Atlantic Forest Research Articles

Gene Expression Divergence in Eugenia uniflora Highlights Adaptation across Contrasting Atlantic Forest Ecosystems

Understanding the evolution and the effect of plasticity in plant responses to environmental changes is crucial to combat global climate change. It is particularly interesting in species that survive in distinct environments, such as Eugenia uniflora, which thrives in contrasting ecosystems within the Atlantic Forest (AF). In this study, we combined transcriptome analyses of plants growing in nature (Restinga and Riparian Forest) with greenhouse experiments to unveil the DEGs within and among adaptively divergent populations of E. uniflora. We compared global gene expression among plants from two distinct ecological niches. We found many differentially expressed genes between the two populations in natural and greenhouse-cultivated environments. The changes in how genes are expressed may be related to the species’ ability to adapt to specific environmental conditions. The main difference in gene expression was observed when plants from Restinga were compared with their offspring cultivated in greenhouses, suggesting that there are distinct selection pressures underlying the local environmental and ecological factors of each Restinga and Riparian Forest ecosystem. Many of these genes engage in the stress response, such as water and nutrient transport, temperature, light intensity, and gene regulation. The stress-responsive genes we found are potential genes for selection in these populations. These findings revealed the adaptive potential of E. uniflora and contributed to our understanding of the role of gene expression reprogramming in plant evolution and niche adaptation.

A new species of Eprius Godman, 1901 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

A new species of Eprius Godman, 1901 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Coastal resilience and adaptation strategies: Natural habitats for coastal protection and Atlantic forest restoration on the coast of the Rio de Janeiro state

Climate change exerts impacts on biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. Given the socio-economic and environmental significance of coastal zones, preventative and mitigative measures are imperative to address the damages resulting from erosive processes and coastal flooding. The state of Rio de Janeiro, with its 1160 km of coastline, holds ecological, socio-economic, and logistical importance in Brazil, necessitating the safeguarding of these assets. We employed the InVEST modeling program to assess coastal vulnerability, incorporating data on populations, logistical infrastructure (ports and aerodromes), and priority areas for fauna protection. Our findings revealed that the state of Rio de Janeiro faces coastal risks ranging from intermediate to high at 66 %, and a substantial portion of legally protected areas does not encompass habitats near the coast. We illustrated the pivotal role of habitats in coastal protection, emphasizing that their removal would significantly augment coastal vulnerability. The amalgamation of these factors allowed us to propose adaptation strategies based on nature-based solutions to address environmental and socio-economic challenges.

A New Ant‐Friendly Aiouea (Lauraceae) From the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

ABSTRACTAiouea is a genus of Lauraceae restricted to the New World with about 75 accepted species. In Brazil, there are about 32 species, 21 endemic to the country. Recent field work in southeastern Brazil, as well as a comprehensive study of herbarium collections, revealed a new species that we describe here as Aiouea myrmecophila. It is endemic to the Atlantic rainforest of Espírito Santo state and occurs between 800 and 1120 m along the Mantiqueira Mountain range. It is categorized as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN criteria. Its putative relationships with other species in the genus are discussed.

Seeds go up and down: The role of dung beetles in soil seed movement in the Southern Atlantic Forest of Argentina

Abstract The vertical movement of seeds performed by dung beetles from the soil bank and in animal faeces influences seed germination and the temporal dynamic of forest regeneration. While this process has been explored at the community level, the individual role of species is less understood. Here, we investigated the role of dung beetle size and seed size in this vertical movement under experimental conditions. We performed experiments using a gradient of dung beetle sizes and three sizes of artificial seeds (plastic beads) in two situations: inside faeces (secondary dispersal) and buried in the ground (soil bank). Through regression analysis, we related dung beetle size, seed size, and the initial position of seeds on the soil bank to the final position of seeds and their potential germination. For seeds in the soil bank, upward movement and exhumation were mainly of medium and large seeds, initially located at shallower depths, with larger beetles being primarily responsible for this movement. The downward movement was similar for all seed sizes. In dung seeds, the percentage of small seeds buried gradually increased with beetle size, while larger beetles made the main contribution for medium and large seeds. Besides, all seed sizes were buried at an average maximum bury depth of nearly 4 cm (the limit of the germination zone). The relative contribution of species depended on the interaction between dung beetles and seed sizes. Moreover, large dung beetles were essential for burying large seeds in the Southern Atlantic Forest.

Hohenbergia alba and Hohenbergia sparsiflora, two striking new bromeliads from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

We present two new species, Hohenbergia alba and H. sparsiflora, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in the southern region of the state of Bahia. These species were identified as understory epiphytes in forest fragments near highways. These newly described species are morphologically similar to the “giant Hohenbergia species group”, characterized by their significantly larger size compared to species found in the highlands and dryer environments. Notable unique features include the compact rosette and a 3-4-branched inflorescence with white-colored petals for H. alba and sparsely-flowered spikes for H. sparsiflora, a feature not yet reported for the genus. Additionally, we provide illustrations, and a comparative table of morphological data of these species and related taxa, as well as information on the conservation status and phenology.

Dam failure disrupts Atlantic Rainforest ant communities and their interactions with seeds

Dam failure disrupts Atlantic Rainforest ant communities and their interactions with seeds

Beyond the surface: microbiological and biochemical attributes as indicators of soil quality in Atlantic Forest ecosystem

The objective of this study was to determine the biochemical and microbiological attributes in areas with different vegetation covers (mature forest, secondary forest, and sugar cane monoculture) and seasonal changes, and to compare the sensitivity of these attributes types (mycorrhizal, enzymatic, and carbon attributes) in response to changes in vegetation cover and season. Soil samplings were conducted over two years (one per semester, during the dry and wet periods of 2007 and 2008) in three types of areas: (I) mature forest; (II) secondary forest; and (III) sugar cane crop. The enzymatic activity of fluorescein diacetate, dehydrogenase, saccharase, basal carbon respiration, the carbon content of microbial biomass, the microbial coefficient, total and easily extracted glomalin soil-related proteins, mycorrhizal colonization, the number of glomerospores, total organic carbon, fulvic and humic acid content, and the fulvic/humic acid ratio were analyzed. In general, mycorrhizal parameters were more sensitive in distinguishing areas with different types of vegetation cover. Additionally, carbon stocks in areas of mature and secondary forest were higher compared to areas cultivated with sugar cane. The study reveals that mycorrhizal properties, such as root colonization and GRSP fractions, are more sensitive indicators of soil health than soil C attributes, providing a cost-effective alternative for evaluating soil health in the Atlantic Forest. The confirmed hypothesis supports the effectiveness of microbiological activity and C dynamics in discerning significant changes between sugar cane cultivation and forested areas. The study underscores the vital role of conserving forested areas, serving as crucial carbon reservoirs, and emphasizes the potential for enhanced sustainability through conservation practices and rapid soil function recovery in secondary forests within the Atlantic Forest.

Characteristics of the Integument of Phyllomedusa burmeisteri (Anura, Phyllomedusidae) and Boana semilineata (Anura, Hylidae) Males Can Contribute to Understanding its Relation to Habitat

Abstract The integument of anurans plays vital physiological roles, crucial for understanding the species' survival in their environment. Despite its significance, there are few studies describing the cutaneous morphology of anurans from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This study aimed to characterize the integument of Phyllomedusa burmeisteri and Boana semilineata in males using microscopic and histochemical approaches. Histological sections were stained with various dyes, and additional fragments underwent electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results showed different projections on the dorsal and ventral regions of males from these species, without the Eberth–Katschenko layer. Differences in the arrangement of chromatophore cells in regions with varying solar incidence were observed in the spongy dermis. Various gland types were identified, aiding taxonomic differentiation and validation of behavioral data. Both species had seromucous and granular glands, while only P. burmeisteri displayed lipid glands. Histochemical analysis revealed higher production of polysaccharides and proteins, contributing to the integument's moisture and protection. Lipid secretions in P. burmeisteri helped waterproof the integument more effectively against desiccation. This study concludes that analyzing anuran integument provides valuable insights into their behavior, with integument composition potentially influenced by habitat choice among different species.

Endemic and threatened birds as surrogates for identifying conservation priority areas and ecological corridors in the America’s most endangered habitat

Investigating multi-taxa macroecological patterns can provide critical insights for spatial conservation planning and landscape management across biodiversity hotspots. The Pernambuco Endemism Center (PEC) is a biogeographic region of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest known to harbor the most threatened habitats in the Americas and a considerable number of recent bird extinctions. Here, we modeled the distribution of 30 threatened forest-dependent birds, 29 of which endemic to the PEC, to reveal key habitats/resources for their survival, identify conservation priority areas, and design ecological corridors. We found variations in the responses of the taxa to landscape characteristics when we addressed these organisms separately and when we grouped them by conservation status. Overall, the environmental variables related to forest quality (e.g., distance to large fragments, distance to the forest edge, percentage of tree cover, percentage of older forests) were important predictors of habitat suitability for the regional threatened avifauna. Additionally, we revealed forest fragments of high ecological importance for the PEC’s threatened birds, and we propose the creation of the Pernambuco Endemism Center Restoration Arc (PEC-ARC) that may maximize the investments in conservation and guarantee the connectivity of crucial areas for long-term species survival.

TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF BOTANICAL RECORDS: LEGUMINOSAE TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN A BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST HOTSPOT

The Reserva Biológica do Tinguá (REBIO Tinguá) is a protected area in the state of Rio de Janeiro comprising around 26,000 ha of Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We present an updated floristic inventory of Leguminosae tree species in the REBIO Tinguá. Pre-existing herbarium collections and field expeditions carried out in 2021 and 2022 were used as the basis for (i) assembling a comprehensive taxonomically verified checklist of the legumes, (ii) revealing species distribution patterns across the Submontane (‘tingua_s’) and Montane/High Montane Dense Ombrophilous (‘tingua_ma’) Forest physiognomies of the REBIO Tinguá, and (iii) an UPGMA-based floristic similarity analysis to compare the REBIO Tinguá with 28 other areas of Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state. Of the total 67 legume tree species identified, 35 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, six are new occurrences for the area, and seven are listed under different threat categories. The legume-based similarity analysis showed clusters that largely reflect the environmental heterogeneity of the region, where ‘tingua_ma’ is grouped with Macaé de Cima, Mendanha and Santo Aleixo, while ‘tingua_s’ is grouped with Paraty Mirim, Pedra Branca, Poço das Antas, Tijuca and REBIO Union. Our study shows that new records can be made for the REBIO Tinguá, despite it being one of the most thoroughly inventoried areas in the state. Our results reinforce the importance of the REBIO Tinguá for biodiversity conservation, because of its great extent, altitudinal amplitude, and above all, its central position in the state, integrating the Mosaico Central Fluminense and the Tinguá–Bocaina biodiversity corridor.

Parasites Diversity, Abundance, Prevalence, and Richness Infecting Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil.

Parasites are key players in ecosystems, influencing population sizes and food webs, yet the impact of environmental factors on their diversity is not well understood. The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, particularly the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI), exemplifies a biodiversity hotspot facing significant deforestation, housing diverse animal species such as the synanthropic Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita), which serves as a reservoir for multiple zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we investigated parasite diversity, abundance, prevalence, and richness in free-living D. aurita in the PEFI, São Paulo, Brazil. From January 2015 to January 2017, 101 fecal samples of D. aurita were collected in two areas of PEFI, at the Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA) and the Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (Cientec), and analyzed using three different parasitological methods. In total, 99% of the samples were positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite belonged to the order Strongylida (82%), followed by Cruzia sp. (77%), the latter having a significantly higher prevalence at IPA. In contrast, Acanthocephala showed greater prevalence at Cientec. Co-infections were common, with some individuals harboring up to seven different parasites. Our findings reveal significant parasite diversity in the D. aurita population at PEFI, including both helminths and protozoan trophozoites, some of which are reported for the first time in this host species. Further research is essential for accurate species identification of the observed parasites.

Monitoring anomalies on large-scale energy and water balance components by coupling remote sensing parameters and gridded weather data.

The SAFER (Simple Algorithm for Evapotranspiration Retrieving) algorithm was applied with MODIS images and gridded weather data from 2007 to 2021, to monitor the energy balance components and their anomalies, in the Atlantic Forest (AF) and Caatinga (CT) biomes inside the coastal agricultural growing zone, Northeast Brazil. Considering the long-term data, the Rn values between the biomes are not significantly different, however presenting distinct Rn partitions into latent (λE), sensible (H), and ground (G) heat fluxes between biomes. The Rn values annual averages are 9.40 ± 0.21 and 9.50 ± 0.23MJm-2 d-1, for AF and CT, respectively. However, for respectively AF and CT, they are respectively 5.10 ± 1.14MJm-2 d-1 and 4.00 ± 0.99MJm-2 d-1 for λE; 3.80 ± 1.12MJm-2 d-1 and 5.00 ± 1.00MJm-2 d-1 for H; 0.50 ± 0.12MJm-2 d-1 and 0.40 ± 0.10MJm-2 d-1 for G, yielding respective mean evaporative fraction (Ef = λE/(Rn - G) values of 0.60 ± 0.12 and 0.50 ± 0.15. Anomalies on λE, H, and Ef were detected through standardized index for these energy balance components by comparing the results for the years 2018 to 2021 with the long-term values from 2007 to each of these years, showing that the energy fluxes between surfaces and the lower atmosphere, and then the root-zone moisture conditions for both biomes, may strongly vary along seasons and years, with alternate positive and negative anomalies. These assessments are important for water policies as they can picture suitable periods and places for rainfed agriculture as well as the irrigation needs in irrigated agriculture, allowing rational agricultural environmental management while minimizing water competitions among other water users, under climate and land-use changes conditions.

Tracing gender variation in traditional knowledge: participatory tools to promote conservation in a Quilombola community in Brazil

BackgroundBased on participatory research tools and analysis with a gender focus, we aim to identify the knowledge associated with native plants of the Atlantic Forest in one Quilombola community whose territory is juxtaposed with a protected area, in South Brazil.MethodsThrough the perception of the residents of the Quilombola community of São Roque, we classified the availability, harvesting intensity, abundance, and importance of fourteen plants native to the Atlantic Forest found in their territory. These fourteen plants were selected after initial interviews with a free listing of plants done with all adults (44 people), followed by plant collection and identification. A participatory workshop was built with the community to collect data through three activities: four-cell tool, environment matrix, and importance matrix. To identify the gender nuances in the knowledge within this community, all activities were separated into two groups based on the gender of the 22 participants (9 women and 13 men) and the researchers.ResultsThe species Pau-pra-tudo (Picrasma crenata), Quina (Coutarea hexandra), and Cipó-milome (Aristolochia triangularis) were similarly classified as important by both groups, which indicates the cultural and environmental relevance associated with them regardless of gender. The perceptions of other species were expressed differently between the groups, showing the variance of the ecological knowledge and the relationship between the sociocultural contexts of gender and the knowledge manifested. The final part of the workshop was a lecture given by two community experts about herbal medicines based on forest species found in the territory.ConclusionsBased on the multiple forms of results recorded in the workshop, we discuss the demand for inclusion of the traditional community in land management plans of environmental agencies, highlighting how individual characteristics, such as gender, can fill gaps in data about local biodiversity.

Spatial patterns of damage and tree mortality in a selectively logged Atlantic Forest

Selective logging, a common disturbance in mixed-species and uneven-aged forests, can cause substantial collateral stand damage and tree mortality. Here we explore damage patterns and some mechanisms that increase post-harvest tree mortality in a selectively logged subtropical Atlantic Forest in Argentina. We investigate the spatial relations of felled and damaged trees through spatial point pattern analysis and evaluate the relationships between mortality and different endogenous (size - diameter at breast height: DBH; and wood density: WD) and exogenous (damage and neighboring basal area: NBA) factors. The permanent plots were logged in 1999, and the fates of all pre-logging live trees ≥10 cm DBH were evaluated 20 years later. Of the monitored 3973 trees, 381 with damaged concentrated within 10.5 m of felled tree stumps. Over the next twenty years mean mortality was higher and more variable for damaged than undamaged trees (47 % ± 10 % SE and 39 % ± 2 % SE, respectively), and the presence of damage interacted with the other analyzed factors. For undamaged trees, the probability of mortality declined with DBH and NBA but not with WD. For damaged trees, instead, the probability of mortality was related to an interaction between DBH, WD, and NBA. For damaged trees <30 cm DBH, mortality increased with WD and NBA, whereas for damaged trees ≥30 cm DBH, mortality peaked at both extremes of the WD range. For these large trees with low WD, the probability of mortality decreased with NBA, whereas for trees with high WD, the opposite was observed. Our findings suggest that selective logging affects the dynamics of forests by spatially concentrating damage and may alter subsequent tree deaths. This could have, long-term effects on forest structure. Increases in logging intensity would increase overall damage and spatially isolate trees (i.e., lower NBA), rendering them more vulnerable to wind damage and other external factors. Increased tree mortality will reduce forest carbon stocks and thereby jeopardize global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Fiscal policy and deforestation

We investigate the impact of fiscal policy on deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forests. We first construct a theoretical dynamic model to examine the effects of government spending and tax revenues on the environment. We then run a VAR model to test the implications of fiscal policies on Brazilian deforestation, using data from June 1998 to May 2022. Our results suggest that government expenditures reduce deforestation in both forests. Moreover, deficit-inducing and balanced-budget fiscal policy shocks have dampening effects on deforestation, with the latter being more effective. This is good news for developing countries like Brazil. They can combat deforestation through fiscal policy in a way that doesn't worsen their fiscal situation. Our findings were unaltered when we considered the effects of a simulated fiscal policy based on spending on public goods only (social assistance, science and technology, defense, education, health, national security, and transportation).

Local factors drive leaf breakdown in tropical streams

Plants of riparian forests provide abundant dead leaves for freshwater stream ecosystems which support detritus-based food webs. The increased replacement from natural riparian forests to Eucalyptus plantations, an exotic species distributed throughout the neotropic landscapes, alters leaf breakdown as a key ecosystem process. We evaluate the breakdown of native and exotic leaf species with distinct physical and chemical characteristics (traits) in two different tropical reference condition streams located in Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes. We tested the hypothesis that regardless of the leaves’ origin (native or non-native species), leaf litter with higher nutrients and less recalcitrant compounds has higher decay rates. Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf breakdown was faster than the native species Miconia chartacea in both streams. Leaf breakdown was driven by local characteristics (context dependent) and the macrodecomposer community, with more intensity to the litter's intrinsic physical and chemical quality. The higher leaf breakdown of E. camaldulensis was evidenced in the Atlantic Forest stream, that with the most increased water flow, further accelerating the leaf breakdown. Our findings indicate that due to the innate physical and chemical characteristics of E. camaldulensis, its decomposition occurs at a faster rate compared to native tropical species, as evidenced by the stream flows.

Mining Tailings Effects on Soil Quality and Performance of Two Native Species of Atlantic Forest: Implications for Restoration

Mining Tailings Effects on Soil Quality and Performance of Two Native Species of Atlantic Forest: Implications for Restoration

NATURAL EXPANSION OR FACILITATED INTRODUCTION? FIRST RECORD OF Boana raniceps (ANURA: HYLIDAE) IN THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Hylidae is one of the most diverse families of Anura, comprising 1,054 species distributed across three subfamilies. The treefrog Boana raniceps is geographically present in almost all Brazilian territory, being currently classified as “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List. Here, we present a new record of Boana raniceps in the Área de Proteção Ambiental de Guapi-Mirim, a mangrove protected area in southeastern Brazil. Additionally, we provide an updated distribution map for the species, which was compiled from a comprehensive assessment of scientific literature, museum collections, and available online databases. We reinforce a preference of the species for open areas within the Atlantic Forest domain and modified forest patches within the biome. These areas may exhibit the highest suitability for the species’ occurrence. The newly reported records of Boana raniceps contribute valuable information to our understanding of this species, serving as an indicator to support conservation strategies for the Atlantic Forest.

HARVESTMEN (ARACHNIDA: OPILIONES) RECORDS IN ATLANTIC FOREST REMNANTS OF MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

Although the Atlantic Forest harbors the world’s greatest diversity of harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones), many forest areas remain undersampled or lack comprehensive data. Given the significant degradation experienced by the biome, it becomes crucial to perform faunal inventories of this group across different regions. This study aimed to conduct a survey of harvestmen by rapid sampling forest fragments of a Semideciduous Forest, a type of Atlantic Forest vegetation, in Ouro Fino and Itatiaiuçu, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Harvestmen were collected at night using the active search method. A total of 140 individuals from six species and seven morphospecies were collected, revealing the importance of protecting forest fragments of deforestation. Moreover, the findings indicate that more extensive sampling efforts are needed to accurately assess harvestman richness in these forest fragments, which may be under anthropogenic pressure. Additionally, there is a need for further inventories to better understand the conservation status of harvestmen in Brazil, and further contribute for biodiversity management and conservation.