De Altitude Research Articles

High frequency of ambophily in a Brazilian campos de altitude.

Ambophily, an intriguing pollination system in which plant species present adaptations to both biotic and abiotic pollination, has been scarcely reported. Most studies have been conducted with a single or few related species from wind-pollinated genera. We here assess for the first time the frequency of ambophily at the community-level. We evaluated pollen carried by wind in 63 animal-pollinated species from a Brazilian campos de altitude. For those with pollen carried by wind, we evaluated the contribution of wind and animals to seed production with controlled pollination experiments, as well as floral traits and floral visitor assemblages. Pollen of 23 species were carried by wind (~37%). Animals and wind contributed to the reproduction of seven species (~11%), including one pollinated by hummingbirds, large bees and wind. These seven ambophilous species presented unrestrictive floral morphologies and generalist pollination. We found a high frequency of ambophily in a single community (11%), which represented an increment of ~5% of species relative to all ambophilous species reported in the literature so far. Investigating pollen transport by wind in zoophilous species combined with controlled experiments helped detect ambophily in species that are usually ignored in wind-pollination studies. Our results showed that putative zoophilous species may actually be ambophilous, suggesting that the selective pressures towards ambophily also occur in zoophilous lineages.

Rapoport effects in edaphic spiders (Araneae) diversity along an elevational gradient in Brazilian semiarid domain

ABSTRACT The Rapoport Effect is a macroecological approach that proposes to explain the trend of species distribution across environmental gradients. Here, edaphic spiders were chosen as a model organism to test the Rapoport Effect along an elevational gradient in a ‘Brejo de Altitude’ in the Baturité Massif, Northeast Brazil. Spiders were sampled during 13 months from August 2020 to August 2021 using pitfall traps in five elevational bands distributed along the Baturité Massif. A total of 1,476 individuals were collected, of which adults correspond to 1,171 individuals, belonging to 107 morphospecies from 29 families. A tendency was observed in the decrease of species richness as a function of the increase in altitude, except in the two higher bands. We also found that 26 morphospecies present maximum elevational amplitude (740 m). Our results provide support for the occurrence of the Rapoport Effect in edaphic spiders along the elevational gradient in Baturité Massif.

A causal trait model for explaining foliar water uptake capacity

AbstractQuestionsPlants largely vary in their capacity for foliar water uptake (FWU), that is, the capacity to increase leaf water content by directly absorbing water from leaf‐wetting events. Climate change will reduce leaf wetting and increase drought events. Therefore, we need a better understanding of the underlying traits and mechanisms that facilitate FWU.LocationSeasonally dry tropical montane grasslands in Brazil (Campos de Altitude).MethodsWe measured FWU and leaf traits related to wettability, surface conductance, water potential and water storage on up to 55 plant species. By using Direct Acyclic Graph theory and Bayesian modelling, we tested how those leaf traits affect FWU.ResultsWe found that stomatal conductance largely explained interspecific variation in FWU, which was also favoured in species with hydrophilic leaves, high cuticular conductance, more negative leaf water potentials, low dry‐matter content, isohydric behaviour, and more elastic cell walls.ConclusionsDue to the existence of trade‐offs, not all species exhibit an optimal combination of traits that favours FWU. Instead, co‐occurring species have achieved a similar capacity for FWU through distinct trait combinations. Consequently, species engaged in FWU may exhibit differential vulnerabilities to climate change as they can cope with drought using other strategies beside FWU.

On the rocks: Biogeography and floristic identity of rocky ecosystems in eastern South America

AbstractThe geodiversity of rocky ecosystems includes diverse plant communities with specific names, but their continental‐scale floristic identity and the knowledge on the role of macroclimate remain patchy. Here, we assessed the identity of plant communities in eastern Brazil across multiple types of rocky landscapes and evaluated the relative importance of climatic variables in constraining floristic differentiation. We provided lists of diagnostic species and an assessment of the conservation status of the identified floristic groups. We compiled a data set of 151 sites (4498 species) from rocky ecosystems, including campos rupestres, campos de altitude, granitic‐gneiss lowland inselbergs, and limestone outcrops. We used unsupervised clustering analysis followed by ANOSIM to assess floristic groups among sites. We performed a random forest variable selection to test whether the identified floristic groups occupy distinct climatic spaces. Six groups (lithobiomes) segregated floristically according to lithology and climate. Alongside campos de altitude and limestone outcrops, inselbergs were divided according to the biome in which they occur (Atlantic Forest or Caatinga), and campos rupestres were largely segregated according to their lithological matrix (ironstone or quartzitic). Plant communities of Caatinga inselbergs were more similar to limestone outcrops, while Atlantic Forest inselbergs communities resembled campos de altitude. The composition of plant communities on outcrops seems to be largely constrained by lithology, but climatic factors are also meaningful for sites with similar lithology. The current network of protected areas does not cover these unique ecosystems and their floristic heterogeneity, with Caatinga inselbergs and limestone outcrops being the least protected.

Revision of the Chironius bicarinatus complex (Serpentes: Colubridae): Redefined species boundaries and description of a new species

Abstract Currently, the proposed diagnoses for the Chironius bicarinatus complex reflect a wide variation in color pattern and pholidosis. Herein, we review the Chironius bicarinatus complex based on morphological and molecular data from a sample of 485 specimens covering the species distribution. Our results corroborate the recognition of C. bicarinatus and C. gouveai, and diagnose a distinct lineage without an available name. Thus, here we describe this new species restricted to the Baturité Massif, a relictual rainforest isolated in the Caatinga xerophytic domain, in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by its unique combination of qualitative and quantitative morphological characters (scale counts, morphometric, color pattern), and is also supported by molecular and ecological evidence. Additionally, we rectify data on the distribution and morphological variability of C. gouveai to accurately infer the boundaries between this taxon and C. bicarinatus, which was not properly addressed. Finally, we discuss our results in the light of previous studies that suggest diversification hypotheses in the Atlantic Forest already detected for other taxa, highlighting the importance of conserving the areas of “Brejos de Altitude”, in northeastern Brazil, and the southern limit of Serra do Mar up to Serra do Tabuleiro, in southern Brazil.

A new Malaxis (Orchidaceae: Malaxidinae) from the Campos de Altitude of the Atlantic rainforest in southern Brazil

Malaxis ybytus is proposed as a new species from the wetlands of the Campos de Altitude of the Atlantic rainforest of south Brazil, Serra do Araçatuba\Papanduva mountain chain. It is described, illustrated, and compared with other similar species. The new species is similar to Malaxis cipoensis and Malaxis sertulifera, but it is recognised by its flat to slightly conduplicate leaves, densely congested inflorescence with small flowers bearing free lateral sepals and four foveas in the lip. Due to the high degree of endemism in this environment, the few collection records and the anthropic pressure in the region, we infer that the species is critically endangered (CR) based in criterium D of the IUCN.

Cookeina tricholoma (Pezizales): a new distributional record of an unexpected edible fungus in Brazilian Northeast rain forests

Cookeina tricholoma is an operculate discomycete belonging to Pezizomycetes, growing saprobe on dead trunks. The species distribution is widespread around the world, occurring in tropical and subtropical regions. It is characterized by its bright colors, hirsute/hairy surface, stipitate apothecia, operculate asci, and ascospores with longitudinal ribs. This paper provides a new distributional record of C. tricholoma in a “brejo de altitude” forest in the State of Paraíba and, in a submontane rain forest of the Federal Biological Reserve of Pedra Talhada, in the State of Alagoas, with morphological description of the ascomata, discussion and photographs

Systematics of the genus Euryoryzomys Weksler et al., 2006 (Rodentia: Cricetidae): integrative analysis reveals a new species from north-eastern Brazil

Abstract The genus Euryoryzomys encompasses six species found across Cis-Andean lowland and montane rainforests in South America. One of the most enigmatic forms of the genus is found in the Brejos de altitude of north-eastern Brazil, where enclaves of dense rainforest in mountain ranges sharply contrast with surrounding semi-arid Caatinga. Here we analyse morphological and molecular data, and demonstrate that these populations are members of a new species, which is described and contrasted with other Euryoryzomys. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, coupled with morphometrics and comparative anatomy analyses, show that the new species differs from its sister-species, Euryoryzomys lamia from the Cerrado of Central Brazil, and from other forms of the genus, corroborating previous perspectives based on karyological data. The new species of the genus occurs in two distinct areas in the state of Ceará, Serra de Ibiapaba and Serra de Baturité, and one isolated range in Paraíba state. The recovered biogeographic pattern of Brejos de altitude—Cerrado sister-group relationship is novel among studied vertebrates, as most species from Brejos are more closely related to taxa from Amazon and Atlantic Forest. Further taxonomic efforts are necessary to uncover the total diversity within Euryoryzomys, especially for the nominal taxa E. emmonsae, E. macconnelli, and E. nitidus.

Morphological, geographic and ecological evidence support a new species of Chusquea subg. Swallenochloa (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae) from Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Brazil

Specimens from the Serra do Caparaó (border of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states in Brazil) previously treated as Chusquea aff. heterophylla were compared with C. heterophylla. We found differences in macromorphology (including habit, culm leaf persistence and indument, subsidiary branch number, foliage leaf indument on sheath and blades, and spikelet size and bract proportions), abaxial micromorphology of the foliage leaf blades (including silica cell shape, prickle hair shape, bicellular microhair relative size and proportion of its cells, macrohair presence, long cell papillar shape, and subsidiary cell papillar shape and orientation) and in geographic distribution and habitat. These differences were considered enough to describe Chusquea riparia as a new species herein considered as microendemic to the Parque Nacional do Caparaó, growing only in riparian areas of montane Atlantic forest and campos de altitude. We provide illustrations, maps, taxonomic and phenological comments on the new species, and a key to the species of C. subg. Swallenochloa from the Parque Nacional do Caparaó.

Looking similar but all different: Phylogenetic signature of Brazilian rocky outcrops and the influence of temperature variability on their phylogenetic structure

Abstract Old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs) have a disjunct yet wide distribution worldwide. Old lineages, rare and geographically restricted species, generally characterise these landscapes. Although the last decade provided evidence supporting the OCBIL theory, many studies are biased towards local scales, woody plants and specific OCBILs. Therefore, broad‐scale investigations across different types of OCBILs are needed. We used 5186 flowering plant species (woody and herbaceous) distributed across 129 rocky outcrop sites in Brazil to investigate (1) the relative influence of climate on the phylogenetic diversity and structure of OCBILs; (2) their phylogenetic signature; (3) whether vegetation type influences phylogenetic diversity and structure of OCBILs after controlling for climate; and (4) the OCBILs' evolutionary median community age. We found that rocky outcrops exhibit lower than expected phylogenetic diversity and are home to plant communities composed of closely related species (i.e. phylogenetic clustering) relative to the reference species pool, primarily due to temperature seasonality. Each rocky outcrop shows a distinct phylogenetic signature, indicated by plant families with more descendant species than expected by chance. Even after controlling for climate, phylogenetic diversity and structure remain low and clustered in most rocky outcrops. The median community age estimated at the species level is lower in campos de altitude than in other rocky outcrops. Synthesis. We show that the influence of climate seasonality is pervasive in the phylogenetic diversity and structure of Brazilian rocky outcrops at different taxonomic levels. We also show that the phylogenetic signature of rocky outcrops comprises a mix of relatively old and young overrepresented plant families whose descendants contribute to their low phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic clustering. Overall, the combination of low phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic clustering and comparably low median community age across Brazilian rocky outcrops indicates that, on average, these OCBILs are subjected to strong environmental constraints and serve as arenas of recent diversification rather than a steady accumulation of taxa. Therefore, these findings indicate different OCBILs as hotspots for various plant lineages and species.

Neotropicomus australis var. porulosus var. nov. (Agaricomycetes, Boletaceae), a new bolete from “brejo de altitude” forest in Brazil

Neotropicomus australis var. porulosus is characterized macroscopically by the small basidiomata, the dark reddish brown, slightly viscid and scrobiculate pileus with unchanging context, the greenish and unchanging hymenophore with small (≤0.5 mm in diam.) pores and the brownish stipe with unchanging context, creamy towards the base and fibrillose. Microscopically, the variety is characterized by pale to slightly dark yellowish basidiospores of 11.7–13.3(–13.8) × 4.1–5.1 µm, a pileipellis as epithelium consisting of erect to suberect then sometimes very slightly intertwined chains of aggregated globose, subglobose to ellipsoid cells, a phylloporoid tube trama, subparallel to barely divergent, and some caulocystidia with apex bearing an elongate cylindrical projection. The new taxon is described here from the Caatinga biome, in a ‘brejo de altitude’ forest in the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco. Thus, this is the first record of this genus from northeastern Brazil. We also propose here a modification of the genus to include small-pore specimens, and a new combination of Xerocumus globuliger with Neotropicomus.

Avispas sociales (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) asociadas a plantaciones de Eucalyptus sp. en un Campo de Altitud situado en el sur del Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

In Brazil, there is little information about social wasp communities in Altitude Fields (Campos de Altitude), a phytophysiognomy of the Atlantic Forest with a high rate of endemism, which is being altered and reduced in area by human activities, such as the cultivation of Eucalyptus spp. Therefore, the present study aimed to inventory the species of Polistinae (Vespidae) presente in an Altitude Field associated with Eucalyptus sp. plantations in the municipality of Poços de Caldas, Southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study was conducted in Morro do Ferro, central region of the Poços de Caldas Plateau, from 2020 to 2021, using active search and Malaise traps. Thirteen species of social wasps were recorded, which have a wide geographic distribution, and explore anthropic environments, such as agricultural areas, pasture and Eucalyptus sp. plantations. Many of them behave as synanthropic, suggesting this altitude field to be a degraded area in Poços Caldas, MG. However, further studies must be carried out in the region, in order to know and preserve these remaining ecosystems.

Occurrence of legacy organochlorine pesticides in small mammals from two mountainous National Parks in southeastern Brazil

In southeastern Brazil, particular altitudinal grassland ecosystems, known as campos de altitude, occur at mountainous summits that host an outstanding level of biodiversity and endemism. However, despite being environmentally protected areas, several studies have shown their susceptibility to the impacts of climate change and airborne pollution. Previous studies highlighted that organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), present higher atmospheric concentrations along altitudinal gradients and can be locally deposited. On top of that, formerly used OCPs are still detected in the atmosphere on those mountaintops, long after their phase-out. Nevertheless, the potential bioaccumulation of OCPs by endemic species has not yet been assessed. Thus, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of OCPs in terrestrial subalpine wildlife and to establish a baseline for further in-depth studies on OCPs, or similar hazardous chemicals, in these endangered environments. In summary, 28 OCP congeners were investigated in 49 liver samples of ten small mammal species collected in 2013 and in 2016. Chemical analyses were based on gas chromatography coupled with electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry (GC/ECNI-MS). Additional stable isotope analyses (δ 15 N and δ 13C) were performed to elucidate the role of trophic position on OCP bioaccumulation. Mirex, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, chlordane, and hexachlorocyclohexane congeners were the most frequently detected OCPs (59–97% of all samples). Regarding OCP contents in liver tissues, Mirex was also dominant. The atmospheric transport from secondary sources was assumed to be the origin of OCPs in the studied environment and their occurrence and difference between the two sampling sites are in good agreement with previous atmospheric monitoring. Further studies are needed to evaluate the exposure of campos de altitude endemic organisms to other airborne hazardous chemicals and to assess the potential toxicity posed by contaminant mixtures.

A valorização das “taipas de pedras” como estratégia para a conservação da paisagem dos Campos de Altitude em São Francisco de Paula/ RS, Brasil

As taipas são muros de pedra encontrados na região dos Campos de Cima da Serra no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Associadas ao tropeirismo, importante rota comercial do período colonial brasileiro, possuem como característica principal o fato de terem sido construídos sem o uso de nenhum tipo de argamassa, mas somente com pedras encaixadas, motivo pelo qual também são conhecidas como muro de pedra seca. Os objetivos desta pesquisa são: a) mapear as taipas no território do município de São Francisco de Paula a fim de destacar espacialmente as marcas na paisagem, caracterizando-as pelos seus usos; b) avaliar a relação da preservação das taipas enquanto patrimônio cultural com a conservação dos Campos de Altitude da Mata Atlântica, constituintes da mesma paisagem dos Campos de Cima da Serra. Este estudo baseou-se em duas etapas. A primeira refere-se à Pesquisa Bibliográfica e as informações coletadas junto a atores locais. Na segunda, as taipas foram mapeadas por meio de imagens do Google Earth, vetorizadas manualmente e o mapa elaborado no Software Qgis. Foram mapeados 81 km de taipas no território do município que constituem-se patrimônio cultural instituídos por lei municipal, revelando importantes marcas na paisagem. Tal importância justifica-se, pois elas remetem a história do município e ao início da colonização regional. Em síntese, os estudos de paisagem podem contribuir na elaboração de políticas públicas visando à conservação tanto das taipas como também dos Campos de Altitude, pois são elementos da mesma paisagem e juntos constituem o patrimônio cultural municipal.

Vegetação Natural de Ambientes Montanhosos: Morraria do Urucum e Serra do Amolar, Pantanal, Brasil

Mountainous environments are considered unique habitats with distinct ecosystem characteristics. Therefore, more studies must understand and characterize these habitats to improve their preservation. Therefore, this paper aims to characterize two mountainous areas in Central Brazil, Morraria do Urucum and Serra do Amolar to address a discussion about the ‘Campos de Altitude’ (altitude grasslands) vegetation above 700 m altitude. Differently from Serra do Amolar, Morraria do Urucum does not have Conservation Units in its territory, raising concerns related to its preservation. Actions are urgent to prevent the loss of mountainous biodiversity, but these must reflect ecological properties and successional processes and, therefore, allow adequate management practices

Similar diversification patterns in “sky islands”: A comparative approach in lineages from campo rupestre and campo de altitude

Campo rupestre and campo de altitude are two highly diverse plant formations that are found in montane areas in eastern Brazil. These formations are associated with landscapes having different geological histories and are part of different phytogeographic domains under different climatic conditions. It is unclear however, whether lineages in each area have different diversification dynamics and climatic niche evolution. Here we analyze biogeographical history, climatic niche evolution and diversification dynamics of the Cambessedesieae (Melastomataceae), a clade with many endemics in each formation. We use a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree alongside carefully curated distribution points to estimate ancestral ranges and compare diversification dynamics and climatic niche evolution across the group, using models of geographical range evolution (BioGeoBEARS), diversification dynamics (BAMM, GeoSSE) and trait-evolution (l1ou). Our results show that Cambessedesieae is a relatively old (Early Eocene, 48 Mya) clade in comparison to other lineages of similar distribution. An initial split between lineages that are mainly endemic to either formation happened earlier, but, surprisingly, these two lineages have similar diversification dynamics and climatic niche evolution. Shifts in climatic regimes in extant lineages occurred more recently and are not associated with changes in diversification rates. Overall, we show that lineages endemic to montane areas and having different geological histories and in different climatic and phytogeographic contexts can have similar diversification patterns.

Caddisflies (Trichoptera) checklist and a new species of Helicopsyche von Siebold, 1856, from the Brejo de Altitude de Triunfo, a relict rainforest within the Caatinga domain, Northeast Brazil.

Brejos de Altitude are evergreen seasonal forests, associated with plateau regions in the middle of the Caatinga domain in Northeast Brazil, which possibly acted as biological corridors between the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon rainforest during the Pleistocene. The first entomological survey in the highest point in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, the Brejo de Altitude de Triunfo, was implemented and resulted in a checklist of caddisflies with six families, nine genera, and eleven species, including a new species. Helicopsycheralphi sp. nov. is described and illustrated, based on all semaphoronts. A key to Brazilian Helicopsyche (Feropsyche) Johanson, 1998 species is also provided. In addition to the caddisfly survey in the Brejos de Altitude, the results include new records for the state, region, and also for the country. Thus, this study updates the number of species in the Brazilian Northeast region and Pernambuco state to 169 species and 43 species, respectively.

Basal soil respiration in land use and cover systems in a caatinga enclaves moist forest

Deforestation and the disorderly exploitation of natural resources for agricultural expansion occurred at an accelerated pace in the Brejo microregion of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, which resulted in abandonment and erosion of the soil in a large part of the region. In view of this scenario, the present study was undertaken to investigate the soil respiration in systems involving different forms of land use and cover in caatinga enclaves moist forests (Brejo de Altitude areas). The study was conducted in four land use and cover systems, namely, pasture, mandala agriculture, agroforestry system, and forest. Microbial activity was estimated by quantifying the carbon dioxide (CO2) released in the soil respiration process, from the soil surface, and captured by KOH solution. Soil temperature (°C) and water content (%) were monitored simultaneously with the analysis of soil respiration. The forms of land use and cover have a direct effect on the metabolic activity of soil organisms, and climatic factors such as soil temperature and moisture influence the dynamics of organic matter decomposition and, consequently, the release of CO2. The production of CO2 is higher at night than during the day, regardless of the analyzed systems. Among the evaluated areas, the forest showed the lowest CO2 emissions, so it was considered a CO2 receptor in contrast to the pasture area, which functioned as a CO2 emitter. Management techniques that reduce surface temperature and increase organic matter should be prioritized to promote soil biota.

Morphophysiological aspects of <i>Erythroxylum pauferrense</i> Plowman seedlings submitted to shading

Sunlight directly influences on the development of forest species by affecting the attributes of plant growth and physiology. Among these species, Erythroxylum pauferrense Plowman is considered a rare species, as its distribution is restricted only to the state of Paraíba. Therefore, studies are needed that seek to evaluate the adaptation, development and propagation of the species under different environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate morphophysiological aspects of Erythroxylum pauferrense seedlings submitted to different levels of shading. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse condition in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 30, 50, 70, and 90% shading) and eight replicates. Growth characteristics, morphofunctional attributes, gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence, and Chl content were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by polynomial regression analysis. Results showed that plants grown under 30 to 50% shading showed higher plant height, stem diameter, absolute growth rate for plant height, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, total dry mass, Dickson’s quality index, leaf area, and leaf area index, as well as net assimilation rate of CO2, stomatal conductance, transpiration, instantaneous water use efficiency, and Chl a, b, and a+b contents. Therefore, levels from 30 to 50% shading are the most recommended for the production of Erythroxylum pauferrense seedlings. We recommend using Erythroxylum pauferrense to reforest the understory in disturbed areas in Brejos de Altitude and large-scale production of seedlings under intermediate levels of shading.

AVIFAUNA EM DOIS REMANESCENTES DE BREJO DE ALTITUDE NO ESTADO DE PERNAMBUCO, BRASIL

The Brejos de Altitude are enclaves of high-altitude Atlantic Forest surrounded by the Caatinga, presenting high species richness and endemism. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the avifauna in forest remnants of the Brejos de Altitude in the state of Pernambuco: the Vale do Tabocas Farm and the RPPN Reserva Natural Brejo. Using mist-nets captures and direct observations, we recorded 211 species of birds, including 28% forest-dependent species. Four taxa endemic to the Pernambuco Center, two to the Atlantic Forest, six to the Caatinga, and 14 to the northeastern region were recorded. Eight threatened taxa were also recorded. Insectivores (44%) and omnivores (25%) were the most representative trophic guilds. Although the Vale do Tabocas fragment presented the lowest species richness, it holds more endangered and endemic species. These results indicate the importance of these forest fragments for local bird diversity maintenance and their conservation must be encouraged.