Atlantic Rainforest Area Research Articles

Two new species of Marasmius section Neosessiles (Marasmiaceae) from an Atlantic rain forest area of São Paulo State, Brazil

Two new species of Marasmius section Neosessiles (Marasmiaceae) from an Atlantic rain forest area of São Paulo State, Brazil

Environmental Factors Affecting Calling Behavior of Sympatric Frog Species at an Atlantic Rain Forest Area, Southeastern Brazil

The diel and seasonal calling activities of anurans are regulated by several environmental factors. We studied the effect of environmental factors on patterns of calling behavior of six sympatric frogs in an area of Atlantic rain forest at Ilha Grande, south of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The number of calling males and the number of calls of each species were recorded at hourly intervals from October 1998 to September 2000. Two analyses were performed: hourly calling behavior of males of each species was related to air temperature, and monthly calling was related to air temperature and cumulative short-term rainfall. Males of Leptodactylus marmoratus, Aplastodiscus eugenioi, Physalaemus signifer, Scinax hayii, and S. trapicheiroi called mainly at night, whereas male Ischnocnema parva called mostly at dusk and dawn. The species studied at Ilha Grande rain forest called mainly in the wettest and warmest months. Scinax trapicheiroi, P. signifier, and A. eugenioi called throughout the year. Leptodactylus marmoratus was the only species whose calling behavior was restricted to a few months. Air temperature had a significant effect on the hourly number of calls for L. marmoratus, A. eugenioi, S. hayii, and S. trapicheiroi, and rainfall had a significant effect on the monthly number of calls of I. parva.

Novelties in Bromeliaceae from the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest1

Abstract New species of Aechmea, Quesnelia and Vriesea (Bromeliaceae) are described and illustrated. All species occur in Bahia State, in remnant areas of Atlantic Rainforest.

Diet and nematode infection in Proceratoprhys boiei (Anura: Cycloramphidae) from two Atlantic rainforest remnants in Southeastern Brazil

Proceratophrys boiei is an endemic cycloramphid anuran inhabiting the leaf litter of Atlantic rainforests in Southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the whole digestive tract of 38 individuals of Proceratophrys boiei collected in two Atlantic Rainforest areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to study the diet composition and the helminth fauna associated with this species. The main food items in P. boiei's diet were Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Blattaria. Five nematode species were found: Aplectana delirae, Cosmocerca parva, Oxyascaris oxyascaris, Physaloptera sp. (larval stage only) and an unidentified nematode. Overall prevalence was 71% and mean infection intensity was 7.3 ± 5.8 neatodes per individual.

Species composition and density estimates of the anurofauna of a site within the northernmost large Atlantic Forest remnant (Parque Estadual do Desengano) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

We present data on species composition, relative abundance and estimated densities for leaf-litter anuran amphibians from an Atlantic Forest area within the Parque Estadual do Desengano, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based on results of a short-term survey carried out during the winter at altitudes of 1000-1500 m. Three sampling methods were used: plot sampling, visual encounter surveys (VES; performed during the day, at the twilight, and at night), and pitfall traps. We recorded 13 species, with the direct-developer Ischnocnema parva (Girard, 1853) being the most abundant. Most frogs (ca. 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 13.2 ind.100 m-2, which is one of the highest values currently reported for Atlantic Rainforest areas. This is the first study analyzing the anuran fauna of the Parque Estadual do Desengano and adds to the knowledge of the fauna of the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is still poorly studied.

Endocalyx melanoxanthus var. melanoxanthus (Ascomycota): new to Brazil and three new hosts

Endocalyx melanoxanthus var. melanoxanthus was recovered during a survey of microfungi on palms in Atlantic Rainforest areas of Northeast Brazil. Three new hosts were identified for the fungus, newly reported for Brazil.

Diet and endoparasites of the lizard Gymnodactylus darwinii (Gekkota, Phyllodactylidae) from an Atlantic Rainforest area in southeastern Brazil

In this study we provide information on diet and endoparasites of individuals of the species Gymnodactylus darwinii in an Atlantic Rainforest area in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Regarding diet, orthopterans and isopods were the most important preys. One nematode species (Physaloptera sp.) was found associated to the stomach of an individual, representing a new host record for this genus. Our results indicate that G. darwinii has a similar diet to other lizard species from the Atlantic Rainforest, although different from that of other congeneric species inhabiting open areas.

The nematode community in the Atlantic rainforest lizard Enyalius perditus Jackson, from south-eastern Brazil

Studies focusing on communities of helminths from Brazilian lizards are increasing, but there are many blanks in the knowledge of parasitic fauna of wild fauna. This lack of knowledge hampers understanding of ecological and parasitological aspects of involved species. Moreover, the majority of research has focused on parasitic fauna of lizards from families Tropiduridae and Scincidae. Only a few studies have looked at lizards from the family Leiosauridae, including some species of Enyalius. This study presents data on the gastrointestinal parasite fauna of Enyalius perditus and their relationships with ecological aspects of hosts in a disturbed Atlantic rainforest area in the state of Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil. Two nematode species, Oswaldocruzia burseyi [(Molineidae) and Strongyluris oscari (Heterakidae) were found. Nematode species showed an aggregated distribution in this host population, with O. burseyi being more aggregated than S. oscari. The present study extends the range of occurrence of O. burseyi to the Brazilian continental area.

Pollinator guild organization and its consequences for reproduction in three synchronopatric species of Tibouchina (Melastomataceae)

Pollinator guild organization and its consequences for reproduction in three synchronopatric species of Tibouchina (Melastomataceae). In co-flowering plant species, pollinator sharing can result in interspecific pollen transfer and fecundity reduction. Competition will be relaxed whenever there is a large amount of initial pollen supply or if each plant species occupies different habitat patches. Reproduction in Tibouchina cerastifolia (Naudin) Cogn., T. clinopodifolia (DC.) Cogn. and T. gracilis (Bonpl.) Cogn. was studied in an area of Atlantic rainforest to examine whether synchronopatry induces time partitioning among pollinator species. Eleven bee species comprised the pollinator guild. Among pollinators, there were overlaps in bee species composition and in flower visitation time. Direct competition for pollen in Tibouchina Aubl. at the study site seems to lead to different activity periods among the bee species, in which Bombus pauloensis Friese,1913 was most active earlier, while the other species were active later in the day. Bombus pauloensis, the largest bee species recorded on Tibouchina flowers, was the most important and efficient pollinator. This species harvested pollen before the other species and had the shortest handling time. The plants reproduced sexually by selfing or outcrossing, and hybridization was not avoided by incompatibility reactions at the style. The avoidance of direct competition for pollen and no pollinator partitioning among the synchronopatric species of Tibouchina may reflect a facilitative interaction among these pioneer plants.

Erosão superficial em argissolo amarelo sob cultivo perene e com pousio florestal em área de relevo montanhoso

A Região Serrana Fluminense possui muitas nascentes de água com as maiores áreas de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Para conciliar a preservação ambiental com a intensa produção de olerícolas nessa região de relevo montanhoso, é relevante conhecer e controlar a ação nociva da erosão. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar as perdas de solo por erosão superficial e suas componentes hidrológicas, em uma encosta com aproximadamente 65 cm m- 1 de declividade, em tratamentos sob cultivo de olerícolas em rotação, banana e deixada sob pousio florestal por três anos. O estudo foi realizado em uma microbacia no município de Bom Jardim, instalando-se quatro parcelas experimentais com 88,0 m² (4 x 22 m) de área cada uma, para o monitoramento de perdas de solo, escoamento superficial e dinâmica da água no solo. Foi feita a caracterização do solo, determinando-se características físicas, químicas e mineralógicas. Os resultados indicaram que as maiores perdas por erosão acumulada foram registradas no período de maior precipitação, entre setembro e março, correspondendo a aproximadamente 30 t ha-1 ano-1 no tratamento sob cultivo anual e em torno de 10 t ha-1 ano-1 no tratamento com pousio florestal ainda no primeiro ano de desenvolvimento. Os atributos do solo que melhor se correlacionaram com a erosão foram a textura e o índice de estabilidade dos agregados. Constatou-se que o tempo utilizado nos cultivos e pousios pode dificultar a manutenção dos recursos naturais nesses locais, comprometendo a estabilização dessas encostas e sua vegetação.

Rickettsia monteiroi sp. nov., Infecting the Tick Amblyomma incisum in Brazil

Free-living adult Amblyomma incisum ticks were collected in an Atlantic rainforest area at Intervales State Park, State of São Paulo, Brazil. From an A. incisum specimen, rickettsiae were successfully isolated in Vero cell culture by the shell vial technique. Rickettsial isolation was confirmed by optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and PCRs targeting portions of the rickettsial genes gltA, htrA, rrs, and sca1 on infected cells. Fragments of 1,089, 457, 1,362, and 443 nucleotides of the gltA, htrA, rrs, and sca1 genes, respectively, were sequenced. By BLAST analysis, the partial sequence of rrs of the A. incisum rickettsial isolate was closest to the corresponding sequence of Rickettsia bellii (99.1% similarity). The gltA partial sequence was closest to the corresponding sequences of "Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae" (96.1% similarity) and Rickettsia canadensis (95.8% similarity). The htrA partial sequence was closest to the corresponding sequence of R. canadensis (89.8% similarity). The sca1 partial sequence was closest to the corresponding sequence of R. canadensis (95.2% similarity). Since our rickettsial isolate was genetically distinct from other Rickettsia species, we propose a new species designated Rickettsia monteiroi sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that R. monteiroi belongs to the canadensis group within the genus Rickettsia, together with the species R. canadensis and "Candidatus R. tarasevichiae". Little or no antibody cross-reaction was observed between sera of R. monteiroi-inoculated guinea pigs and R. bellii-, Rickettsia rickettsii-, or R. canadensis-inoculated guinea pigs.

Diferenças florísticas e estruturais entre duas cotas altiduninais da Floresta Ombrófila Densa Submontana Atlântica, do Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, município de Ubatuba/SP, Brasil

Este estudo apresenta a análise comparativa entre duas áreas da Floresta Atlântica Ombrófila Densa Submontana, em Ubatuba (SP), Brasil e testa a hipótese de que diferenças em altitude podem representar alterações na composição florística e estrutura fitossociológica. As duas parcelas de um hectare (100 x 100 m) foram instaladas a 190 (PLOT G) e 350 m (PLOT I) acima do nível do mar, sendo amostrados e identificados todos os indivíduos, exceto lianas, com DAP (Diâmetro à Altura do Peito) > 4.8 cm. No total, foram encontradas 252 espécies, pertencentes a 134 gêneros e 53 famílias, a diversidade H' de 4,425 nats/indivíduos e 103 espécies (41% do total) em comum entre as duas áreas. Mas, entre as 10 principais espécies em dominância absoluta apenas duas se repetem entre as áreas: Cryptocarya mandioccana e Sloanea guianensis. No PLOT G existem 1.496 indivíduos distribuídos em 152 espécies, 101 gêneros e 41 famílias, com H' = 3,961 nats/indivíduo e 48 espécies exclusivas à área (32%). No PLOT I existem 1.993 indivíduos distribuídos em 203 espécies, 111 gêneros, 50 famílias, com H' = 4,339 nats/indivíduo e 100 espécies exclusivas à área (49%). Entre as duas parcelas, aos 190 e 350 m, houve diferença significantiva (gl = 198) na densidade (p < 0,01, t = 7,10), riqueza (p < 0,01, t = 7,76) e volume (p = 0,02, t = 2,44). Os resultados indicam que a diversidade específica, estrutura fitossociológica e composição florística diferem entre as duas cotas altitudinais, sendo observados mais indivíduos, maior riqueza e volume na parcela instalada próxima ao meio da encosta (350 m de altitude) do que naquela instalada mais próxima à base da encosta (190 m de altitude).

Reptilia, Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae, Heterodactylus imbricatus Spix, 1825: Filling gaps in the state of Minas Gerais

Heterodactylus imbricatus occurs in southeastern of Brazil in areas of high altitude Atlantic rainforest. We collect one adult female and one adult male of this species in Reserva Biológica Unilavras - Boqueirão, in municipality of Ingaí (MG). The habitat encompasses riparian forest associated with Cerrado biome.

Richness and diversity of sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an Atlantic rainforest reserve in southeastern Brazil

Our objective was to study and evaluate the richness and diversity of Phlebotominae fauna in the Duas Bocas Biological Reserve (DBBR) in the state of Espírito Santo, in southeastern Brazil. Sand fly collections were carried out during four consecutive nights each month between August 2007 and July 2008 at DBBR by using CDC automatic light traps and an illuminated Shannon trap. Specific richness (S) and Shannon diversity index (H) was calculated for each trap. We collected 18,868 sand flies belonging to 29 species and 13 genera. Nyssomyia yuilli yuilli was the most abundant species followed by Psychodopygus ayrozai, Ps. hirsutus, Psathyromyia pascalei, and Ps. matosi. We recorded Brumptomyia cardosoi, Br. troglodytes, and Ps. geniculatus for the first time in the state of Espírito Santo. We discuss the differences in diversity and richness of the sand flies in both traps and in relation to other Brazilian localities and biomes. We also discuss the possibility of wild transmission of Leishmania in the DBBR and the influence of the sand fly species in leishmaniasis transmission to the adjacent areas of the reserve.

Tipos polínicos encontrados em esfingídeos (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) em área de Floresta Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil: uso da palinologia no estudo de interações ecológicas

(Tipos polinicos encontrados em esfingideos (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) em area de Floresta Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil: uso da palinologia no estudo de interacoes ecologicas). Foram determinadas as especies de plantas utilizadas por uma comunidade de esfingideos (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) atraves da avaliacao dos tipos polinicos que os especimes apresentavam sobre seus corpos, em uma area de Floresta Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil. Foram registrados 63 tipos polinicos de 27 familias distribuidos assimetricamente ao longo do ano. Houve predominio de especies de Rubiaceae, Bromeliaceae e Fabaceae. Polen do tipo Inga esteve presente em quase todos os meses amostrados e em grande numero de especies de esfingideos. Tipos polinicos relativos a familias que nao apresentam atributos morfologicos adaptativos ao uso por Sphingidae foram responsaveis pela maior parte das amostras, o que demonstra forte aspecto generalista no comportamento de forrageamento deste grupo de lepidopteros. Este estudo reforca a utilidade do uso da palinologia no entendimento de padroes de interacoes inseto-planta em ambientes tropicais.

Molecular cytogenetics of Astyanax ribeirae (Teleostei, Characidae), an endemic characin of the Atlantic rainforest

Astyanax ribeirae is a characin fish endemic to Ribeira de Iguape river basin, Brazil. Karyotypic analysis of the specimen from distinct geographic regions depicted similar karyotypic features, i.e. 2n = 50 constituting the 4 M + 10SM + 6ST + 30A and a fundamental number (FN) equal to 70. Further analysis on linear differentiation using silver nitrate staining, c-banding and rDNA localization revealed single NOR on ST/A chromosomes, heterochromatin blocks in the pericentromeric region of some chromosomes, and four 18S rDNA sites and six 5S rDNA sites, all located on ST/A chromosomes. FISH with As-51 satellite DNA probe presented no homology signals in chromosomes of A. ribeirae, indicating uniqueness of species within the genus Astyanax. The chromosomal and molecular cytogenetic data obtained on A. ribeirae specimens collected from Atlantic rainforest areas are discussed to elucidate relationship between this species and other species in the genus vis-a-vis chromosomal evolution of the group. This is the first report on cytogenetic analysis of Astyanax ribeirae.

Effects of Harvesting on Population Structure of Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis (G. Forst.) Ching) in Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Among ferns, the leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) is of particular economic importance. The fronds are sold around the world for flower arrangements. In Brazil, these fern fronds represent an income source for numerous households, working with a traditional management system with a maximum of three annual collections in the same area. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic structure of managed R. adiantiformis populations in the south of Brazil and verify the sustainability of the harvesting activity in this region. The study was conducted in an area of Atlantic Rainforest in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The demographic structure of the managed populations was evaluated in permanent plots, where fronds in the different development phases were counted quarterly for one year. Rainfall was identified as the main factor influencing bud emergence and development. A reduction in R. adiantiformis populations related to forest regeneration was also observed. Fast frond regeneration and the absence of differences between managed and non-managed populations concerning the proportions of buds and young fronds corroborate the ecological sustainability of the management system used by the local harvesters. The results obtained differ largely from those of populations studied in South Africa, where R. adiantiformis plants seem unable to maintain frond density and size when harvested. These contrasting results are probably related to climatic differences between these areas, especially annual rainfall, which is higher in Brazil allowing for the rapid regeneration and sustainable management of this resource in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.

Ecology of Ischnocnema parva (Anura: Brachycephalidae) at the Atlantic Rainforest of Serra da Concórdia, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ischnocnema (Brachycephalidae) includes many species that are important members of the leaf litter frog communities in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil. Ischnocnema parva (Girard, 1853) is endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest biome and is restricted to the forests of southeastern Brazil. Currently, the available information about the ecology of I. parva is scarce. We studied the diet, the habitat use, reproduction and density of I. parva in an area of Atlantic Rainforest at the Concórdia mountain range, Rio de Janeiro. Individuals of I. parva were captured in April 2005 using different sampling methods: time constrained search (transects), plots of 5 x 5 m (25 m²) on the litter, and pitfall traps with drift fences. We found 240 frogs; 35 females and 205 males. Females (mean SVL = 19.1 mm) were significantly larger (F1,238 = 143.016, R² = 0.375, p < 0.001) than males (13.2 mm). The species preyed mainly on arthropods, with ants and isopods being the most important items, both showing high values of importance index (Ix = 50.0 and 26.7, respectively). Ischnocnema parva is a terrestrial species whose preferential microhabitat at the Serra da Concórdia was the litter of the forest floor (78.7%). The activity was predominantly crepuscular-nocturnal and the estimated density of I. parva was 24.9 ind/100 m². For the eight ovigerous females captured, the mean number of mature oocytes per female was 25 (range: 22-30) and the oocyte mean diameter was 1.11 mm (N = 40 oocytes). Oocyte number increased with female body size (R² = 0.504, F1,6 = 6.107, p < 0.05, N = 8), indicating that as females increase in size they produce larger clutches. Some ecological aspects such as diet and microhabitat use were similar to that observed for an insular population of I. parva, whereas reproductive traits differed. Thus, long term studies are necessary to understand the extent to which these differences are explained by environmental factors.

Anurofauna da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual da Estação Ecológica dos Caetetus, Sudeste do Brasil

A Floresta Estacional Semidecidual é considerada uma das formações florestais mais ameaçadas e suprimidas pela expansão agrícola do início do século passado, com sua cobertura vegetal reduzida a menos de 8% da original. Estudos sobre taxocenoses de anfíbios anuros nessa formação florestal ainda são escassos, mesmo quando consideramos as poucas áreas de floresta primária que restaram. Apresentamos neste estudo os resultados de um levantamento de espécies de anfíbios anuros da Estação Ecológica dos Caetetus, uma unidade de conservação que abriga importante remanescente de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual na região Centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo, região considerada prioritária para conservação no estado. Foram registradas 34 espécies distribuídas em nove famílias, dentre as quais Hylidae e Leptodactylidae foram as que apresentaram as maiores riquezas, com 14 e oito espécies, respectivamente. A elevada riqueza de espécies da área, principalmente da família Hylidae, provavelmente está associada tanto à grande heterogeneidade ambiental dessa formação florestal como à sua localização em área de transição entre áreas de Cerrado e de Floresta Ombrófila. A alta riqueza de espécies, quando comparada à de outras áreas de mesma formação florestal, bem como a presença de representantes das famílias Centrolenidae, Craugastoridae e Hylodidae, que são dependentes de habitats florestais, atestam o bom estado de conservação e a importância regional desse remanescente florestal.

Amphibia, Anura, Parque Natural Municipal da Taquara, municipality of Duque de Caxias, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

Herein is presented a list of the amphibians from the Parque Natural Municipal da Taquara (22°35'S, 43°14'W), an area of Atlantic Rainforest at municipality of Duque de Caxias, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. The work was carried out from September 2006 to October 2008. Expeditions were made three times a week during the day, and once a month at night. We recorded 50 species of anuran amphibians distributed in 13 families: Amphignathodontidae (1 species), Brachycephalidae (2), Bufonidae (2), Centrolenidae (1), Craugastoridae (1), Cycloramphidae (3), Hylidae (29), Hylodidae (3), Leiuperidae (1), Leptodactylidae (4), Microhylidae (1), Strabomantidae (1), and Ranidae (1). Some species had their range extended. The present study demonstrates that the Parque Natural Municipal da Taquara is a conservation area of huge importance to the preservation of the amphibian communities that inhabit this Atlantic Rainforest lowland environment.