Atlantic Rainforest Area Research Articles

Facilitation and allelopathy mediate phylogenetic and functional diversity under Atlantic Rainforest trees

Plant phylogeny, diversity, and production of germination inhibiting chemicals can be used as patterns for inferring key drivers of plant community construction and assembly. We conducted the study in a restoration area of Atlantic Rainforest from Southeast Brazil. In this context, we aimed to investigate community assembly rules by simultaneously evaluating the relationships of species with a phylogenetic, functional, and ecophysiological (allelopathy) approach and multifaceted β diversity (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional). We measured the plant canopy height and diameter at soil height for all individuals and determined successional group and dispersal syndrome for all species regenerating in open areas and below 18 adult individuals of each tree species Bixa atlantica Antar & Sano, Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd., Joannesia princeps Vell. and Senna multijuga subsp. multijuga var. verrucosa (Vogel) H.S.Irwin & Barneby. Phylogenetic and functional indexes of community structure were calculated with the net relatedness index and the nearest taxon index. Taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversities (respectively, TD, PD, and FD) for the regenerating community in each area were calculated and pairwise comparisons were made for TD, FD, and PD components of β diversity. Tests of tree species allelopathy derived from leaf extract were performed with seeds of Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae). The effects of diversity and extracts on seed germination were analyzed using generalized linear models. The phylogenetic and functional structure of the regenerating communities under the four tree species did not differ from random for the four studied tree species. The PD was significantly higher for the communities that regenerated under Joannesia, while the FD was higher under both Joannesia and Senna, compared to communities from open sites, evidencing a facilitation mechanism for these two species. Only Senna and Inga differed from random in relation to β TD and β FD, suggesting possible environmental changes in these areas. Seeds irrigated with the extracts of Inga, Joannesia, and Senna inhibited germination in an intermediate way, whereas seeds irrigated with Bixa extract had only 1 % germination, indicating allelopathic effects. In this way, the planted species directly influence the organization of communities that regenerate below their canopies. It is therefore important to choose species that can contribute to improving diversity, and thus favor the success of restoration projects.

Occurrence and distribution of the heterotrophic straminipiles from Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest areas

ABSTRACT We present herein the occurrence and distribution of the heterotrophic straminipiles collected from soil and water, submerged leaves and surface sediment from freshwater bodies at “Mosaico de Unidades de Conservação Juréia-Itatins”, a preserved conservation unit of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. From 180 collected samples, we isolated 41 taxa belonging to Hyphochytriomycota and Oomycota using the multiple baiting technique, with several new taxa to the science, new occurrences to São Paulo State or Brazil, and all new citation to the studied area. These taxa were identified based on morphological and/or molecular data, with several genic regions made available in GenBank. The calculated community structure of these zoosporic organisms showed a diverse community, with few dominant taxa, without significant differences (P≤0.05) among the different types of samples.

Management of natural resources in protected areas: interinstitutional dialogue, social capital, and agency in the transition to agroecological systems

This article analyses the processes of participation and integration of groups living in and around protected areas, in efforts to convert conventional methods of agricultural production into agroecologicallysustainable practices. Taking as a case study a community located in the buffer zone of a large conservation unit, and part of the main contiguous remaining areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, this work focuses on the articulation among multiple existing elements in this area: an agroecological settlement, different levels of governance, internal social differentiation and classification systems, community agency, antagonistic visions of development, and their effects on community development practices. It also examines the external connections that the community establishes, acting as an instrument of compliance and reproduction of the dominant agrifood regime, and contributing to the formation and strengthening of an alternative short circuit of production and commercialization network, integrating local family producers to the consumers in large urban centres.

Epidemiology of Rickettsia spp. in Atlantic rainforest areas of island and seashore mainland, southern Brazil.

Non-fatal cases of rickettsial infection with different clinical features than the classic BSF (Brazilian Spotted Fever) have been reported in seashore areas of Paraná state, southern Brazil. In addition, Amblyomma ovale tick infected by Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest has been also described in this area. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in human and dog populations, and Rickettsia spp. infection in ticks from oceanic islands and seashore mainland cities of southern Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 328 persons and their 282 dogs from three islands and two seashore mainland cities. A total of 211 ticks were collected from dogs, identified as A. ovale and R. sanguineus. In overall, 40 of 328 (12.2%) human samples were seropositive for Rickettsia spp., including 21 of 190 (11.1%) on islands and 19 of 138 (13.7%) on seashore mainland, and 62 of 282 (22.0%) dog samples, including 31 of 153 (20.3%) on islands and 31 of 129 (24.0%) in seashore mainland areas. In overall, nine of 82 (11.0%) ticks were positive to real-time PCR assay targeting a fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene, including two of 64 (3.1%) Rickettsia sanguineus and seven of 18 (38.9%) A. ovale, of which four were infected with the R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest. Despite no association between risk factors and Rickettsia spp. seropositivity was found in human beings, access to natural areas (p=.011) and tick infestation (p=.004) was significantly associated to dog seropositivity. The serological and molecular findings herein have confirmed previous tick and clinical case reports and enlarged the geographical occurrence of A. ovale infected by R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in oceanic islands and seashore mainland cities of Paraná State, indicating a new likely transmission area of this new rickettsial infection in human beings and dogs of southern Brazil.

Neurostigma Enderlein, 1900 (Psocodea, ‘Psocoptera’, Epipsocidae): a new species of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, and new records for Brazil

A new species of Neurostigma, collected in an area of Atlantic Rainforest, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, is described and illustrated, namely: Neurostigma atlanticum sp. nov. The first record of Neurostigma garcialdretei Mendivil-Nieto, Gonzalez-Obando & Carrejo-Gironza, 2020, from Brazil was made.

Diversity and temporal variation of brown lacewings (Neuroptera, Hemerobiidae) from Atlantic rainforest areas in southeastern Brazil

A survey of the brown lacewings (Neuroptera, Hemerobiidae) was carried out with five Malaise traps/area in five areas in Atlantic rainforest of São Paulo State, Brazil, between October 2009 and December 2011. 237 specimens of Hemerobiidae were obtained belonging to 14 species and five genera: Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker, 1888) (31.6% of the total collected), Hemerobius hernandezi Monserrat, 1996 (26.0%), Nusalala dispar (Banks, 1910) (17.7%), H. cubanus Banks, 1930, H. edui Monserrat, 1991, H. nigridorsus Monserrat, 1996 and H. withycombei (Kimmins, 1928) (1.7% each), H gaitoi Monserrat, 1996, Megalomus ricoi Monserrat, 1997 and Notiobiella cixiiformis (Gerstaecker, 1888) (1.3% each), Sympherobius ariasi Penny & Monserrat, 1985 (0.9%) and, M. impudicus (Gerstaecker, 1888), M. rafaeli Penny & Monserrat, 1985 and S. mirandus (Navás, 1920) (0.4% each). Eighteen specimens of Hemerobius Linnaeus, 1758 and nine of Megalomus Rambur, 1842, totaling 11.4% of the collected Hemerobiidae, could not be identified at the species level. The hemerobiids were more frequent in the Parque Estadual Intervales (55.3% of the total collected) and in the Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo (23.2%), inland collection sites in the state of São Paulo, with higher abundances recorded in spring (43.9% of the total collected) and in winter (37.1%). This study extends the geographic distribution range of five species of Hemerobiidae to Brazil and three to the state of São Paulo.

A new focus of spotted fever caused by Rickettsia parkeri in Brazil.

ABSTRACTSpotted fever (SF) is a tick-borne zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia . The disease varies in severity from mild clinical forms to severe cases. In Brazil, Rickettsia rickettsii SF is the most serious rickettsiosis and can result in death if not diagnosed and treated at the onset of symptoms. The SF mild form is caused by Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest, and this etiological agent has been reported in the South, Southeast and Northeast regions of the country, in areas of preserved or little antropized Atlantic Rainforest. Amblyomma ovale is the proven vector and dogs are the hosts associated with the bioagent cycle. During a SF case investigation in Paraty municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, an Atlantic Rainforest biome area in Southeastern Brazil, the human pathogen R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest was detected by PCR in a sample of human skin inoculation eschar and in a female A. ovale tick collected from a dog. These results expand the known area of occurrence of this mild form rickettsiosis in Brazil. In addition, the results of the present study indicate the importance of implementing programs to control canine ectoparasites and to raise awareness of the risks of infection, signs and symptoms of SF caused by R. parkeri strain Atlantic Rainforest.

O surgimento do direito ambiental no Brasil, sua evolução e o cumprimento da agenda 2030

This article aims, as a general objective, to make a brief presentation on the evolution of Brazilian environmental law, its phases, and its current setback regarding sustainability. Although the Atlantic Rainforest, as well as the Amazon Forest, the Serra do Mar, the Pantanal Matogrossense, and the Coastal Zone have the status of national heritage, according to the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil of 1988, these biomes have been losing space for deforestation, agriculture, and livestock, and currently only 12.4% of the original Atlantic Rainforest area is left in Brazil. As specific objectives of this article, it intends to analyze whether the commitments made by Brazil in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an action plan adopted by the country and 192 other UN member states, have been fulfilled and also to make an analysis of the current Federal Senate Bill No. 168/2018. After the chronological survey of environmental legislation, it concludes that the Brazilian Environmental Legislation is currently not being effective in the protection of Brazilian biomes, meeting interests in deforestation, at the expense of Brazilian native species and in disagreement with the commitment made to Sustainability in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainability principles presented in the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil of 1988.

Anuran species composition and density estimates from an Atlantic Forest area within the APA Serra da Mantiqueira, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Abstract: Among amphibian species from high elevation areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest there is a high percentage of threatened and endemic species, but there is still a relative scarcity of local inventories for these organisms. Here, we present data on anuran composition, relative abundance and estimated densities for leaf-litter frogs from an Atlantic Forest area within the APA Serra da Mantiqueira, in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, based on results of a short-term survey carried out at altitudes of 1,350-1,750 m, in November 2005 (with additional records from surveys made in 2010 and 2011). Three sampling methods were used during the 2005 survey: plot sampling, visual encounter surveys (VES; performed during the day, at the dusk, and at night), and pitfall traps with drift fences; only non-standardized visual searches were employed during the 2010 and 2011 surveys. We recorded 24 species, with the direct-developer Ischnocnema sp. (gr. lactea) being the most abundant. Most anurans (90% of all individuals) sampled by VES were captured during the crepuscular and nocturnal periods. The estimated density of the local leaf-litter frog assemblage based on plot sampling was 18.4 ind/100 m2, which is one of the highest values currently reported for Atlantic Rainforest areas. This is the first study analyzing the anuran fauna composition of an Atlantic Forest area within the APA Serra da Mantiqueira and adds to the body of knowledge on the fauna of the southern region of Rio de Janeiro state.

Diet and microhabitat use by juveniles Rhinella ornata (Anura, Bufonidae) in an insular Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest area.

Diet and microhabitat use by juveniles Rhinella ornata (Anura, Bufonidae) in an insular Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest area.

Cross-sectional survey for canine leptospirosis in an Atlantic Rainforest area of the semiarid of Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the bacteria Leptospira spp. that affects humans, domestic and wild animals. The present work aimed to conduct a cross-sectional survey for leptospirosis in the canine population of the Brejo Paraibano microregion, semiarid of Northeastern Brazil. From May to October 2017, blood samples from 414 dogs were collected in the counties of Alagoa Grande (n=100), Areia (n=79), Bananeiras (n=72), Alagoa Nova (n=73), Serrraria (n=25), Pilões (n=25), Borborema (n=20) and Matinhas (n=20). The tutors of the sampled dogs answered an epidemiological questionnaire, obtaining information about the animals, owner, residence and breeding of the dogs. Subsequently, the serum samples were subjected to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), using a collection of 23 serovar pathogenic antigens and using the 1:50 dilution as the cutoff point. Of the 414 dogs analyzed 52 were seroreactive, resulting in an apparent prevalence of 12.6% and a real prevalence of 12.2%. Seroreactive dogs were found in the eight counties. Dogs were reactive for the serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae (76.9%), Autumnalis (13.55%), Pomona (3.8%), Grippotyphosa (3.8%) and Serjoe (1.9%) Antibody titers ranged from 50 to 800. The statistical analysis (robust Poisson regression) detected six factors associated with seropositivity, including the rainy season (prevalence ratio; PR=1.94, P=0.013), male dogs (PR=2.10, P=0.005), animals with age greater than five years (PR=4.21, P=0.012), consumption of untreated water (PR=1.87, P=0.043), free access of dogs to street (PR=2.15, P=0.011) and contact with wildlife (PR=3.54, P=0.050). The serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae has a high zoonotic potential and was the most frequent in seropositive animals. The high real prevalence of Leptospira spp. in a transmission region of the semiarid region of Paraíba and the occurrence of seroreactive animals in all the counties suggest wide distribution of the infection and reinforce the need for preventive measures to avoid infection in pets and, consequently, to humans. The analysis of factors associated with the prevalence suggest greater manegment cares with the dogs.

Zoonotic smooth and rough Brucella in dogs: seroprevalence and associated factors in an Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Canine brucellosisis an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, with world wide distribution and zoonotic impact, and in humans and animals is a neglected disease. In the present study, the sero prevalence of B. canis and B. abortus were determined in a probabilistic sample of housed dogs from the Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and the factors associated with sero positivity. A total of 386 dogs over three months of age were used. For the search for anti-B.canis antibodies the agar gel immune diffusion test (IDGA) was used as a screening and IDGA+2ME as confirmatory test, and to search for anti-B. abortus antibodies the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test was used. Apparent and real prevalences were calculated, and robust Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with prevalence. The real prevalence fB. Canis was 12.6% and of B. abortus was 22.8%. The factors associated with sero positivity for B. canis were age greater than 10 years (prevalence ratio; PR = 6.38; P = 0.024) and dogs reared in they ard (PR = 5.20; P = 0.035) and for B. abortus was no treplacement of water of animals everyday (PR = 1.48; P = 0.033). It can be concluded that the prevalence of B. canis and B. Abortus in the region is high, which warns to the adopting of control and prevention measures, as well as greater care in the management of animals, especially for elderly dogs.

SOIL CHEMICAL CHANGES AND RESEMBLANCES IN A CHRONOSEQUENCE RAINFOREST-SUGARCANE-PASTURELAND IN THE ATLANTIC FOREST BIOME

This study evaluated soil chemical and isotopic changes in soils of a chronosequence rainforest-sugarcane-pasture in the Atlantic Forest biome, Brazil. Soil samples were collected (0-20 cm) in areas of native Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, sugarcane plantation and pastures of Brachiaria decumbens. The soil analyses performed were: pH (water 1:2.5), P (Mehlich-I), (Al+3, H+Al, K+, Ca+2, Mg+2 and Na+), soil organic matter (SOM), N, organic carbon and δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes. The conversion of rainforest to sugarcane and pastures resulted in a reduction of the soil natural acidity. Forest areas had greater Al+3 and H+Al concentrations than cultivated areas. The conversion from forest to agricultural soil reduced Al+3 (44%) and H+Al (11%), approximately. Soils from pasture had a greater percentage of base saturation (37.3%) than forest soils (25.4%). Cation exchange capacity was strongly influenced by concentrations of K+, Ca+2 and Mg+2, but not by Na+. Carbon stable isotope (δ13C) was more depleted in forest areas (-28.14‰), followed by sugarcane (-21.33‰), and pastures (-19.54‰). The greatest δ15N values were found in sugarcane areas. The short chronosequence studied, had a strong influence of the conversion of the forest on the decrease of the natural acidity and modifications of the isotopic profile. The enrichment of soil δ13C was attributed to the changes from predominant C3 vegetation to C4 grasses.

Description of the male of the Critically Endangered tarantula Typhochlaena curumim Bertani, 2012 (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with comments on tarantula trade and conservation.

The genus Typhochlaena C.L. Koch, 1850 consists of five small size arboreal tarantula species with remarkable colored abdominal patterns and a very restricted geographic range in Brazil. Here, we describe the male of Typhochlaena curumim Bertani, 2012, which was collected in an area of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. The new record extends the northern limit of the geographic range for both the genus and species. As Typhochlaena spp. are now especially popular and requested in the pet market, and because T. curumim is classified as Critically Endangered, we discuss the impacts of the international trade and other challenges on conservation of the genus.

On the courtship, breeding behaviour and vocalisation of Rhinella ornata (Spix, 1824) (Anura, Bufonidae): a well-marked escalated behaviour in a lek-like system

Courtship and breeding behaviour of anurans is species-specific and defined by vocalisation, although breeding activities are still understudied for many species. Here, we describe the courtship behaviour and unpublished associated vocalisation (release and aggressive calls) of Rhinella ornata at a degraded area of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest within Xixova-Japui State Park (PEXJ). Fifteen subjects distributed in five subgroups in the same lek-like systems were observed during two consecutive nights in September 2015, totalling eight fieldwork hours. A total of 79 vocalisations were analysed, and the behavioural sequence of activities carried out by the subjects was described. Results show a pattern regarding the behavioural sequence exhibited by males, starting with the arrival of the resident male at the calling site and its vocalisation to an intruder male. Although this sequence did not vary between the five observed groups, a slight difference in the time they started was reported, but with a narrow range. We also provided the first description of the release call for this species. The overall behavioural tactics of R. ornata to approach females seem uncommon among bufonids. Although further investigation is required to better understand additional aspects of the courtship and breeding behaviour of R. ornata, our findings improve the overall understanding of this species’ biology.

Brushwood and artificial perch did not facilitate forest regeneration in Urochloa spp. grassland

In Brazil, many pastures are formed by grasses of the genus Urochloa, which have recognized inhibitory effects on regeneration of native vegetation. Using facilitation practices for natural regeneration of these areas aims to promote forest restoration by creating safe sites in the seedbed. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of brushwood and artificial perch as techniques to improve native plant establishment in an area covered by the inhibitory grasses of Urochloa. Field work was conducted between February 2014 and February 2016, in an area of lowland Atlantic rainforest in Morretes-PR. A set of 12 8 m × 5 m plots were established, corresponding to three treatments and four replicates, organized according to randomized block and split-plot design. The treatments were: brushwood, brushwood + artificial perch and control treatment. Evaluations were conducted at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months after the experiment was installed by counting and identifying regenerating woody species and visually estimating cover percentage of herbs and subshrubs species. Brushwood treatments with and without perch initially reduced Urochloa grasses; however, over time the initial effects ceased due to the rapid growth of grass at plot edges. Likewise, perches in this treatment did not increase native/woody species. We concluded that the ecological restoration of Urochloa pastures requires additional measures to control grasses and increase local resilience in order to improve the seedbed.

Considering an integrated malacology approach to ecosystem assessment: a socio-ecological system analysis of the terrestrial mollusks in an atlantic rainforest area, southeastern Brazil

The invertebrate group is not considered in environmental studies. When they are remembered, the studies are vague, superficial and do not give the due importance that the group has in the ecosystem dynamics. This paper aimed at placing the terrestrial mollusks in the discussion agenda of complex socio-ecological systems and analyzed the interactions of these mollusks with the other components of the socio-ecological subsystems. The analysis was based on the theoretical-methodological framework proposed by Ostrom and discussed how terrestrial mollusks have the potential to support actions for decision-making in biodiversity conservation, public health and local economy. The framework presented four subsystems categorized as ecological, political, social and economic, with the Sooretama Biological Reserve in the Northern state of Espirito Santo as a geographical boundary. The results allow us to perceive that terrestrial mollusks have essential characteristics that reflect into ecosystem health, acting in an integrated way with the dynamics of environmental services and the equilibrium of habitats.

The importance of Serra do Mar State Park for liverworts conservation in the Atlantic Rainforest

Abstract Serra do Mar State Park (PESM) is located in southeastern São Paulo state, Brazil, and is the largest Atlantic Rainforest conservation area in the country. The park is divided into 10 nuclei, and the Itutinga-Pilões nucleus (NIP) was selected for study since no survey of liverworts species richness had yet been conducted there. The floristic similarities between the NIP and different areas of Atlantic Rainforest in São Paulo state were also assessed. One hundred and eighty liverworts species were identified in the three vegetation types (lowland, submontane, and montane ombrophilous forests) encountered in the NIP, distributed among 62 genera and 21 families. Lejeuneaceae showed the highest species richness with 80 species. The high number of epiphyllous species found in the study area (26% of all species) was notable. In terms of their worldwide distributions, 57% of the species are Neotropical. Clustering analysis showed that the areas of the PESM and Jureia-Itatins Ecological Station were grouped together with the highest similarity values. The liverworts flora of the NIP demonstrates the importance of that nucleus for the conservation of liverworts diversity in the Atlantic Rainforest of the São Paulo state, as well as in Brazil.

Use of highway culverts by the water opossum (Chironectes minimus) in southeastern Brazil

Abstract The water opossum (Chironectes minimus) is a semi-aquatic mammal that is infrequently sampled in Atlantic rainforest areas in Brazil. Here we report on new records of C. minimus in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and comment on its behavior and ecology. We placed nine camera traps in culverts and cattle boxes under a highway, between 2017 and 2019. From a total of 6,750 camera-trap-days, we obtained 16 records of C. minimus (0.24 records/100 camera-trap-days) in two cameras placed in culverts over streams. Most of the records were made between May and August, in the dry season and in the first six hours after sunset. The new records are from a highly degraded area with some riparian forests. The records lie approximately 30 km away from the nearest protected area where the species is known to occur. We suggest that C. minimus has some tolerance to degraded habitats, as long as the water bodies and riparian forests are minimally preserved. The new records presented here also fill a distribution gap in western São Paulo state.

Genetic and chromatic variation of Coprophanaeus (Megaphanaeus) ensifer (Germar, 1821) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Coprophanaeus (M.) ensifer (Germar, 1821) is a broadly distributed species occurring in areas of Brazilian Cerrado, Atlantic Rainforest, and Amazon Rainforest. Specimens of Coprophanaeus ensifer show variations in size and colour between populations from different habitats, but other morphological structures remain the same. Our aim was to investigate whether these local populations of C. ensifer should be considered different species or not. A fragment of COI (681bp) was sequenced from eighty-four specimens of five Coprophanaeus species: C. ensifer, Coprophanaeus lancifer, Coprophanaeus bonariensis, Coprophanaeus bellicosus, and Coprophanaeus spitzi. We estimated an optimal threshold on SPIDER and based on its value we corroborated the five species analysed. In addition, all species were recovered as coalescent lineages by the GMYC method, except for C. lancifer. Sixty-seven sequences of C. ensifer were submitted to an analysis of haplotypic diversity and molecular variance, and 34 different haplotypes were found, with ten shared by two individuals or more. No evidence for cryptic or separate species of C. ensifer was found based on the AMOVA and haplotype network of COI sequences.