Atlantic Forest Research Articles

The First Standardised Sampling Plan Designed to Scout Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Adults in Corn Crops Using Yellow Sticky Traps

ABSTRACTThe corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is one of the main pests in corn crops causing yield reductions of up to 70%. Dalbulus maidis primarily damages corn by transmitting pathogens. Direct plant damage is caused by sap suction and toxin injection. Sampling corn fields to determine the D. maidis density for decision‐making systems can be challenging due to field size, time and cost. Yellow sticky traps (YST) are commonly employed to determine the presence and density of D. maidis because they are easy to use and allow quick and low‐cost assessment. This study aimed to propose and evaluate a new sampling plan for D. maidis in corn crops using YST. This research was carried out in commercial corn crops in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes for 3 years. The pest density in traps and on plants were moderately (r = 0.54–0.66) and significantly (p < 0.0001) correlated. The density evaluated in the traps showed relative variance of less than 25% and sampling time of up to 2 min per sample unit. The negative binomial distribution was adequate to represent the D. maidis density probability distribution for the YST sampling method with K common (2.8979) among all the fields evaluated. The sampling plan consisted of installing one trap every two hectares. The plan's total cost ranged from US$/ha 0.41 to 0.50, with a total sampling time of up to 2.5 min/ha. We propose this new sampling plan for D. maidis, which is suitable for incorporation into management programmes in corn crops, as it is representative, accurate, fast and low cost.

Defaunation impacts on the carbon balance of tropical forests.

The urgent need to mitigate and adapt to climate change necessitates a comprehensive understanding of carbon cycling dynamics. Traditionally, global carbon cycle models have focused on vegetation, but recent research suggests that animals can play a significant role in carbon dynamics under some circumstances, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. However, links between animals, plants, and carbon remain unclear. We explored the complex interactions between defaunation and ecosystem carbon in Earth's most biodiverse and carbon-rich biome, tropical rainforests. Defaunation can change patterns of seed dispersal, granivory, and herbivory in ways that alter tree species composition and, therefore, forest carbon above- and belowground. Most studies we reviewed show that defaunation reduces carbon storage 0-26% in the Neo- and Afrotropics, primarily via population declines in large-seeded, animal-dispersed trees. However, Asian forests are not predicted to experience changes because their high-carbon trees are wind dispersed. Extrapolating these local effects to entire ecosystems implies losses of ∼1.6 Pg CO2 equivalent across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and 4-9.2 Pg across the Amazon over 100 years and of ∼14.7-26.3 Pg across the Congo basin over 250 years. In addition to being hard to quantify with precision, the effects of defaunation on ecosystem carbon are highly context dependent; outcomes varied based on the balance between antagonist and mutualist species interactions, abiotic conditions, human pressure, and numerous other factors. A combination of experiments, large-scale comparative studies, and mechanistic models could help disentangle the effects of defaunation from other anthropogenic forces in the face of the incredible complexity of tropical forest systems. Overall, our synthesis emphasizes the importance of-and inconsistent results when-integrating animal dynamics into carbon cycle models, which is crucial for developing climate change mitigation strategies and effective policies.

From host individual traits to community structure and composition: Bartonella infection insights

BackgroundPhylogeny, combined with trait-based measures, offers insights into parasite sharing among hosts. However, the specific traits that mediate transmission and the aspects of host community diversity that most effectively explain parasite infection rates remain unclear, even for the Bartonella genus, a vector-borne bacteria that causes persistent blood infections in vertebrates.MethodsThis study investigated the association between rodent host traits and Bartonella infection, as well as how rodent community diversity affects the odds of infection in the Atlantic Forest, using generalized linear models. Additionally, we assessed how host traits and phylogenetic similarities influence Bartonella infection among mammal species in Brazil. To this end, rodents were sampled from ten municipalities in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Then, we calculated several diversity indices for each community, including Rényi’s diversity profiles, Fisher’s alpha, Rao’s quadratic entropy (RaoQ), Functional Diversity (FDis), Functional Richness (FRic), and Functional Evenness (FEve). Finally, we compiled a network encompassing all known interactions between mammal species and Bartonella lineages recorded in Brazil.ResultsWe found no significant relationship between diversity indices and the odds of Bartonella infection in rodent communities. Furthermore, there was no statistical support for the influence of individual-level traits (e.g., body length, sex, and age) or species-level ecological traits (e.g., locomotor habitat, dietary guild, and activity period) on Bartonella infection in rodents. A country-scale analysis, considering all mammal species, revealed no effect of host traits or phylogeny on Bartonella infection.ConclusionsThis study highlighted wild mammals that share Bartonella lineages with livestock, synanthropic, and domestic animals, underscoring the complexity of their maintenance cycle within the One Health framework. A key question arising from our findings is whether molecular host–cell interactions outweigh host body mass and ecological traits in influencing Bartonella infection, potentially opening new avenues for understanding host–parasite relationships and infection ecology.Graphical

Non-adaptedness and vulnerability to climate change threaten Plathymenia trees (Fabaceae) from the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest

Climate change is increasing species extinction risk. The ability of a species to cope with climate change can be quantified by projecting distribution models and by estimating the risk of non-adaptedness using genomic data. The Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest in Tropical South America are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and anthropogenic climate change. This work aims to evaluate the ecological and genomic vulnerability of Plathymenia taxa and its lineages, P. reticulata, a Cerrado species, and P. foliolosa, an Atlantic Forest species, to determine their current and future habitat suitability and the mismatch between current local adaptation with the expected climate changes. The species distribution models predicted a high range loss for the Plathymenia lineages. The genotype-environment association analyses showed that the Plathymenia lineages have populations adapted to different precipitation and temperature seasonality regimes. The genomic offset analyses predict a mismatch between local adaptations and future climate for the Plathymenia indicating a high risk of non-adaptedness, especially in the pessimistic scenario. Our results show an elevated extinction risk of the species due to climate change. We suggest reevaluating the extinction risk and management of the Plathymenia species separately based on their differences in vulnerability to climate change.

Predicting Landscape Conversion Impact on Small Mammal Occurrence and the Transmission of Parasites in the Atlantic Forest

ABSTRACTAimChanges in landscape configuration significantly impact ecosystems and the services they provide, including disease regulation for both humans and wildlife. Land use conversion usually favors disturbed‐adapted species, which are often known reservoirs of zoonotic parasites, thereby potentially escalating spillover events (i.e., the transmission of parasites to new hosts, including humans). Here we aimed to investigate how alterations in landscape use and configuration influence the distribution and co‐occurrence of potential hosts of zoonotic and epizootic parasites.LocationBrazilian Atlantic Forest.Time PeriodData collection spanned from 1997 to 2019.Major taxa studied small mammals.MethodsWe integrated ecological network metrics and joint distribution models while accounting for phylogenetic relationships and functional traits to answer two main questions: (1) do small mammal species considered central hosts in the transmission of parasites exhibit a higher probability of occurrence in landscapes with reduced native vegetation areas? (2) Do small mammal hosts that share a higher number of parasites have higher co‐occurrence probabilities?ResultsOur results demonstrated that species identified as significant hosts in our centrality network analysis displayed an increased probability of occurrence in landscapes that are both more fragmented and have a higher proportion of farming areas, hence fewer native vegetation areas. Regarding the relationship between species co‐occurrence and parasite sharing, our findings indicated that most strong co‐occurrences were prevalent within groups with higher parasite fauna similarity, but not all species sharing parasites had a higher probability of co‐occurring.ConclusionsHere we highlight the effects of landscape conversion on small mammal species, including how different configurations of land use can influence both central and non‐central host occurrences. Besides, our results also indicate that parasite transmission may be overestimated when the co‐occurrence probability of potential host species is not considered. We highly recommend incorporating co‐occurrence data to estimate zoonotic risk.

Multivariate statistical analysis as a tool for monitoring drinking water sources in an Atlantic Rainforest Conservation Unit.

Water quality monitoring is paramount in identifying and mitigating pollution sources, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring safe water for human and wildlife consumption. This study is aimed at evaluating the quality of drinking water sources in three communities located in a Sustainable Use Conservation Unit in the municipality of Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, employing a multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 161 water samples were collected from January to December 2022, encompassing 32 surface water and 129 tap water samples. Physicochemical parameters were determined in situ employing a Horiba U50 multiparameter probe. The samples were stored and transported at 4°C to the laboratory for microbiological analyses concerning total coliforms and Escherichia coli using a commercial enzymatic test. All samples contained coliforms, while E. coli were detected in 87% of the samples. The multivariate analysis indicated that the microbiological water quality in sampling region R2 was influenced by rainy periods and that, in general, the water quality within R3 was the most affected by the transport of solids to the water sources. The statistical methods applied herein aided in characterizing the study areas and detecting points of attention regarding physicochemical and microbiological parameters that significantly influence the water quality of each sampling point. Representative points for each study region were identified and may be employed for future monitoring and prevention actions.

First Description of Loreto Virus in Three Culicidae Species from the Atlantic Forest, Bahia, Brazil

Loreto virus (LORV) is an insect-specific virus classified into the proposed taxon Negevirus. It was originally described in Iquitos, Peru, in 1977. Here, we describe three novel LORV genomes obtained from the isolates of three pooled samples of Trichoprosopon digitatum, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) fulvus, and Limatus durhamii collected in Ilhéus—Bahia, 2014. Samples were submitted to RNA sequencing on the Illumina platform to recover the LORV genome. The genomes presented, on average, 81.5% nucleotide identity and 92.6% global amino acid identity with the LORV reference genome (NC_034158). Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis was performed based on a multiple sequence alignment of the concatenated amino acid sequences predicted for the three ORFs of the Negevirus genomes, and the target sequences were clustered within the LORV clade. The taxon Negevirus is in constant expansion of its species content and host range. New data about insect specific negeviruses are important for virus evolution studies, along with those approaching interactions with the hosts and their influence in the transmission of arboviruses. Also, the assessment of these data may allow the development of biologic control strategies for arboviral vectors. This is the original report of the identification of LORV in Brazil, infecting three Culicidae species hosts native to the Atlantic Forest biome.

Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) from the Atlantic Forest-Cerrado transition zone of Luminárias, southern Minas Gerais state, Brazil

The Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes are global biodiversity hotspots. However, these environments still face large knowledge gaps concerning fauna inventory studies, such as those on harvestmen. Our study aimed to sample harvestmen species in a transition area between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, contributing to future biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in Brazil. The surveys were conducted in the municipality of Luminárias, southern Minas Gerais state, between May 2023 and March 2024. We collected 185 individuals from six species and three morphospecies with a wide geographical distribution, but whose conservation status has not been assessed, which may affect their protection. Additionally, loss of native vegetation may lead to reductions in their populations. Our study supports current literature, which suggests the need for more inventories and the creation of a Conservation Unit in the Luminárias region.

Local heterogenisation and regional homogenisation linked to habitat loss induced by dams in riparian forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Riparian forests are crucial for biodiversity, but dam construction for hydroelectric power disrupts these ecosystems, causing habitat loss and altering river dynamics. Our study investigates the impacts of dams on tree diversity in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We sampled trees along riverbanks and uplands across 15 dam-affected fragments, analysing the relationship between habitat loss (i.e. loss of riparian zones by permanent flooding due to dam filling), elevation difference, fragment size, and dam implementation time with alpha and beta diversity using mixed models and redundancy analyses. Habitat loss had a more significant impact on beta diversity, leading to shifts in species composition and reduced uniqueness of communities as the impact’s intensity, spatial extent, and duration increased. Alpha diversity only increased in response to local elevation differences between plots located on uplands and riverbanks. Our sampling design can be applied to other inadequately monitored systems to provide insights into beta diversity, a component often neglected in dam licensing and mitigation processes. Our findings reveal a transient local heterogenisation, transitioning into regional homogenisation due to dam-induced habitat loss in riparian forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Relevance of Flash Coloration Against Avian Predation in a Morpho Butterfly: A Field Experiment in a Tropical Rainforest

ABSTRACTThe flash coloration hypothesis postulates that otherwise cryptically colored animals suddenly displaying conspicuous colors during movement confuse predators, reducing capture. Morpho helenor butterflies have contrasting colors on dorsal (iridescent blue) and ventral (brown) wing surfaces, resulting in sequential blue “flashes” during flight. We tested whether this flashing pattern reduces avian predation on M. helenor in Atlantic rainforest by changing the flashing effect in three experiments. In Experiment 1, we added a blue band to the ventral wing. In Experiment 2, we covered the dorsal wing's blue band with a brown band. Control groups in each experiment were painted such that wing color patterns remained unaltered. Survivorship was evaluated through mark‐recapture censuses and beak marks on the wings. Results show that survivorship of treated butterflies in Experiment 1 decrease markedly compared to unaltered control individuals, while survivorship of treated butterflies in Experiment 2 did not differ compared to control individuals. In Experiment 3, we detected scant predation on treated (blue band added to ventral wing) and control butterflies (brown band added to ventral wing) on the forest floor (wings closed), corroborating that flash coloration is an important protective mechanism during flight. Our field experiments provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that flash coloration in bright blue Morpho butterflies is an effective defense mechanism against avian predators in a tropical rainforest.

Odonata Community in a transition area between Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, Southern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Odonata Community in a transition area between Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, Southern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Aiouea ombrophila (Lauraceae), a new large tree from the wet mountains of the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil

The study of tree species in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest continues to reveal new discoveries. Herbarium collections often harbor specimens that do not fit into known taxa. During our research, we encountered an unidentified Lauraceae specimen, prompting us to conduct fieldwork in the forest to investigate further. This study describes Aiouea ombrophila Brotto & Völtz, a large tree from the rainiest parts of the mountainous slopes of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states, Brazil, at elevations between 950 and 2000 m. We provide a comprehensive description of the new species, including illustrations, a distribution map, an extinction risk assessment, and a comparative table distinguishing it from other species.

Assessing Atlantic Kelp Forest Restoration Efforts in Southern Europe

Kelp forests are essential marine ecosystems increasingly compromised by human activities. Effective reforestation strategies are urgently needed, and the “green gravel” method is a viable tool already used in some European regions. This study aimed to assess the success of this method using the native Kelp species Laminaria ochroleuca on the Portuguese coastline. Cultures of green gravel were reared until the specimens reached a size of approximately 3 cm. The gravel was then deployed at selected sites in Peniche, Berlengas, and Cascais. Over an eight-month period, scientific scuba divers monitored the integration of Kelp, along with associated fish, invertebrate, and algae communities. Nutrient availability, temperature, water movement, substrate type, and Rugosity Index (RI) were also measured. The highest success rate was 12% in Consolação, with Elefante and Galos (Berlengas) reaching 7% and 4%, respectively. By the end of the monitoring period, Cascais had no remaining Kelp on green gravel. Present data suggest that higher success is dependent on less rugged and higher RI topography. Higher grazing pressure, rougher terrain, and unexpected sedimentation appear to be the main obstacles to deployment success. Solid knowledge (biologic and topographic) on the restoration site, starting restoration actions near already established Kelp forests, and significantly scaling up restoration efforts could substantially improve the success of the green gravel method in future reforestation campaigns.

Uncovering data gaps in biodiversity research within Brazilian Atlantic Forest restoration

Bringing together and synthesizing data from several primary studies and scales represents a powerful method for identifying patterns and gaps within forest restoration science. In this study, we employ a pioneer quantitative database‐driven review combined with spatial analysis to delineate research trends across biodiversity studies within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF). We gathered a total of 90 primary studies that met our inclusion criteria, collectively providing 822 observations (comparisons between restoration sites and reference forests) spanning restoration areas with ages ranging from 1 to 90 years old. Vascular plants and invertebrates dominated in terms of data availability, whereas soil microorganisms were the subject of limited inquiry. There is an evident disparity in the number of evidences for different forest types across regions, with mixed forest being underrepresented in relation to seasonal forest and dense forest (rainforest). On the contrary, we observed an even distribution of biodiversity outcomes across the age categories we defined for reference forests (i.e. secondary forest, secondary advanced, and old‐growth forest). Geospatial analysis revealed a concentration of research efforts within the southeastern region of the BAF. However, a significant research deficit remains for the northeast and south regions, crucial for comprehending biodiversity responses to restoration in environmental extremes. By integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this framework review provides a roadmap for deepening our understanding of biodiversity responses to restoration in the BAF. Ultimately, it serves as a bridge between quantitative findings and nuanced contextual insights, guiding future research and similar studies across diverse ecosystems worldwide.

Geographic variability of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of nonvolant terrestrial small mammals (Rodentia) across 3 Brazilian biomes

Abstract In this study, we investigated landscape variability of the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of nonvolant small mammals in the 3 main Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado) while also considering the differential spatial distribution of C4 plants in these biomes. We compiled a subset of data on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios from nonvolant small mammals of the order Rodentia and compared the aggregated isotopic variability at the biome level using classical δ13C–δ15N biplot. The concept of isotopic niche width was used to test whether different foraging attributes drive their isotopic composition, while a Bayesian isotopic mixing model was used to estimate the proportion of 3 main food categories available to these small mammals. We also developed isoscapes in the Brazilian biomes, interpolating animals δ13C and δ15N based on the geographic coordinates of each sample and “sourcescapes” considering geographic variation of the dietary sources. The findings of this study advance our understanding of the foraging ecology of small mammals in biodiversity-rich regions of the Neotropics. Classical methodologies such as stomach content confirmed dietary choices revealed by the stable isotopic composition and also highlighted the importance of C3 and C4 plants in the diet of this group of animals, especially in biomes such as the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, where there is a predominance of highly altered landscapes. These results confirm that replacing the original vegetation with C4 crops has altered the feeding patterns of small mammals, which could lead to critical ecological changes in the trophic structure of these areas. Vertical stratification of the dietary niche and the interaction between biome and foraging lifestyle were also observed. However, in each biome, there was significant intraspecific and interspecific variation caused by preferences for ingestion of plant and animal material, leading to different degrees of omnivory. Finally, the high local variability between individuals and species requires a larger sampling design that may also contribute to improved spatial resolution of the isoscapes.

Impact of Agroforestry Practices on Soil Microbial Diversity and Nutrient Cycling in Atlantic Rainforest Cocoa Systems

Microorganisms are critical indicators of soil quality due to their essential role in maintaining ecosystem services. However, anthropogenic activities can disrupt the vital metabolic functions of these microorganisms. Considering that soil biology is often underestimated and traditional assessment methods do not capture its complexity, molecular methods can be used to assess soil health more effectively. This study aimed to identify the changes in soil microbial diversity and activity under different cocoa agroforestry systems, specially focusing on taxa and functions associated to carbon and nitrogen cycling. Soils from three different cocoa agroforestry systems, including a newly established agroforestry with green fertilization (GF), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)–cocoa intercropping (RC), and cocoa plantations under Cabruca (cultivated under the shave of native forest) (CAB) were analyzed and compared using metagenomic and metaproteomic approaches. Samples from surrounding native forest and pasture were used in the comparison, representing natural and anthropomorphic ecosystems. Metagenomic analysis revealed a significant increase in Proteobacteria and Basidiomycota and the genes associated with dissimilatory nitrate reduction in the RC and CAB areas. The green fertilization area showed increased nitrogen cycling activity, demonstrating the success of the practice. In addition, metaproteomic analyses detected enzymes such as dehydrogenases in RC and native forest soils, indicating higher metabolic activity in these soils. These findings underscore the importance of soil management strategies to enhance soil productivity, diversity, and overall soil health. Molecular tools are useful to demonstrate how changes in agricultural practices directly influence the microbial community, affecting soil health.

Begonia tamoiana (Begoniaceae), a new species from Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Begonia tamoiana is a new species endemic to Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, a biome rich in endemism and species diversity, and it is described and illustrated herein. Begonia tamoiana is morphologically similar to B. magdalenensis but differs in having abaxial leaf blades with simple trichomes throughout (vs. 2-branched trichomes throughout) and ovate wings capsule (vs. triangular). A description, ecological comments, illustrations, color photographs, and a provisional IUCN conservation assessment of this species are provided. Begonia tamoiana is preliminarily classified as Vulnerable (VU) due to its very small populations and restricted distribution.

Unravelling relationships and inferring the biogeographic history of a group of herbaceous bamboos from the Northeast Atlantic Forest (Piresia: Olyreae: Bambusoideae)

Abstract Phylogenies with complex evolutionary histories commonly reflect different evolutionary processes that genes and species may undergo, especially groups with low internal resolution, such as Piresia, a South American herbaceous bamboo genus. Diversification in Piresia is probably recent and associated with hybridization, polyploidization, sympatric speciation, and tropical forest dynamics, creating intricate phylogenetic relationships with paraphyletic and/or cryptic species. In this study, we compare phylogenies generated from six different molecular markers to better estimate and understand the relationships within the genus Piresia, focusing on species from the Atlantic Forest (AF), including the paraphyletic taxa P. leptophylla. We also applied a biogeographic approach to understand the processes influencing the evolutionary history of Piresia. The biogeographic analyses reveal that Piresia originated during the Pliocene and diversified in the Pleistocene, probably influenced by climatic fluctuations. Our results indicate that there is a phylogenetic disjunction between Amazonian and AF species, and low phylogenetic resolution within the latter. Besides, the phylogenetic results retrieved the evolutionary history of Piresia based on the AF lineages (AFI, AFII, AFIII) for the Atlantic Forest.

Distinct morphophysiological responses of the native C4 grasses Axonopus siccus and Eragrostis polytricha to shading

Light, an important abiotic factor that shapes plant growth, is explored here in its impact on two native C4 grasses of campo rupestre, an important and unique montane ecoregion in Brazil that occurs across the biomes Cerrado, Atlantic Forest and Caatinga. Axonopus siccus and Eragrostis polytricha seedlings were subjected to two light conditions: (i) artificial shading and (ii) full sun. The evaluations included growth, nutrition, photosynthesis, leaf anatomy, and metabolism. Shading influenced most of the growth parameters of E. polytricha but left A. siccus morphology almost unchanged. The parameters of leaf anatomy, nutrient content, and chlorophyll a fluorescence exhibited consistent patterns between species. In particular, A. siccus showed higher Amax and light compensation point in shaded conditions, while E. polytricha revealed distinctive changes in carbon metabolism (soluble sugars, sucrose, and starch content), explaining its increased shade growth. These findings underscore various light stress responses in these native C4 grasses.

Stand structure and Brazilian pine as key determinants of carbon stock in a subtropical Atlantic forest.

Understanding the drivers of variations in carbon stocks is essential for developing the effective management strategies that contribute to mitigating climate change. Although a positive relationship between biodiversity and the aboveground carbon (AGC) has been widely reported for various Brazilian forest types, representing a win-win scenario for climate change mitigation, this association has not been commonly found in Brazilian subtropical forests. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Araucaria angustifolia, stand structure and species diversity in shaping AGC stocks in Brazilian subtropical mixed forest. We hypothesized that the effects on the AGC of stand structure and diversity would be mediated by A. angustifolia. We also evaluated the expectation of higher carbon stocks in protected forest as a result of their positive correlation with biodiversity conservation. We found that stand structure, followed by A. angustifolia, played the most important role in shaping the AGC stock. Our hypothesis was partially confirmed, the indirect effects of A. angustifolia on stand structure being found to have shaped the AGC. Similarly, our expectation was partially supported, with the higher AGC in the protected area being related not to diversity, but rather to the presence of larger trees, denser stands, and a greater abundance of A. angustifolia. Although the win-win strategy between diversity conservation and carbon storage is not a peculiarity of Araucaria forests, we highlight the potential of these forests as a nature-based climate solution, maintaining high levels of carbon storage in harmony with the provision of keystone socio-economic resources.