Atlantic Forest Research Articles

Exposing illegal hunting and wildlife depletion in the world's largest tropical country through social media data.

Globally, illegal sport hunting can threaten prey populations when unregulated. Due to its covert nature, illegal sport hunting poses challenges for data collection, hindering efforts to understand the full extent of its impacts. We gathered social media data to analyze patterns of illegal sport hunting and wildlife depletion across Brazil. We collected data for 2years (2018-2020) across 5 Facebook groups containing posts depicting pictures of illegal sport hunting events of native fauna. We described and mapped these hunting events by detailing the number of hunters involved, the number of species, the mean body mass of individuals, and the number and biomass of individuals hunted per unit area, stratified by Brazilian biome. We also examined the effects of defaunation on hunting yield and composition via regression models, rank-abundance curves, and spatial interpolation. We detected 2046 illegal sport hunting posts portraying the hunting of 4658 animals (∼29t of undressed meat) across all 27 states and 6 natural biomes of Brazil. Of 157 native species targeted by hunters, 19 are currently threatened with extinction. We estimated that 1414 hunters extracted 3251kg/millionkm2. Some areas exhibited more pronounced wildlife depletion, in particular the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes. In these areas, there was a shift from large mammals and reptiles to small birds as the main targeted taxa, and biomass extracted per hunting event and mean body mass across all taxonomic groups were lower than in other areas. Our results highlight that illegal sport hunting adds to the pressures of subsistence hunting and the wild meat trade on Brazil's wildlife populations. Enhanced surveillance efforts are needed to reduce illegal sport hunting levels and to develop well-managed sustainable sport hunting programs. These can support wildlife conservation and offer incentives for local communities to oversee designated sport hunting areas.

Species persistence and climatic stability have shaped plant communities of the Atlantic forest biodiversity hotspot

ABSTRACT Background The remarkable floristic diversity of the Atlantic Forest is partly related to the diversity of environmental conditions across its vast geographic extent that has resulted in distinct plant communities. Four areas (Pernambuco, Bahia and Northern Espírito Santo, São Paulo, and Araguaia-Tocantins refugia) have been hypothesised to have particularly high modern diversity due to their being located in areas of multi-millennial climate stability. Aims To test if species persistence and climatic stability over the last 21,000 years can predict hypothesised refugia in the Atlantic Forest domain. Methods We modelled the distributions of 282 tree species from various habitats and projected them using eight past climate scenarios in the last c. 21000 years. Based on the spatial overlaps among these projections, we inferred three types of refugia: species persistence refugium based on probability of occurrence, climatic stability refugium based on climate suitability and bioclimatic refugium based on the intersection of the previous two. We validated model projections with fossil pollen data. Results We identified five potential bioclimatic refugia (Bahia and Northern Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Paranaíba, Serra do Espinhaço and Subtropical Serra do Mar) and one climatic stability refugium (Pernambuco). Conclusions We validated three of four previously hypothesised refugia and detected two additional ones by considering both species persistence and climatic stability as key determinants of refugia.

Contribution to the taxonomy of Oxytrigona Cockerell, 1917 (Apidae, Meliponini)

The stingless bees of the genus Oxytrigona Cockerell are popularly known as “fire bees”, due to their unique habit of spitting a caustic secretion when disturbed. Currently, this neotropical genus includes 11 valid species distributed from southern Brazil, throughout most of South and Central America, reaching southern Mexico. They are especially diverse in the Amazon, where five species are recorded. Although Oxytrigona exhibits a very distinctive morphology in relation to other stingless bees, species are often difficult to identify, having blurred limits due to intraspecific variation. In the present contribution the taxonomy of Oxytrigona is revisited, based on novel findings since the last taxonomic accounts were made. Oxytrigona tataira (Smith, 1863) is reinterpreted on the basis of new evidence regarding the provenance of its type material. The whereabouts of the type material of Oxytrigona cagafogo (Müller, 1874) sp. ressur. are discussed, and the species is resurrected from synonymy, representing a common bee occurring in the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil. Oxytrigona huaoranii Gonzalez & Roubik, 2008 is considered a junior synonym of Oxytrigona mellicolor (Packard, 1869) syn. nov., and the identity of the species is clarified. The whereabouts of the type material of Oxytrigona flaveola (Friese, 1900) are discussed. Three new species are described: Oxytrigona banana sp. nov. from Brazil and Paraguay; Oxytrigona pallida sp. nov. from northern South America and Central America; and Oxytrigona sauronica sp. nov. from Colombia. Distribution maps and a revised key are provided. Although the taxonomy of Oxytrigona species has been improved, questions remain about some species complexes. Implementation of tools from phylogeography is encouraged in order to improve our understanding of the species boundaries.

From Leaves to Reproductive Organs: Chemodiversity and Chemophenetics of Essential Oils as Important Tools to Evaluate Piper mollicomum Kunth Chemical Ecology Relevance in the Neotropics.

Piper mollicomum Kunth (Piperaceae) plays a vital role in the preservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest by contributing to the regeneration of deforested areas. Recent scientific investigations have analyzed the chemical constituents and seasonal dynamics of essential oils (EO) from various Piper L. species, highlighting the need to elucidate their chemical-ecological interactions. This study aims to expand the chemical-ecological knowledge of this important taxon in neotropical forests, using P. mollicomum as a model. The methodologies employed include the collection of plant material, EO extraction by hydrodistillation, analysis of EO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), recording the frequency of visits by potential pollinators and microclimatic variables, and by conducting calculations of chemodiversity and chemophenetic indices. Chemical analyses indicated that the diversity of EO and environmental factors are linked to the activities of potential pollinators. In the Tijuca Forest, P. mollicomum revealed significant interactions between its volatile constituents and microclimatic variables, showing that the chemodiversity of the leaves and reproductive organs correlates with pollinator visitation. Additionally, a notable difference in chemical evenness was observed between these vegetative structures. The chemophenetic indices by Ramos and Moreira also revealed correlations with chemical diversity.

In Vitro evaluation of probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from juçara fruit native to the Atlantic Forest

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the microorganisms most commonly used as probiotics. Since probiotic benefits are strain-dependent, there is a continuous need for research into new cultures with probiotic properties. Fruits such as juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius), a palm species from the Atlantic Forest threatened with extinction, are rich niches for microorganisms, including LAB. This study investigated the probiotic properties of Lactococcus lactis J7 and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides JF17 strains isolated from juçara fruits native to the Atlantic Forest. Probiotic characteristics, such as tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal fluids or juices, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation properties, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and technological properties were evaluated. The survival rate of L. lactis J7 and L. pseudomesenteroides JF17 decreased after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions; however, L. lactis J7 was more resistant, maintaining viability at the end of the enteric phase of 6.07 ± 0.16 log CFU mL-1. The J7 strain also exhibited the highest values in hydrophobicity (12.55 ± 0.52%), autoaggregation (25.63 ± 0.75%), and coaggregation capacity with E. coli ATCC 25922 (21.52 ± 0.98%) and S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 (22.68 ± 1.01%). Both J7 and JF17 strains demonstrated antimicrobial activity, confirmed by the multilayer agar plate system. Additionally, the growth of the strains was temperature-dependent, and they were able to thrive in high concentrations of sodium chloride (6%). Thus, L. lactis J7 is a promising probiotic candidate for the development of functional products. Nevertheless, further studies using animal models are necessary to explore the properties of these probiotic bacteria. Novel strains isolated from fruits should be studied to broaden the application of probiotic microorganisms in the development of foods and medicines.

Polypore fungus beetles (Coleoptera: Tetratomidae) in a remnant of semi-deciduous forest of the Brazilian Cerrado: checklist and the description of a new species of Eustrophopsis Champion, 1889

Tetratomidae Billberg, 1820 is a small family of tenebrionoid beetles that primarily feed on polypore fungi. Their Neotropical diversity remains poorly known, with most recent studies concentrating on Nearctic and Palearctic species. The few records from the neotropics are from samplings in the Atlantic Forest or Amazon Rainforest. Here we present illustrations of genitalia and photos of two species of Eustrophopsis Champion, 1889, E. laurae sp. nov. and E. bilunulata Pic, 1912. The samplings were carried out with malaise traps in the Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco (PEAMP), Goiás, Brazil, a remnant Cerrado mostly covered by semi-deciduous forest. These species represent the first records of Tetratomidae for the Brazilian Cerrado since their original descriptions, elucidating the paucity of studies on the fauna of Coleoptera in Brazil. This research is part of our ongoing efforts to better understand the insect diversity of this region, especially in current scenarios of rapid deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Density, occupancy and detectability of tortoise species (Chelonoidis spp.) in the Atlantic Forest: implications for conservation and management

ABSTRACT Understanding the distribution, abundance and detectability of species is pivotal for effective conservation and management strategies. This study investigated the populations of Chelonoidis denticulatus and Chelonoidis carbonarius within one of the largest remnants of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil (Vale Natural Reserve). The aim was to evaluate species abundance, factors influencing occupancy and detectability, and implications for conservation. Sampling occurred from 2015 to 2018 across 24 line transects. We measured climate and landscape variables potentially associated with species occurrence in each transect. We used the Royle–Nichols model to estimate abundance, while occupancy modelling assessed occupancy, detectability, and the effects of variables. The estimated population size of both species (C. denticulatus: 153 individuals, C. carbonarius: 105 individuals) was notably lower than in Amazonian areas. Detectability surged after rainfall, exceeding 70% with at least 55 mm of rain on the prior day. Occupancy of C. denticulatus correlated positively with forest cover, while both species were negatively affected by distance from water. The study’s findings signal potential critical conditions for Chelonoidis species in the Atlantic Forest. The small estimated populations, coupled with their reliance on water availability and forest cover for occupancy and detectability, pose significant conservation challenges. As climate change threatens the planet, these factors assume heightened significance. Given the alarming scenario of potentially critical population status within the Atlantic Forest, urgent attention is needed for robust conservation strategies. Strengthening ecological knowledge specific to this biome is essential to developing effective measures that counter the impacts of habitat loss, climate change and other threats. This study underscores the importance of preserving water resources and forest cover within the Atlantic Forest to secure the future of Chelonoidis species and highlights the need for comprehensive, targeted conservation efforts.

A new addition to the toolbox: stone tool use in blonde capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius).

The use of tools played a central role in human culture and evolution. Early studies with apes demonstrated the tool use; however, currently the works have focused on Platyrrhine, particularly capuchin monkeys. Blonde capuchin monkeys, Sapajus flavius, have been observed using sticks to fish for termites in the Atlantic Forest, where this species has been extensively studied. In this study, we presented the first evidence of stone tool use by the blonde capuchin monkeys, as well as the dimensions and weight of these tools. We gathered data from three areas of Caatinga dry forest where we discovered this new tool use among the species. The mean weight of the hammers was 475.7g (± 142 SD). The mean height of the anvils was 48.3cm (± 18.7 SD), while the mean surface area of the anvils was 1.2 m2 (± 0.4 SD). We identified fruits and/ornuts from three plant species-Prunus dulces, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, and Syagrus coronate-near the anvils at the study sites. Additionally, we passively observed six instances of stone tool use by blonde capuchin monkeys. Their use of stones to crack encased foods mirrored behaviors previously reported in Sapajus libidinosus, a species well known for using stone tools to exploit hard nuts. Our findings place blonde capuchin monkeys among the list of primates that utilize stones as tools, highlighting the species' adaptability in exploiting resources within the Caatinga. Long-term studies are essentials to comprehend the use pattern of stone tools (across both general and seasonal perspectives) and the influence of variables, such as fruit hardness, distance to watercourses, and fruit availability on the use of this technology by this primate.

Mitonuclear and phenotypic discordance in an Atlantic Forest frog hybrid zone.

Discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA is common among animals and can be the result of a number of evolutionary processes, including incomplete lineage sorting and introgression. Particularly relevant in contact zones, mitonuclear discordance is expected because the mitochondrial genome is haploid and primarily uniparentally inherited, whereas nuclear loci are evolving at slower rates. In addition, when closely related taxa come together in hybrid zones, the distribution of diagnostic phenotypic characters and their concordance with the mitochondrial or nuclear lineages can also inform on historical and ongoing dynamics within hybrid zones. Overall, genetic and phenotypic discordances provide evidence for evolutionary divergence and processes that maintain boundaries among sister species or lineages. In this study, we characterized patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation in a contact zone between Cycloramphus dubius and Cycloramphus boraceiensis, two sister species of frogs endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil. We examined genomic-scale nuclear diversification across 19 populations, encompassing the two parental forms and a contact zone between them. We compared the distribution of genomic DNA variability with that of a mitochondrial locus (16S) and two morphological traits (dorsal tubercles and body size). Our results reveal multiple divergent lineages with ongoing admixture. We detected discordance in patterns of introgression across the three data types. Cycloramphus dubius males are significantly larger than C. boraceiensis males, and we posit that competition among males in the hybrid zone, coupled with mate choice by females, may be one mechanism leading to patterns of introgression observed between the species.

Diversity of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Diptera: Oestroidea) in a forested area in the municipality of Macaé, RJ, Brazil

Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae are families of Diptera that cover, respectively, about 3,100 and 1,000 species described worldwide. The species of these families have medical and veterinary importance, due to their role as vectors of pathogenic agents. The Diptera fauna is little known in many Brazilian ecosystems, including some phytophysiognomies of the Atlantic Forest. In the present study, two expeditions were carried out, one in the rainy season and the other in the dry season, using four traps baited with fish and exposed for 48 hours in the field in the Parque Natural Municipal Atalaia in the municipality of Macaé. The collected material was sorted and assembled at Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade - NUPEM/UFRJ and transported to Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Sistemática de Diptera - Museu Nacional, UFRJ (MNRJ), for later identification. A total number of 712 specimens of Calliphoridae and 27 of Sarcophagidae were collected. The sampling effort for Sarcophagidae collection was average, since the species accumulation curve continues to rise, unlike the Calliphoridae curve, which remains stable. The study included species considered asynanthropic, as Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani, 1850) (Calliphoridae), but also invasive species, like those of the genus Chrysomya Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Calliphoridae). Therefore, the present study contributed to expand knowledge about both families in the Atlantic Forest, in Rio de Janeiro, and emphasized the importance of continuing studies in the region, as many species are asynanthropic, while others are invasive, which can result in the inhibition of the native ones.

Casting light out of shadows: Assessing the coverage of data on endemic firefly distribution in the Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest holds the greatest diversity of fireflies on Earth. Although the knowledge about lampyrids in the Atlantic Forest has increased in the last 10 years thanks to the efforts of new taxonomists and ecologists, both the total number of species and their geographic ranges remain largely unknown. Furthermore, the Atlantic Forest has been facing intense deforestation since the XV century, and now only 23 % of the natural vegetation cover remains, resulting in high vulnerability of its endemic species. Here, we assess the quality and coverage of the information available on the distribution of Lampyridae fireflies; i.e. the extent of the so-called Wallacean shortfall. To do this, we used a database that comprises 3010 records with geospatial and taxonomic information to evaluate the overall coverage of the geographical and environmental distribution of fireflies in the Atlantic Forest. Our assessment shows that the knowledge of Atlantic Forest's firefly diversity and distribution presents significant spatial and climatic biases. Firefly species remain largely under-collected in the Atlantic Forest; only around 16 % of its grid cells at a 50 km scale are well-sampled, and most of them are located in the Serra do Mar bioregion. The location of well-sampled cells is conditioned by recorders’ survey bias and is particularly biased towards protected areas, large forest remnants, the proximity to institutions holding entomological collections, and light-polluted sites surrounding urban spaces. Our findings also highlight that a considerable number of firefly species may remain undiscovered, which adds to the lack of reliable information on the geographic location of many valid species. Based on this assessment, we further point to areas where more sampling effort would provide maximum benefits in terms of geographical and environmental coverage, thus maximizing its value for biodiversity knowledge and conservation.

Species of Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) occurring in an Atlantic Rainforest fragment, Bahia, Brazil: new records reported

Species of Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) occurring in an Atlantic Rainforest fragment, Bahia, Brazil: new records reported

Genetic and phenotypic differentiation in Thamnophilus ruficapillus, a Neotropical passerine with disjunct distribution in the Andean and Atlantic forests

Genetic and phenotypic differentiation in <i>Thamnophilus ruficapillus</i>, a Neotropical passerine with disjunct distribution in the Andean and Atlantic forests

DETERMINATION OF FUNCTIONAL GROUPS OF TREE SPECIES IN AN INSULAR ENVIRONMENT

The Atlantic Forest is the third largest biome in Brazil, but currently, approximately 12.4% of its native vegetation remains. Given its importance and structural complexity, studies that contribute to its conservation appeal have been increasingly requested. In this context, the functional approach has helped improve the understanding of the coexistence patterns of tree species in forest communities. This separation of species into functional groups aims to highlight the functioning of one or more processes of interest. The present study aimed to identify the functional groups, richness, and diversity of the vegetation of Ilha dos Remédios, located in the municipality of Balneário Barra do Sul/SC. The island has an area of approximately 246,013 m² and is 1.5 km from the mainland. To identify the arboreal vegetation, sampling was conducted using the 100 m² plot method. A total of 244 individuals were sampled, belonging to 26 species from 18 families, divided into 3 functional groups through Cluster Analysis. A low diversity of functional groups was recorded, with an overlap of these groups in some ecological attributes, corroborating the trend towards functional redundancy in historically degraded areas such as the study area.

Synopsis of Akamboja (Coleoptera: Phengodidae): new species, synonym, new records and remarks on abdominal morphology for the genus

Akamboja Roza et al., 2017 (Phengodidae: Mastinocerinae) was described to include five species, all from Atlantic Forest, which are characterized by having ten segmented antennae, biflabellate from antennomeres IV-VIII, and with fused flabellae on antennomere IX. The genus comprises six species today, including one from Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) with the IX antennomere flabellae not fused. In this paper, we describe seven new species based on specimens from seven entomological collections: Akamboja ganhoae sp. nov., Akamboja kumagaiae sp. nov., Akamboja microphthalmus sp. nov., Akamboja peckorum sp. nov., Akamboja piauiensis sp. nov., Akamboja planautensis sp. nov., and Akamboja wittmeri sp. nov. These new species include new biome records for Brazil (Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazonia), and the first species of the genus from Venezuela and Argentina. The seven new species fit in the genus diagnosis, but presents an antennal morphological variation in the flabellae of the antennomere VIII-IX: fusion of flabellae in antennomeres IX, in both antennomeres VIII and IX, or the absence of any fusion in any flabellae. Based on this variation, we propose an updated diagnosis for the genus. We also discuss and propose Akamboja caparaoensis Roza et al., 2017 as a new junior synonym of Akamboja cleidae Roza et al., 2017, and provide new distributional records for A. minimum Roza et al., 2017 and A. insularis Roza et al., 2018. Additionally, we describe for the first time in the genus the abdominal membranous projection present in several Mastinocerinae, but previously ignored, as well as the morphology of tergites IX, and X, and sternite IX.

A new species of Oxalis sect. Holophyllum (Oxalidaceae) from the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, discovered with the help of citizen science

A new species of Oxalis sect. Holophyllum restricted to the Atlantic Forest of the State of Espírito Santo (Brazil) is described. This species can be distinguished from others of the section by the leaf blades up to ca. 1.6× longer than wide, adaxially with very abundant, patent hairs, phyllodial peduncles shorter than the leaves, distally enlarged and hiding floral buds and young fruits underneath, and flowers with yellow corolla. A morphological description with taxonomic notes and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status are presented here, as well as a photographic plate, and a geographic distribution map for the new species. An identification key for the species of O. sect. Holophyllum with the peduncle wider distally than proximally is also provided.

Long-term assessment of fire-induced carbon loss in Southeast Atlantic Forest

Fires threaten tropical forests such as Atlantic Forest in Brazil, compromising the ecosystem service of carbon stock. However, there is a literature gap regarding these studies in these ecosystems. Therefore, we conducted this analysis in different land use and land cover (LULC) classes, considering seasonality and topographic, hydrological, anthropogenic and fire variables correlations, during 2000-2020. The InVEST Carbon model was used, applied to carbon biomass pre-fire and pos-fire, based on field work and linear regression, weighted by pre- and post-fire NBR spectral index. The results, in 21 years, revealed a total loss after fire of 55.7GgC (43%), and of these, 79% is in old-growth Ombrophilous dense. In general, fire negatively impacts the carbon stock of native forests by an average of 38% (ranging from 19.9% to 69.1%, depending on phytophysiognomy and seasonality), Eucalyptus plantations by 87.1%, high-altitude grasslands by 79.5% and pasture in 90.4%. Burn frequency and severity as well as distance from rivers and roads were significantly correlated with carbon loss. A small portion of this biome has shown a high potential for fire-induced carbon loss, indicating a danger for the whole Atlantic Forest conservation and to international agreements commitments.

Growth conditions of tree species relative to climate change and sea level rise in low-lying Mid Atlantic coastal forests

IntroductionCoastal forests occupy low-lying elevations, typically adjacent to tidal salt marshes. Exposed to increased flooding with sea level rise, coastal forests have retreated as salt marshes advance upslope. Coastal forests likely currently experience periodic tidal flooding, but whether they temporarily accommodate or quickly succumb to rising sea level under changing climatic conditions remains a complex question. Disentangling how tidal flooding and climate affect tree growth is important for gauging which coastal forests are most at risk of loss with increasing sea levels.MethodsHere, dendrochronology was used to study tree growth relative to climate variables and tidal flooding. Specifically, gradients in environmental conditions were compared to species-specific (Pinus taeda, Pinus rigida, Ilex opaca) growth in coastal forests of two estuaries (Delaware and Barnegat Bays). Gradient boosted linear regression, a machine learning approach, was used to investigate tree growth responses across gradients in temperature, precipitation, and tidal water levels. Whether tree ring widths increased or decreased with changes in each parameter was compared to predictions for seasonal climate and mean high water level to identify potential vulnerabilities.ResultsThese comparisons suggested that climate change as well as increased flood frequency will have mixed, and often non-linear, effects on coastal forests. Variation in responses was observed across sites and within species, supporting that site-specific conditions have a strong influence on coastal forest response to environmental change.DiscussionSite- and species-specific factors will be important considerations for managing coastal forests given increasing tidal flood frequencies and climatic changes.

Ecotones as Windows into Organismal-to-Biome Scale Responses across Neotropical Forests.

Tropical forests are incredibly diverse in structure and function. Despite, or perhaps because of, this diversity, tropical biologists often conduct research exclusively in one or perhaps a few forest types. Rarely do we study the ecotone-the interstitial region between forest types. Ecotones are hyper-diverse, dynamic systems that control the flow of energy and organisms between adjacent ecosystems, with their locations determined by species' physiological limits. In this review, we describe how studying ecotones can provide key indicators for monitoring the state of Neotropical forests from organisms to ecosystems. We first describe how ecotones have been studied in the past and summarize our current understanding of tropical ecotones. Next, we provide three example lines of research focusing on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of the ecotone between tropical dry forests and desert; between tropical dry and rainforests; and between Cerrado and Atlantic rainforests, with the latter being a particularly well-studied ecotone. Lastly, we outline methods and tools for studying ecotones that combine remote sensing, new statistical techniques, and field-based forest dynamics plot data, among others, for understanding these important systems.

Bird richness at Sítio do Sol in Cabreúva, State of São Paulo, Brazil

The Atlantic Forest biome has suffered great devastation but still possesses a vast biological and endemic richness, making its preservation essential. The Atlantic Forest fragments located in the interior of the state of São Paulo have not been studied as much as other areas, mainly in the municipality of Cabreúva. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the bird richness of the Sítio do Sol property, in Cabreúva, São Paulo. The study was carried out from August 2021 to September 2022, covering seasonality. The findings revealed that 193 species were registered, distributed among 52 families, and 23 orders, with a predominance of the Passeriformes order and the Tyrannidae family. The most observed trophic guild among species was insectivorous, accounting for 78 (41%) species, followed by omnivorous with 59 (31%) species, carnivorous 18 (9%), frugivorous 16 (8%), granivorous 12 (6%), nectarivorous 8 (4%), and detritivorous species 2 (1%), with lower richness. This study is one of the few bird surveys carried out in the municipality of Cabreúva and indicates that even in small forest fragments, there is a considerable species richness. Developing more fauna surveys and management plans for the species present in the area is important to preserve these birds.