Remnants Of Brazilian Atlantic Forest Research Articles

Landscape factors and allochthonous congeneric species influence Callithrix aurita occurrence in Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants.

The buffy-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix aurita) is a small primate endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome, and one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world, due to fragmentation, loss of habitat, and invasion by allochthonous Callithrix species. Using occurrence data for C. aurita from published data papers, we employed model selection using Akaike Information Criterion corrected for small samples and cumulative AICc weight (w +) to evaluate whether fragment size, distance to fragments with allochthonous species, altitude, connectivity, and surrounding matrices influence the occurrence of C. aurita within its distributional range. Distance to fragments with C. jacchus (w + = 0.94) and nonvegetated areas (w + = 0.59) correlated negatively with C. aurita occurrence. Conversely, the percentage of agriculture and pasture mosaic (w + = 0.61) and the percentage of savanna formation (w + = 0.59) in the surrounding matrix correlated positively with C. aurita occurrence. The findings indicate that C. aurita is isolated in forest fragments surrounded by potentially inhospitable matrices, along with proximity of a more generalist and invasive species, thereby increasing the possibility of introgressive hybridization. The findings also highlighted the importance of landscape elements and allochthonous congeneric species for C. aurita conservation, besides indicating urgency for allochthonous species management. Finally, the approach used here can be applied to improve conservation studies of other endangered species, such as C. flaviceps, which is also endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and faces the same challenges.

DISTRIBUTION, ECOLOGY AND REPRODUCTION OF BRYOPHYTES IN A PRESERVED REMNANT OF ATLANTIC FOREST IN SOUTH OF BAHIA, BRAZIL

The continuous and intense process of habitat loss and fragmentation has reduced the Atlantic Forest to less than 12% of its original area, with 80% of the remaining fragments smaller than 50 ha and only 9% protected within conservation units. One of the largest Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants is protected inside the Una Biological Reserve – REBIO Una and Una Wildlife Refuge – REVIS UNA (designated here as “Una Region”). Una Region has fundamental importance to many biological groups due to their endemic species, most of them threatened, but with regard to bryophytes in Una Region there are still knowledge gaps. We carried out a bryofloristic survey in Una Region and analyzed floristic, ecological and reproductive aspects of the bryoflora. Bark, leaf and decaying wood samples were collected within 15 10 x 10 m plots resulting in the identification of 140 species (95 liverworts and 45 mosses), including five new records for Bahia State and 11 for the Northeastern region of Brazil, one endangered (EN) species, and one species recently described. Richness estimators revealed high proportions of undetected species, varying according to substrate type. The bryoflora was dominated by life forms of intermediate desiccation tolerance and shade specialists. Asexual or sexual reproductive structures were observed in nearly 60% of the species. Our results indicate that Una Region plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of the taxonomic, functional and genetic diversity of bryophytes and in the conservation of this group not only in Bahia, but also in the Atlantic Forest.

Population structure of understory, canopy/emergent tree species in Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants with different Conservation status

The size and spatial structures of populations are a synthesis of demographic attributes and indicators of competitive ability, colonization, and survival. In this study, the objective was to analyze the height and spatial pattern of an understory and canopy/emergent tree populations group in two protected fragments of seasonal semideciduous forest, one with a history of selective logging and another without selective logging evidences. Six species with high importance values (IV) from different guilds were selected and height and spatial pattern analysis was realized in both areas. Then, comparison of results was realized in an area with history of selective logging and another without selective logging evidences. Differences in height and spatial pattern were found between the two areas, including species not directly exploited. In Logged Forest the size structure for all species presented a higher coefficient of skewness, showing a greater proportion of young trees. Random distribution was observed for the majority of species in both areas. Some emergent/canopy species had a deficit of individuals in the largest size classes and the majority of understory species showed more individuals in Logged Forest. Selective Logging changed the pattern of populations. Selecting species based on IV together with spatial patterns data contribute to demonstrating the impacts of exploitation. The Logged Forest is surrounded by an agricultural matrix, limiting arrival and dispersion of propagules of shade-tolerant species. Efforts to connect surroundings fragments to Logged Forest will be necessary.

Feeding Habits, Microhabitat Use, and Daily Activity Cycle of Adenomera marmorata (Anura, Leptodactylidae) in Two Brazilian Atlantic Forest Remnants

We investigated daily activity, microhabitat use, and feeding habits of the anuran Adenomera marmorata in two Brazilian Atlantic forest remnants: Estação Ecológica Estadual Paraíso (EEEP) and Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA). Most individuals were active at dusk (EEEP: n = 5 or 62.5%; REGUA: n = 16 or 45.7%; populations pooled: n = 21 or 48.8%) and nocturnally (EEEP: n = 3 or 37.5%; REGUA: n = 17 or 48.6%; populations pooled: n = 20 or 46.5%); however, individuals were encountered during the day (EEEP: n = 0; REGUA: n = 2 or 5.7%; populations pooled: n = 2 or 4.7%). The microhabitat used most by the anurans was the leaf litter of forest floor (EEEP: n = 8 or 80.0%; REGUA: n = 33 or 94.3%; populations pooled: n = 41 or 91.1%). In EEEP, in numerical terms, mainly isopods (33.33%) and ants (22.22%) composed the diet of A. marmorata. Volumetrically, Isopoda (77.37%) was the most important item. In terms of frequency of occurrence, isopods, and ants, both consumed by 30% of the individuals, were the most relevant food items. In REGUA, numerically, individuals mainly consumed ants (23.26%) and isopods (20.93%). In volumetric terms, individuals predominantly ingested isopods (56.57%). The food items most commonly consumed by individuals in REGUA were isopods (40.63%) and ants (37.50%). Adenomera marmorata ingested 8 different types of food in EEEP and 14 in REGUA, feeding on a significantly higher number of food items in REGUA than in EEEP. The populations also differed in diet composition in volumetric terms, showing that food consumption can vary between populations, which might result from differences in local food availability and individual morphological characteristics. Adenomera marmorata might be able to forage opportunistically or selectively depending on the prey.

Assessing the genetic diversity of Myrsine umbellata (Primulaceae) in Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants - an important step towards reforestation efforts

Abstract The investigation of genetic diversity in natural populations of species that show potential for use in reforestation programs is a key step in making management decisions. However, reforestation programs with native species in Brazil are still rarely based on a genetic understanding of the seed matrices used for seedling production. This is also the case for Myrsine umbellata, a dioecious shrub within the family Primulaceae that has been used in reforestation programs in Brazil, mainly due to its high production capacity of fruits attractive to the avifauna. The goal of this study was to measure intra- and interpopulational genetic diversity in natural populations of M. umbellata in six forest remnants of the Atlantic Forest using ISSR markers. The results revealed that the intrapopulational genetic diversity was greater than the genetic diversity among the studied populations. For this reason, the cultivation of seedlings from seeds obtained in more than one population seems the most appropriate strategy for reforestation purposes. Even though the most isolated populations are also the ones with highest genetic structure, all populations of M. umbellata included in this study revealed to be an important germplasm bank conserved in situ.

Subtribe Laeliinae (Orchidaceae) in a large and mature remnant of Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract Orchidaceae is a megadiverse botanical family in Brazil, particularly in the Atlantic Forest where it is a priority group for conservation. Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (PARNA Itatiaia) was the first conservation unit established in Brazil, and represents a large and mature remnant of Atlantic Forest. Updated data on richness, distribution and conservation of the Neotropical and ornamental subtribe Laeliinae in the park recently disclosed the occurrence of presumed locally extinct species, but without a taxonomic approach. Thus, we present a comprehensive taxonomic treatment of Laeliinae in the PARNA Itatiaia. The subtribe is represented by six genera and 33 species, which corresponds to about 15% of the orchid flora of PARNA Itatiaia. Epidendrum is the richest genus, with 20 species, followed by Cattleya (6 spp.) and Prosthechea (4 spp.). Species of Laeliinae grow in shady and humid habitats, especially near rivers, at elevations ranging 750-1,200 m, with species richness decreasing with elevation. Several species form small populations (commonly < 10 individuals), which are in need of prompt conservation actions to avoid local extinction. Samples of Laeliinae from PARNA Itatiaia in collections of consulted herbaria were found to be scarce. Variable morphological characteristics, mainly of the lip, distinguishe species of Laeliinae.

Community responses to fine-scale environmental conditions: Ferns alpha and beta diversity along Brazilian Atlantic forest remnants

Understanding how local environmental factors affect communities and compositional patterns are crucial to biodiversity conservation, especially in environments that were severally affected by anthropic actions. We analyzed the effects of fine-scale local environmental conditions on alpha and beta diversity of fern communities in three Atlantic forest areas and investigated the mechanisms underlying fern community responses. We sampled ferns and collected local environmental variables in 22 plots in three Atlantic forest areas and used multi-model inferences to identify the relationship between community diversity and composition and local environmental factors. We also applied multivariate analyses to verify whether community composition is constrained by local environmental factors. Finally, we analyzed beta-diversity (dissimilarity in species composition) patterns between and within forest areas and identified the contribution of turnover and nestedness to observed beta-diversity patterns. At the local scale, fern diversity was positively and strongly affected by fine-scale variations in nutrient availability and negatively influenced by soil acidity. Meanwhile, changes in community composition were also related to fine-scale variations in nutrient availability and soil rock coverage. Beta-diversity within forest areas (local scale) was as high as between forest areas (regional scale), a pattern that was virtually driven by species turnover at both scales of analysis. Our results highlight a prominent role of environmental filtering in regulating fine-scale local fern community diversity and composition, to such an extent that fine-scale local variation in species composition is as high as between spatially and climatically distant forest areas.

Vegetation structure across fire edges in a Neotropical rain forest

Human-induced wildfires are one of the greatest threats to tropical forest and are predicted to increase in importance due to altered regimes associated with climate change. Wildfires promote high tree mortality, thus modifying forest structure and composition, and lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. Wildfires may also have effects on the adjacent unburnt areas due to edge influence; conversely, proximity to unburnt forest stands may favor regeneration in the burnt areas. We evaluated wildfire effects on the forest structure of Brazilian Atlantic forest remnants. We established 244 plots along eight 360 m-long transects distributed among three burnt patches, where we measured structural attributes of overstory, understory, and deadwood. The wildfire promoted very high mortality of trees, saplings, and lianas, changing substantially the forest structure. Our analyses showed clear differences between the burnt and unburnt areas but no clear gradients, highlighting the incipient stage of edge influence-related processes. The Neotropical bracken fern Pteridium arachnoideum was dominant in the burnt areas, which can possibly arrest secondary succession. Our results highlight the importance of wildfires as a menace to Brazilian Atlantic Forests remnants, as well as to tropical rainforests elsewhere - an ever-rising concern in a future of increased fire frequency.

Should I store, or should I sync? The breeding strategy of two small Neotropical primates under predictable resource availability.

Primates employ many strategies to deal with the costs of reproduction. While income breeders exploit the food available in their environment during lactation, the most costly phase of reproduction, capital breeders tend to store energy for use in the period. We analyzed the relationship between resource availability and lactation in Callicebus coimbrai (n = 2 groups) and Callicebus nigrifrons (n = 2 groups) in four Brazilian Atlantic forest remnants, to assess their breeding strategy. We recorded the occurrence of births and breastfeeding events to assess birth seasonality and lactation period and length while monitoring monthly fruit availability. We recorded 11 births (five for C. coimbrai, and six for C. nigrifrons), all restricted to the end of the lean season and the beginning of the rich season. Lactation coincided with periods of increased fruit availability. We suggest that the breeding pattern of Callicebus coimbrai and C. nigrifrons is compatible with an income-based breeding strategy.

Density, habitat use, and activity patterns of a vulnerable population of the Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitarius) in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest fragment

We present the first estimates of density of the Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitarius (Vieillot, 1819)) in the Reserva Natural Vale (RNV), one of the two largest remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. We also modeled the spatial distribution and habitat use of the species using occupancy and detectability modeling. We used a line-transect survey to estimate density and abundance and camera traps to estimate habitat use and activity pattern. We conducted the survey within a 13 month period (April 2013 to May 2014). Estimated density was 9 ± 2 individuals/km2 and estimated population size for the entire RNV was 2115 ± 470 individuals. Occupancy was best described by distance to forest edge, distance between trees, poaching intensity, and understory cover. Detectability was affected by distance between trees and poaching intensity. We conclude that in the RNV, the Near Threatened T. solitarius is a diurnal species preferring intact closed-canopy forest but tending to avoid areas near to forest edges or areas under comparatively high intensity of poaching. These results reinforce the importance of RNV as a resource source for T. solitarius reproduction at Brazilian Atlantic forest remnants.

Responses of Euglossine Bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossina) to an Edge-Forest Gradient in a Large Tabuleiro Forest Remnant in Eastern Brazil.

Euglossine fauna of a large remnant of Brazilian Atlantic forest in eastern Brazil (Reserva Natural Vale) was assessed along an edge-forest gradient towards the interior of the fragment. To test the hypotheses that the structure of assemblages of orchid bees varies along this gradient, the following predictions were evaluated: (i) species richness is positively related to distance from the forest edge, (ii) species diversity is positively related to distance from the edge, (iii) the relative abundance of species associated with forest edge and/or open areas is inversely related to the distance from edge, and (iv) relative abundance of forest-related species is positively related to distance from the edge. A total of 2264 bees of 25 species was assessed at five distances from the edge: 0m (the edge itself), 100m, 500m, 1000m and 1500m. Data suggested the existence of an edge-interior gradient for euglossine bees regarding species diversity and composition (considering the relative abundance of edge and forest-related species as a proxy for species composition) but not species richness.

Biodiversity survey, ecology and new distribution records of Marchantiophyta in a remnant of Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Florística, ecologia e novos registros de Marchantiophyta em um remanescente da Floresta Atlântica Brasileira. São apresentados os resultados de um levantamento de espécies de hepáticas que ocorrem em um fragmento de fl oresta ombrófi la densa montana no Parque Nacional de Boa Nova, localizado numa zona de transição entre Caatinga e Mata Atlântica no sudoeste da Bahia. Foram encontradas 126 espécies distribuídas entre 41 gêneros e 14 famílias. Dezesseis espécies são relatadas pela primeira para o estado da Bahia, enquanto dez espécies representam novos registros para a região Nordeste do Brasil. A família Acrobolbaceae E.A. Hodgs e o gênero Dicranolejeunea (Spruce) Schiff n. São também relatados pela primeira vez na Bahia. Cololejeunea winkleri (Morales & Benecker) Bernecker & Pócs, é citada pela primeira vez para a Mata Atlântica brasileira. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo demonstram a importância do Parque Nacional de Boa Nova para a conservação da biodiversidade de briófitas no Brasil.

Rubiaceae in Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants: floristic similarity and implications for conservation.

Brazil holds most of the Atlantic Forest Domain and is also one of the Rubiaceae diversity centers in the Neotropics. Despite the urban expansion in the state of Rio de Janeiro, large areas of continuous vegetation with high connectivity degree can still be found. Recently, new Rubiaceae species have been described in the Rio de Janeiro flora, which present small populations and very particular distribution. The current paper analyzed the similarity in the floristic composition of the Rubiaceae in eight Atlantic Forest remnants of Rio de Janeiro state protected by Conservation Units. We also surveyed and set guidelines for conservation of microendemic species. The similarity analysis were based on previously published studies in Área de Proteção Ambiental de Grumari, Área de Proteção Ambiental Palmares, Parque Estadual da Serra da Tiririca, Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Parque Nacional de Jurubatiba, Reserva Biológica de Poço das Antas, Reserva Biológica do Tinguá and Reserva Ecológica de Macaé de Cima - using the PAST software (“Paleontological Statistics”) with Sørensen coefficient. The floristic similarity analysis revealed two groups with distinct physiographic characteristics and different vegetation types. Group A consisted in two Restinga areas, Área de Proteção Ambiental de Grumari and Parque Nacional de Jurubatiba, which showed strong bootstrap support (98 %). Group B included forest remnants with distinct phytophisiognomies or altitudes, but with moderate bootstrap support. Low similarity levels among the eight areas were found due to the habitats’ heterogeneity. The current study pointed out 19 microendemic species from the Atlantic Forest, they present a single-site distribution or a distribution restricted to Mountain and Metropolitan regions of Rio de Janeiro state. Concerning the conservation status of microendemic species, discrepancies between the Catalogue of Flora of Rio de Janeiro and the Red Book of Brazilian Flora (two of the main reference catalogs of Brazilian flora) have been identified. We have also highlighted the need for recollecting microendemic species from the Atlantic Forest, and for properly assessing the degree of threat faced by these taxons early.

How important are environmental factors for the population structure of co-occurring scorpion species in a tropical forest?

Understanding scorpion responses to environmental disturbances in forest remnants is important because, as generalist predators, they exert pressure on a wide variety of arthropod populations that contribute to forest health. In this study, we investigate the drivers of scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 and Ananteris mauryi Lourenço, 1982 abundance in 11 Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants. Six environmental factors (litter dry mass, remnant area, leaf litter depth, diameter at breast height of tree, canopy openness, and tree density) were assessed. Field surveys were conducted at night using ultraviolet lamps. From a sample of 1125 captured specimens, approximately 90% were T. pusillus and 7% were A. mauryi. The abundance of T. pusillus, but not A. mauryi, was positively correlated with litter dry mass. Other variables had no effect on the abundance of either species. These results suggest differences in the response of the species to environmental factors on a smaller scale. Behavior difference in foraging between T. pusillus (sit-and-wait) and A. mauryi (wandering) and microhabitat selection may also contribute to explain the influence of litter dry mass on the abundance of T. pusillus but not on the abundance of A. mauryi.

Assessing the exposure of lion tamarins (Leontopithecusspp.) to future climate change

Understanding how biodiversity will respond to climate change is a major challenge in conservation science. Climatic changes are likely to impose serious threats to many organisms, especially those with narrow distribution ranges, small populations and low dispersal capacity. Lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp.) are endangered primates endemic to Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF), and all four living species are typical examples of these aggravating conditions. Here, we integrate ecological niche modeling and GIS-based information about BAF remnants and protected areas to estimate the exposure (i.e., the extent of climate change predicted to be experienced by a species) of current suitable habitats to climate change for 2050 and 2080, and to evaluate the efficacy of existing reserves to protect climatically suitable areas. Niche models were built using Maxent and then projected onto seven global circulation models derived from the A1B climatic scenario. According to our projections, the occurrence area of L. caissara will be little exposed to climate change. Western populations of L. chrysomelas could be potentially exposed, while climatically suitable habitats will be maintained only in part of the eastern region. Protected areas that presently harbor large populations of L. chrysopygus and L. rosalia will not retain climatic suitability by 2080. Monitoring trends of exposed populations and protecting areas predicted to hold suitable conditions should be prioritized. Given the potential exposure of key lion tamarin populations, we stress the importance of conducting additional studies to assess other aspects of their vulnerability (i.e., sensitivity to climate and adaptive capacity) and, therefore, to provide a more solid framework for future management decisions in the context of climate change.

Attractivity of omnivore, carnivore and herbivore mammalian dung to Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) in a tropical Atlantic rainforest remnant

In this study, performed in a remnant of Brazilian Atlantic Forest, three types of dung from animals with distinct alimentary habits were utilized, in order to verify possible differences of attractivity of these dungs to the Scarabaeinae and the influence of seasonality in the attractivity. Three habitats were sampled: edge, clearing and forest core, each with 40 pitfall traps. A total of 2,137 beetles were collected from August 2005 to July 2006. Canthidium sp. 1 (43%) and Dichotomius sericeus (41%) were the most abundant species. From the total number of beetles collected, 80.5% were attracted to human dung, 11% to jaguar dung, 7.8% to waterbuck dung and 0.7% to the control. The species Canthidium sp.1, Canthidium sp. 2, Ateuchus sp., Canthon nigripenne, Canthonella sp. and D. sericeus came to all three bait types. Eight species were found in the baits with human dung, where Canthidium sp.1 (49%) and D. sericeus (39%) were the most common. A significant difference in attractiveness of the different baits was observed; the highest abundance found in traps baited with human dung (F = 36.59; g.l. = 3; p < 0.0001). A significant difference in richness was observed between rainy and dry seasons (F = 12.29; g.l. = 1; p < 0.001), the highest richness found in the dry season.

Distribution pattern of herbivorous insects in a remnant of Brazilian Atlantic Forest

In this study we selected three habitats that correspond to a light gradient, and consequently a proportion of pioneer plant species gradient edges, trails and forest core and described their herbivorous insect assemblage. We tested five hypothesis about the herbivorous assemblage: (1) there is a different distribution of abundance and richness of order between habitats, (2) species similarity between habitats is smaller than within habitat, (3) in forest edge the herbivores are more abundant than in trails and interior of the forest, (4) in nuclear areas herbivore richness and diversity are higher than in the trails and edge, and (5) the abundance and richness of herbivores are different between seasons. Herbivorous were sampled during November 2000 - May 2001 by scanning the plants in ten 1,000-m 3 transects per habitat, five per season. We sampled 1,424 adult individuals from 367 species of six orders. Orthoptera and Coleoptera were the most abundant herbivores in the edge and interior, respectively. Coleoptera showed the highest species diversity in the forest edge, while Lepidoptera was in the interior. The similarity of the fauna between habitats was smaller than within habitats. The values of abundance, richness and diversity in the edge were higher than those of trails and interior for both seasons. We suggest that the low richness of herbivores in the interior of the forest is due to a reduction of specialist groups associated to plant species characteristic of mature forest, which are locally extinct in the study area.

Density and Population Size of Mammals in Remnants of Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Density and Population Size of Mammals in Remnants of Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Density and Population Size of Mammals in Remnants of Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

From October 1994 to April 1996, I surveyed six Atlantic forest reserves, two large (approximately 20,000 ha each), two medium-sized (approximately 2000 ha each), and two small (approximately 200 ha each), located in northern Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil, for mammals openface> 1 kg body weight. My main objective was to assess the effects of fragmentation on population sizes and densities of five abundant species of forest-dwelling species (three primates and two rodents). I used line-transect sampling to survey mammals and estimated densities through the DISTANCE program. The average density of mammals increased from small to medium to large fragments, with small fragments having an average mammal density ( 7.6 individuals/km2 ) significantly lower than that of large fragments (20.9 individuals/km2 ). This trend was not significant when species that were extinct or absent in some fragments were excluded from the analysis. Shortage of food ( fruits) and predation by small cats ( Leopardus sp.) are the likely factors contributing to the demise of mammals, most of which are frugivores, in small fragments. Estimates of population sizes were on the order of several hundred to thousands of individuals for the large reserves, whereas comparable estimates for the other areas indicate a few hundred individuals for the medium-sized reserves and <100 individuals per species in the small reserves. The estimates provided here indicate that only Atlantic forest reserves of ≥20,000 ha can sustain viable populations ( Ne ≅ 500 individuals) of the five species studied, which represent only about 14% of all medium-sized to large species of mammals known to be present in fragments of this size. Given that only about 20% of all protected areas remaining in the Atlantic forest are equal to or larger than this size, management measures are badly needed to improve mammal conservation in this biome.