitat degradation, mostly due to wood extraction. As an alternative to illegal logging, governments have looked at more sustainable management schemes, allowing natural regeneration after logging through relatively long (~25-year) harvest rotations. We investigated the impacts of forest management at a 1,700-ha privately owned area located at the Araripe Plateau, in the semiarid interior of northeastern Brazil, focusing on the population parameters of 8 avian species. The property was subdivided into 22 forest stands, where a different stand has been logged every year since 2004. By 2016, when we sampled the avifauna, 12 forest stands had already been logged and allowed to regrow, creating a landscape of logged and unlogged stands and a 12-year forest recovery chrono-sequence. We conducted distance-based sampling along transects to estimate the density and abundance of these species in logged and unlogged stands. We found that logging impacted 3 of the target species. Two of them (Megaxenops parnaguae and Synallaxis scutata) were less abundant, whereas another (Sclerurus cearensis) disappeared altogether from logged areas. We also found a positive correlation between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the avian density of the affected species. However, we failed to observe any significant relationship between forest recovery or NDVI and species densities, suggesting that even after 12 years of forest recovery, species abundance remains lower in logged than in unlogged areas. We found that logging impacted birds in a species-specific manner, with 5 species unaffected and 3 species declining. Although our sampling occurred half-way through the regeneration cycle, we found no evidence of recovery for those species most affected. We suggest keeping unlogged areas intermingled with logged stands, allowing the survival and potential recovery of species in regenerating forests.

Avifauna and biogeographical affinities of acarrasco-dominated landscape in north-eastern Brazil: providing baseline data for future monitoring

SummaryThecarrascois a dense, shrubby vegetation type that covers the higher parts of table-top mountains in north-eastern Brazil. The vegetation of this phytophysiognomy is often considered to have biogeographical and ecological affinities with thecerradoof Central Brazil, but the biogeographical affinities of its avifauna remain unclear. In recent years, deforestation due to local economic activities has been particularly severe in somecarrasco-dominated landscapes. In 2013, we initiated avian surveys at the Fazenda Pau D‘Arco, a privately owned property located on top of the Araripe Plateau, to evaluate the effects of a legal forest management program on the avifauna. Here, we present the results of four years of avian inventories to: i) characterize a well-preserved patch ofcarrascovegetation; ii) assess avian biogeographical affinities of this vegetation type; iii) identify associations between managed/unmanaged areas and bird species; and iv) provide baseline data for future avian monitoring studies. Using different survey methods, we provide a list of 148 bird species, including several dry-forest specialists andcaatingaendemics. Biogeographically, the avifauna of thecarrascorepresents a subsample of theCaatingadry forest, lackingcerradoelements. Forest management significantly affected the distribution of several bird species in the study area. We found that 1/5 of the species (24) recorded during our standardized surveys were significantly associated with either unmanaged (14 species) or managed (10 species) areas. Species such as the Ceará LeaftosserSclerurus cearensis, a globally vulnerable species, have only been detected in non-managed areas and therefore can be negatively affected by the management program. We also present data on 16 avian taxa with ecological and conservation concerns. By presenting a fairly complete and documented list of the avifauna, we characterize thecarrascoavifauna and offer the tools to evaluate the effects of forest management on this poorly known vegetation type.

Physical soil quality indicators for environmental assessment and agricultural potential of Oxisols under different land uses in the Araripe Plateau, Brazil

In the Araripe Gypsum District (AGD), Brazil, there is concern that forest degradation processes that have occurred in the region have affected the soils currently in use. This stimulated interest in comparing soil quality to evaluate environmental and production sustainability in native species, eucalyptus forest and food plant production. The present study aimed to develop a soil quality index (SQI) for physical indicators of Oxisols under different land uses associated with the AGD. Four sites were selected: Preserved Caatinga (PC), Degraded Caatinga (DC), Eucalyptus (EUCA) and Cassava monoculture (CAS), evaluated in 0−10 cm and 10−20 cm soil depths. Twenty physical soil attributes obtained from the evaluated areas were submitted to Lilliefors normality test, double-variance analysis, multicollinearity test and principal component analysis (PCA) to select appropriate indicators and as a method for extracting weighting factors. The results showed that 84 % and 79 % of the total variance were explained by two principal components (PCs) at 0−10 and 10−20 cm depths, respectively. The attributes that made up the SQI in 0−10 and 10−20 cm depths were: bulk density (BD), macroporosity (Macro), mesoporosity (Meso), structural-biological microporosity (MicroSB), textural microporosity (MicroT), saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS), soil penetration resistance (PR; 60 and 333 hPa); total porosity (TP), Meso, stable aggregates index (SAIW), KS, PR10, PR800 and PR3000, respectively. Among the management systems, the best SQI scores were in 0−10 cm (PC: 0.85 ± 0.01) and 10−20 cm (EUCA: 0.93 ± 0.01) depths. BD and TP were considered the main parameters of soil quality, as well as Meso and KS, as they are present in the SQI at both depths and perform functions essential to the development of plant species. Results for the AGD suggest that the eucalyptus cultivation system can be implemented to supply energetic needs of calcinators in the AGD, representing an environmentally viable alternative. However, results strongly suggest that the Caatinga preservation still reflects the best soil quality.

Nematodes of Proceratophrys ararype (Anura: Odontophrynidae), an endemic frog from the Araripe Plateau, northeastern Brazil

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.

Marine or freshwater? Accessing the paleoenvironmental parameters of the Caldas Bed, a key marker bed in the Crato Formation (Araripe Basin, NE Brazil)

The Aptian Crato Formation is world renowned for its well-preserved fossils in microbially-induced laminated limestones, which are regarded as one of the main Cretaceous Konservat-Lagerstätte of the geological record. Detailed stratigraphic investigation and mapping of the up to 90-m-thick Crato Formation at the eastern border of the Araripe Plateau allowed recognition of a regionally persistent fossil-bearing muddy interval, herein defined as the Caldas Bed. At its type locality, it is defined as an up to 2-m-thick coarsening-upward succession of grey/green mudstone and interbedded sandy siltstone and claystone. The 0.85- to 2-m-thick interval was recognized in several localities along the outcrop belt, and it is bounded by sharp, lower (Konservat-Lagerstätte limestone) and upper (sandstone and heterolithic facies) contacts. Despite previous literature data suggesting the presence of marine mollusks, the bed contains freshwater bivalves, small gastropods, spinicaudatans, plant remains, trace fossils, and rare ostracods. The Caldas Bed records benthic paleocommunities representing a short-term isochronous regional freshening event, marked by abrupt changes in sedimentation pattern, bathymetry, salinity, oxygenation and water chemistry.

Landscape evolution of the Salamanca watershed, Araripe Plateau: Insights from a river channel morphological classification

The drainage network of the Brazilian semi-arid responds directly to the complexity of the geomorphic background and surface processes. In this regional context, the Araripe Plateau, a table-like landform that reaches up of 950 m in elevation, stands out as a peculiar physiographic setting. The present work proposes an analysis of the Plateau's fluvial system based on channel morphology descriptive criteria, in relation to their morphostratigraphic scenarios. The research sought to explore river typologies, dominant surface processes and geomorphic changes in the drainage system throughout the Holocene. Seven fluvial styles have been identified in the Salamanca River watershed, expressing lithological controls of the underlying sedimentary rocks, morphotectonic influence, variability in rainfall input, as well as changes in land use. Headwaters' channels cut through the sandstone of the structural summit surface and the unconsolidated sedimentary infills of topographic hollows along the escarpment base. On the hillslopes, downstream of the escarpment, the incised meandering river style with occasional pocket plains attest to shifts in patterns of fluvial dissection due to changes in base level. In the peripheral depression (Vale do Cariri), at an average elevation of 400 m, the arroyo and floodout river styles prevail, displaying a sequence of incised and non-incised river stretches, reflecting the operation of recent cut-and-fill processes mostly controlled by the interannual rainfall variability. Cut-and-fill processes operating within the channels have prevailed all through the Holocene, as suggested by morphostratigraphical evidence, alternating overall valley bottom filling episodes with river entrenching periods (paleo-connectivity). Base level change during the upper Holocene did not result in comprehensive sediment delivery to the channel networks, as attested by remaining discontinuous pocket plains and fluvial terraces.

PATTERNS OF SEED DISPERSAL SYNDROMES AT DIFFERENT ALTITUDES IN THE SEMIARID REGION

The objective of this study was to assess the patterns of seed dispersal syndromes of woody plants from nine forest fragments distributed at different altitude levels on the Araripe plateau, in Pernambuco, Brazil. For data collection, we divided the altitudes within the region into three categories: lower level (altitudes ≤600 m); intermediate level (600&lt; altitudes &lt;750 m); and higher level (altitudes ≥750 m). We registered nine fragments, three per altitude level. In each of them, we distributed 20 rectangular sampling units with 250 m², totaling a sampling area of 4.5 ha. We quantified, collected, and identified woody plants with a diameter at breast height higher than or equal to 0.1 m (DBH 1.30 m ≥0.10 m). We characterized the dispersal syndrome according to the characteristics of the fruits and seeds and based on a literature review. In the whole region, we sampled 6,987 individuals, distributed in 35 families, 82 genera, and 153 species. Approximately 41% of all individuals are dispersed by animals, 37% by the plant’s own mechanisms, and 21% by the wind. In terms of dispersal, 47% of species were classified as zoochorous, 23% as autochorous, and 14% as anemochorous. Seed dispersal patterns vary according to altitude levels, with higher regions tending to present greater representativeness of biotic dispersers and lower ones, abiotic.

Veredas da Chapada do Araripe: subespaços de exceção no semiárido do estado do Ceará, Brasil

Na região do Cariri cearense, as singularidades naturais, sobretudo nas áreas de influência direta da Chapada do Araripe, reafirmam seu caráter de exceção dentro do semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro e definem as Veredas como subespaços de exceção. Neste artigo, busca-se apresentar as particularidades naturais das Veredas da Chapada do Araripe, que são possuidoras de Gleissolos Melânicos Tb distróficos, ácidos, muito intemperizados, com predomínio de cargas negativas. Esses solos sustentam renques de buritis, entre outras freatófitas, que são heranças de uma complexa evolução paleoclimática e paleoecológica, mantidos atualmente pelas influências das zonas de exsudação. As Veredas da Chapada do Araripe são classificadas do ponto de vista geomorfológico, pertencentes a 4 (quatro) tipos específicos: de Patamar, de Depressão em Chapadão de Sopé e de Encosta, formam-se nessas posições topográficas em função da profundidade do lençol freático, tendo seu processo evolutivo relacionado com o sistema de erosão e recuo de escarpa. As Veredas da Chapada do Araripe, encontram-se atualmente refugiadas e tensionadas pelo clima semiárido.&#x0D; Palavras-chave: Chapada do Araripe; Espaço de exceção; Veredas; Cariri cearense.

Thermal ecology, activity pattern, habitat, and microhabitats used by the skink Mabuya arajara (Squamata: Scincidae) in the Araripe Plateau, northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the activity period, thermal ecology, habitats, and preference for microhabitats of the skink Mabuya arajara in a humid forest environment on the slope of the Araripe Plateau, Brazil. A total of 283 lizards were observed. The lizards were found to be diurnally active (unimodal type pattern), with peak activity during the hottest hours of the day (1100 to 1200). About habitat use, the majority of individuals (73.8% N = 209) were recorded in the narrow transitional area, in the edges of the forest; while 26.4% of individuals were observed in open areas and no observations were made in dense forest. Seven different types of microhabitats were used, with fallen palm leaves (Arecaceae) being the preferred (47.7% N = 135). Considering all lizards, microhabitat niche breadth was 3.27. Males and females presented a high overlap (0.95) in microhabitat use. The average Tc recorded for M. arajara was 32.06 ± 2.72°C. Body size (SVL) did not influence body temperature (F = 0.51, P = > 0.05). Most of the animals were observed with their bodies completely exposed (67.84%, N = 192), 18.37% (N = 52) were semi-exposed and 13.79% (N = 39) were in shelters. Among animals with some degree of sunlight exposure, 57.59% (N = 163) were in shadows, 25.10% (N = 71) were under sunlight filtered by vegetation, and 17.31% (N = 49) were under direct sunlight.A review of the ecology of Mabuya spp. shows that several features appear to be conserved among members of the genus.

SPIDERS COLLECTED IN RESIDENCES FROM MUNICIPALITIES OF BARBALHA, CRATO AND JUAZEIRO DO NORTE, CE, BRAZIL

The present work reports the fauna of spiders collected in residences of the municipalities of Barbalha, Crato and Juazeiro do Norte. Ten random neighborhoods were selected in each municipality, including central and border neighborhoods. In each neighborhood, 10 houses were randomly selected, totalzing 30 neighborhoods and 300 houses surveyed. Manual collections were carried out in the interior and exterior of the residences, without replication during the months. Pholcidae was the richest family (S=3). Smeringopus pallidus was the unique species which occurred in all municipalities sampled. Pholcidae are the most abundant family inside residences due an increase of environmental impacts near to Araripe Plateau, species like Sicarius cariri and Leprolochus oeiras can be found inside residences by the first time.

Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker (candeeiro): production and development of seedlings

The Araripe Plateau attracts an intense anthropic activity that results in the degradation and risk of extinction of native medicinal species such as Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker (candeeiro). The objective of this work was to test the main propagation methods of this species and to evaluate the survival of the seedlings in different environments. With this, two experiments were installed in the headquarters house of IBAMA[1] located in the Araripe National Forest (FLONA), Crato, State of Ceará. The potential of seedling production and stem and root cutting were evaluated, as well as the adaptation of the seedlings to the two environments (experimental area and their natural habitat). The experiments were distributed in a completely randomized design. The number of live cuttings with callus, number of rooted cuttings, weight of fresh and dry matter of roots, leaf persistence, height and survival of the seedlings were also evaluated. More seeds emerged in an open air environment. The cutting type did not affect the analyzed variables. The substrates only affected the number of rooted cuttings, and the soil from FLONA provided the best result. The seedlings developed better in experimental area, indicating that the candeeiro can be explored rationally.

ATIVIDADE NEOTECTÔNICA NA BORDA NORTE DA BACIA DO ARARIPE-CE: EVIDÊNCIAS A PARTIR DE ÍNDICES MORFOMÉTRICOS

O presente trabalho fez o uso de modelos de imagem de elevação do Shuttle Radar Topo¬graphy Mission (SRTM) para extrair dados morfométricos cujas as análises permitem identificar terrenos possivelmente influenciados por eventos tectônicos na borda norte da Bacia do Araripe-CE. Dessas imagens foram extraídas drenagens e sub-bacias, as quais possibilitaram a aplicação dos seguintes índices morfométricos: relação declividade-extensão (SL), fator as¬simétrico (AF), sinuosidade de frente de montanha (SMF) e integral hipsométrica (HI), os quais foram convertidos em um valor de classes de intensidade tectônica (CIT) para que pudesse ser obtido um Índice de Atividade Tectônica (IAT). Resultando, numa de área de atividade tectônica moderada em 13 bacias e alta em quatro, de um total de 21 bacias. Dentre essas quatro, três englobam o Vale de Santana do Cariri, o que pode ter sido um fator determinante para a existência dessa atividade elevada.