Atlantic Forest Of Northeastern Brazil Research Articles

A wingless fly on a winged mammal: host-parasite dynamics between Basilia travassosi (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) and Myotis lavali (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae).

Nycteribiidae encompasses a specialized group of wingless blood-sucking flies that parasitize bats worldwide. Such relationships are frequently species- or genus-specific, indicating unique eco-evolutionary processes. However, despite this significance, comprehensive studies on the relationships of these flies with their hosts, particularly in the New World, have been scarce. Here, we provide a detailed description of the parasitological patterns of nycteribiid flies infesting a population of Myotis lavali bats in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, considering the potential influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the establishment of nycteribiids on bat hosts. From July 2014 to June 2015, we captured 165 M. lavali bats and collected 390 Basilia travassosi flies. Notably, B. travassosi displayed a high prevalence and was the exclusive fly species parasitizing M. lavali in the surveyed area. Moreover, there was a significant predominance of female flies, indicating a female-biased pattern. The distribution pattern of the flies was aggregated; most hosts exhibited minimal or no parasitism, while a minority displayed heavy infestation. Sexually active male bats exhibited greater susceptibility to parasitism compared to their inactive counterparts, possibly due to behavioral changes during the peak reproductive period. We observed a greater prevalence and abundance of flies during the rainy season, coinciding with the peak reproductive phase of the host species. No obvious correlation was observed between the parasite load and bat body mass. Our findings shed light on the intricate dynamics of nycteribiid-bat interactions and emphasize the importance of considering various factors when exploring bat-parasite associations.

Unveiling the life of the Neotropical resin bee Dicranthidium arenarium (Ducke, 1907) (Megachilinae, Anthidiini)

Dicranthidium arenarium (Ducke, 1907) is a solitary bee distributed along the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes in Northern Brazil. Although it is often sampled in faunistic inventories, its biology is still poorly known. We therefore studied the biology of D. arenarium to understand and compare the patterns of behavior, seasonality, nidification, and its natural enemies in different biomes where it appears. In order to achieve this goal, trap nests were installed and monitored in areas of Caatinga and Atlantic Forest in Northeastern Brazil over one year. We described, illustrated, and discussed their nest architecture, nesting behavior, mortality rates, and sex ratio. Additionally, the behavior of the Austrostelis appendiculata (Ducke, 1910) in D. arenarium nests was observed and described for the first time, showing a similar pattern to that of the other cleptoparasites lineages of Epanthidiina. Their distribution in distinct biomes, the multivoltine cycle, and the plasticity in the use of cavities showed that D. arenarium is a promising species for conservation and pollination programs in natural, urban, and agricultural environments.

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION AND THE FIRST TAXONOMIC SYNTHESIS OF TERRESTRIAL CYANOBACTERIA FROM THE ATLANTIC FOREST IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Cyanobacteria are very morphological diverse and the taxonomic inventories are the basis of the knowledge about their biodiversity. However, these studies have decreased in the last years, mainly due to advances in molecular techniques, evenness these tools have their limitations, like sequence libraries. In order to reveal the importance of taxonomic inventories to little known organisms and unexplored areas, the present study was carried out with terrestrial cyanobacteria from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, compared to results with the state of the art of this group in the country. A total of 60 infrageneric taxa were found and 62.8% of identified species were new records to northeastern Brazil. Most of the previous studies were performed in the state of São Paulo (>70%) and half of the country has no records of terrestrial cyanobacteria due to the lack of studies. Thus, taxonomic surveys are still important to understand the cyanobacterial distribution and to characterize rare taxa and the biodiversity from unstudied areas and habitats.

First record of Peropteryx leucoptera (Chiroptera, Emballonuridae) for the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil and additional records for the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest

Abstract Peropteryx leucoptera is a widespread species in the Neotropics but with a disjunct distribution in Northern South America and a separated population in the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil. Here we present new records of this species for Northeastern Brazil, the first records for the Caatinga biome and for the states of Bahia and Rondônia. These new records represent a major range extension and establishes a new southern limit of occurrence for the species. We also examined and provide measurements of other specimens and present an updated map with the distribution of P. leucoptera in South America.

Activity patterns of domestic dogs and native terrestrial mammals in the Tapacurá Ecological Station, Brazil

Domestic dogs are a threat to biodiversity. We evaluated the activity patterns of domestic dogs and terrestrial mammals in a patch of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil. We expected native mammals to change their temporal pattern of activity in the presence of domestic dogs. We installed 16 camera traps in 2019 (January-March) and 16 cameras in 2021 (February-April), with a total effort effort of 640 trap days. We classified the activity of the species as diurnal, cathemeral, nocturnal and crepuscular. We found 274 records of 11 mammal species and overlapping activity between domestic dogs and terrestrial mammals. Coatis and agoutis were strictly diurnal in both years, while domestic dogs presented a catemanal activity pattern in 2021. Aguties and domestic dogs presented a uniform pattern, but coatis did not. Although our findings suggest a limited influence of domestic dogs on terrestrial mammals, vaccination or sterilization programs should be implemented to avoid an increase in the negative impact of dogs on native fauna.

Conservation status of Brazilian snakes inhabiting the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil

Due to the high level of disturbance in natural ecosystems and the progressive loss of habitats resulting from anthropic occupation, biodiversity conservation represents one of the greatest challenges today. Red lists of threatened species are essential tools for identifying species at risk of extinction and guiding conservation efforts. In this study, we assessed the vulnerability to extinction of 55 snake species that occur in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil in Paraíba state. We developed vulnerability indices based on 12 factors known to influence the survival of snake populations. To analyze the threat profiles and relative risk levels within the snake community, we employed principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. Additionally, we compared our findings with existing red lists of threatened species. Our results reveal that only 18% of the snake fauna in this region is free of any threat. The aquatic species Helicops angulatus and Oxyrhopus trigeminus were the snakes that presented the lowest risk of extinction, while Caaeteboia gaeli and Crotalus durissus presented the highest risk of extinction. Two groups of species were considered non-threatened and five groups were considered threatened. Our study provides the first overview on the conservation status of snake species in the northern portion of the Atlantic Forest and contributes to a better evaluation of conservation planning for this group in the region.

Morphological symmetry of Rhipidomys mastacalis (Mammalia, Rodentia, Cricetidae) in fragmented habitats of the Atlantic Forest in Northeastern Brazil: a study on the influence of the environment on an endemic species

Abstract The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has undergone significant transformation, resulting in habitat loss and the endangerment of many species of mammals and other vertebrates. In this study, the presence of fluctuating asymmetry of four anatomical structures of the arboreal rodent Rhipidomys mastacalis was evaluated using geometric morphometrics. The study focused on adult specimens collected in a mosaic of vegetation composed of forested vegetation, occupancy mosaics in forested areas, and cocoa plantations. The results showed significant values of fluctuating asymmetries in all structures and in all areas. The skulls and scapulae showed the highest values of asymmetry in forested vegetation and cocoa plantations, while the mandibles showed the greatest values in forested vegetation, and the pelvis in occupancy mosaics and cocoa plantations. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have evaluated developmental stability in mammals and suggest that high asymmetry values indicate an effect on different phases of ontogeny, which can harm the survival of a species in future generations. Overall, this study provides important insights into the impacts of habitat fragmentation on Rhipidomys mastacalis and highlights the need for conservation efforts to preserve the integrity of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and its diverse range of wildlife.

Fruiting phenology in Aspidosperma discolor and implications for seed dispersal and population distribution

Abstract We investigated Aspidosperma discolor fruiting in three subpopulations in the inland Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil, to better understand how local and global factors (such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation - ENSO) drive fruiting, and how functional traits are related to its dispersal potential and spatial distribution. Observations of mature fruits with dispersing seeds were carried out between 1993 and 2012. Dispersal potential was evaluated using seeds released at two different heights. Spatial distribution was analyzed using the Standardized Morisita dispersal index. A. discolor displayed seasonal fruiting during the dry season in all subpopulations, with variations in their average dates but without significant interannual variations in the proportions of fruiting individuals. The undulate seeds had average dispersal distances between 57.36 and 79.54 m. We found a random distribution pattern of the trees. The seasonal dry/rainy regime influenced fruiting and dispersal patterns, and seeds were released during the dry season (even in ENSO years). So, we demonstrate the importance of wind dispersal as a driving factor of fruiting, associated with an abiotic filter (low humidity) during the dry season. Additionally, the aerodynamic nature of the undulate diaspore and its dispersal potential influenced the random pattern of spatial distribution of A. discolor.

Review of Community-Based Conservation Initiatives for Protecting a Primary Atlantic Forest Remnant: A Case Study

Effective forest conservation should go hand in hand with collaboration of the surrounding local communities. Bringing advancement and relief to marginalized communities is pivotal for conservation initiatives, with the objective of cultivating a sustainable ecosystem while protecting indigenous biodiversity. The linchpin for developing successful partnerships begins with fostering a shared understanding of the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. This awareness can be nurtured by interactive education and tangible outcomes that illuminate the profound long-term benefits of conscientious environmental stewardship. Therefore, an emphasis on community-driven conservation and environmental education becomes imperative, serving as a conduit for disseminating crucial information, fostering practical knowledge, and nurturing the attitudes and skills essential in the quest for environmental protection and sustainable development. Education, in this context, operates as a reciprocal process, demanding that educators glean insights from the local populace to effectively tailor strategies that elevate and empower them toward sustainable advancement. This dynamic interaction is where capacity development (CD) becomes indispensable. This paper delves into the unfolding of a series of conservation endeavors, initially driven by Anita Studer’s commitment to preserving a fragment of the primary Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. Evolving into a four-decade educational journey, the actions taken showcase enduring ripple effects across 14 states in Brazil, presenting a comprehensive survey of applied techniques in this unique context. The resources required to achieve collective conservation goals witness a continual upswing, a trend expounded in this paper. Hence, we have chronicled the history, methodology, and projects that transpired in response to the ever-evolving community needs. We will also look at the results and discuss the advancement that ensues following the CBD targets and goals presented at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference.

Quantifying Soil Complexity Using Fisher Shannon Method on 3D X-ray Computed Tomography Scans.

The conversion of native forest into agricultural land, which is common in many parts of the world, poses important questions regarding soil degradation, demanding further efforts to better understand the effect of land use change on soil functions. With the advent of 3D computed tomography techniques and computing power, new methods are becoming available to address this question. In this direction, in the current work we implement a modification of the Fisher-Shannon method, borrowed from information theory, to quantify the complexity of twelve 3D CT soil samples from a sugarcane plantation and twelve samples from a nearby native Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil. The distinction found between the samples from the sugar plantation and the Atlantic forest site is quite pronounced. The results at the level of 91.7% accuracy were obtained considering the complexity in the Fisher-Shannon plane. Atlantic forest samples are found to be generally more complex than those from the sugar plantation.

New records on Fomitiporia and Fuscoporia (Hymenochaetaceae) in areas of the Atlantic Forest in Northeastern Brazil

During collections carried out in the Atlantic Forest in Northeastern Brazil, specimens belonging to Fomitiporia and Fuscoporia were collected. The morphological and molecular analyses of ITS and nLSU regions confirmed that they represent Fomitiporia conyana, Fo. maxonii, Fo. neotropica, Fuscoporia atlantica, Fu. formosana, Fu. licnoides and Fu. scruposa, some of them new records for areas of Atlantic Forest in Brazil as well as for the states of Alagoas, Bahia and Pernambuco.

FOREST FRAGMENTATION IN AN UNREGULATED PROTECTED AREA ON THE ATLANTIC COAST OF BRAZIL

Brazilian protected areas are subjected to an intense process of fragmentation due to the lack of environmental regularization and anthropic activities inside them. This study evaluates the forest fragmentation of the Alto Cariri National Park inside the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. The mapping of forest fragments was performed with the visual interpretation of a satellite image, analyzed based on landscape metrics and physical and topographic conditions. The results show a high forest fragmentation, which is responsible for the segmentation of the forest patch into 120 fragments, predominantly smaller than 5 ha, with an irregular shape and incident edge effect. The obstacles to the preservation of the Atlantic Forest are due to the irregular use of these areas for the production of cattle in pastures and the lack of agility of the public power to implement the expropriation of the population, the drafting of a management plan and decision make.

Litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under secondary forest and managed and abandoned cocoa agroforestry systems.

Cocoa is an important tropical tree crop that is mainly cultivated in agroforestry systems (AFS). This system, known as cabruca in northeastern Brazil, holds promise to reconcile biodiversity conservation and economic development. However, since cocoa AFS alters forest structure composition, it can affect litter dynamics in riparian zones and streams. Thus, our objective was to determine litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under three types of forest: managed cocoa AFS, abandoned cocoa AFS, and secondary forest. We determined terrestrial litter fall (TI), vertical (VI) and lateral (LI) litter inputs to streams, and litter standing stocks on streambeds (BS) in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Litter was collected every 30 days from August 2018 to July 2019 using custom-made traps. The litter was dried, separated into four fractions (leaves, branches, reproductive organs, and miscellaneous material) and weighed. Terrestrial litter fall was similar in all forests, ranging from 89 g m-2 month-1 in secondary forest (SF) to 96 g m-2 month-1 in abandoned cocoa AFS (AC). Vertical input were higher in AC (82 g m-2 month-1) and MC (69 g m-2 month-1) than in SF (40 g m-2 month-1), whereas lateral input were higher in MC (43 g m-2 month-1) than in AC (15 g m-2 month-1) and SF (24 g m-2 month-1). Standing stocks followed the order SF > AC > MC, corresponding to 425, 299 and 152 g m-2. Leaves contributed most to all litter fractions in all forests. Reproductive plant parts accounted for a larger proportion in managed AFS. Branches and miscellaneous litter were also similar in all forests, except for higher benthic standing stocks of miscellaneous litter in the SF. Despite differences in the amounts of litter inputs and standing stocks among the forests, seasonal patterns in the abandoned AFS (AC) were more similar to those of the secondary forest (SF) than the managed AFS, suggesting potential of abandoned AFS to restore litter dynamics resembling those of secondary forests.

Two new species of Cryptanthus (Bromelioideae, Bromeliaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil

Two new species of Cryptanthus from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil are described and illustrated. Cryptanthus pirambuensis occurs in Sergipe State and is compared to C. alagoanus, C. pickelii and C. ruthiae, from which it differs mainly by the number of flowers in the apical cluster of the inflorescence and the number of flowers in the lateral clusters of the inflorescence. Cryptanthus vinosibracteatus was discovered in Bahia State and is morphologically similar to C. arelli, but it can be differentiated by the absence of trichomes on the adaxial surface of the leaf blades, length and color of the floral bracts and sepals, and length and connation of the petals. Geographic distribution data, including a map, photographs and comments are also provided for the new species.

A New Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract— A new species from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, Jacquemontia atlantica, is described and illustrated. A distribution map, karyological characters, and an identification key for the species of that genus found in the Atlantic Forest are also provided, and its informal conservation status is assessed according to IUCN criteria. Its relationships with Jacquemontia glaucescens and other morphologically close species are discussed.

Predation on the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus (Primates, Callitrichidae) by the common boa Boa constrictor (Squamata, Boidae) in the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil

Herein, we present the first record of predation on the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) by a common boa (Boa constrictor). The incident occurred during the afternoon in a restinga environment of the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. The snake captured the marmoset on the ground when a group of seven individuals of Callithrix jacchus was traveling among the restinga trees. The group remained on the top of a tree, from 1.5 to 4 m, exhibiting an alarm vocalization and surrounding the snake throughout the ingestion process. The snake was captured, measured, and released on the same site. This case report reinforces that the callitrichids are vulnerable to predation by large snakes and present some defensive behavior.

The defense repertoire of males of Leptodactylus vastus Lutz 1930 in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil

Anurans present different defence mechanisms against predator attacks. There are more than 30 defence strategies that these animals can display in the different environments where they can be preyed upon. We analysed the defence repertoire of the species Leptodactylus vastus Lutz 1930, including the male distress call and its intra and interindividual coefficients of variation. We carried out this study in a fragment of Semideciduous Atlantic Forest at the Camocim Conservation Unit in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. The defensive displays of 30 males to different stimuli simulating a predator were analysed. We observed five types of strategies which were used by these animals separately or concomitantly: puffing up the body (100%), push movement (83.3%), distress call (33.3%), hiding (23.3%), cloacal discharge (16.6%) and spine aggression (6.6%). The analysis of intra and interindividual coefficient of variation showed that there was no acoustic variation in the distress call of this species. Understanding the defensive mechanisms of a species is important to identify the antipredatory strategies used by animals, especially in face of emerging threats, and to help to produce proposals for the conservation of neotropical species.

Parasitic infections, hematological and biochemical parameters suggest appropriate health status of wild coati populations in anthropic Atlantic Forest remnants.

Coatis are hosts of a great diversity of parasites, that due to anthropic pressures in forest fragments, like changes in landscapes and ecosystems, can influence the dynamics and physiological responses to those parasite infections, affecting the animal's health and fitness. This is the first study about health parameters and parasitic infections of wild coati (Nasua nasua) populations in the Atlantic Forest (Pernambuco Center of Endemism). The following hypotheses were evaluated: (i) infections and co-infections by gastrointestinal parasites and ectoparasites can generate changes in the health parameters of coatis such as the body condition score (BCS), packed cell volume (PCV), leukogram, and serum protein profile; (ii) biological aspects (sex and age) or fragment they inhabit, can influence changes in the health parameters (BCS, PCV, leukogram and serum protein profile). Were studied 55 free-living coatis in three anthropized forest remnants in the Metropolitan Region of Recife. After chemical containment, the animals were submitted to physical examination and collection of biological samples (blood, feces, and ectoparasites). On the physical examination, 23.6% of coatis had a low BCS and 5.4% were overweighted. Amblyomma spp. ticks were found in 83.6% of the animals of all studied remnants, A. sculptumAmblyomma sculptum in 12.7% and A. ovale in 1.8%. Regarding gastrointestinal parasites, Ancylostoma sp. was the most prevalent (80.4%) and most animals (66.7%) had co-infection with Ancylostoma sp. and Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Acanthocephala, Cestoda, and Coccidia. The 76.5% of the coatis presented co-infections with Ancylostoma spp. + Amblyomma spp. Principal coordinates analyses (PCoA) scores of health parameters were used as dependent variables and fragment, sex, age, Ancylostoma sp. infection, gastrointestinal parasites co-infection, Amblyomma spp. infestation and co-infection of Ancylostoma sp. + Amblyomma spp. as a predictor variable in the linear models. Parasites did not influence the PCV of the individuals, but a decrease was evident in adult animals. Variations in protein profile, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, without leaving the normal range for the species, but WBC were predicted by age group, and infections by Ancylostoma or Amblyomma spp., but not their co-infections. The free-living coati populations of the anthropized remnants in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil proved to be healthy and seem to be adapted to face the challenges of anthropization and parasitic infections.

A tribute to resistance: Eugenia quilombola (Myrtaceae), a new species with multilocular anthers from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil

Eugenia quilombola, a new species restricted to the northern portion of the Atlantic Forest is here described. Its sheets were previously misidentified as Eugenia umbrosa and this misquoting name have been used in scientific collections and publications until now. After 10 years of studies and discussions about its identity, Eugenia quilombola was recognized as a new taxon based on its diagnostic features of multilocular anthers and verrucose fruits (vs. rimose anther and smooth fruit in E. umbrosa). Furthermore, Eugenia quilombola has a narrow distribution in northeastern Brazil while E. umbrosa occurs in the southeastern region and in the state of Bahia.

Greening and browning trends in a tropical forest hotspot: Accounting for fragment size and vegetation indices

Greening is the increase in vegetation biomass linked to raises in CO2 emissions, nitrogen deposition, climate warming, and changes in land cover. Because greening implies land carbon storage, it can contribute to buffering climate changes. While tropical forests are responsible for an important amount of global greening, these environments have been increasingly fragmented, and fragments are thought to lose biomass over time. However, the interferences of forest fragmentation in greening and browning (decrease in vegetation biomass) balance have been an overlooked aspect of greening studies. Furthermore, the saturation of the vegetation indices often used for biomass assessment has been an important challenge for greening studies in dense tropical forests. Here we used Google Earth Engine to address greening and browning trends over the last 35 years for fragments of different sizes from a tropical hotspot, the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, and we contrasted the results obtained from two vegetation indices, the traditional NDVI, and the recently developed kNDVI. Despite the highly advanced fragmentation level, greening predominated over browning independently of fragment size (<10 ha, 10–100 ha, 100–1000 ha, and >1000 ha), occurring more frequently but with lower intensity in the larger patches. Although these tendencies did not change with the use of different vegetation indices, kNDVI proved to be more efficient to detect browning, to identify the different classes of intensity in both greening and browning, and for capturing the extreme greening and browning levels, confirming its lower saturation in relation to NDVI. Climate and anthropogenic effects on vegetation were found only for small and isolated patches of pixels. Our results contradicted the prediction of a continuous unidirectional trend of biomass loss in highly fragmented habitats and revealed that although tropical forest fragments may retain less biomass than continuous forest tracts they may act as carbon sinks, and this can be another important reason for their conservation.