Dense Ombrophilous Forest Research Articles

Threatened Flora of Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study documents the occurrence of threatened plant species on Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. This survey acquired data from herbaria, living collections and field sampling. A total of 49 threatened species distributed among 27 families and 38 genera were recorded in the scientific collections, of which 43 are cited on official lists of threatened plant species for the State of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. Twelve species recorded on the island are on an international list of endangered species, 30 on the national list for Brazil, and 11 on the State List of Rio de Janeiro. The IUCN Red List categories of Vulnerable and Endangered were the predominant categories for the plant species of Ilha Grande, with the main historical threat factors being deforestation and logging. Most of the threatened species of the island are arboreous. The families with the greatest number of threatened species are also among the richest in Dense Ombrophilous Forest: Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Meliaceae, Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae. Four species registered on the island also appear on the list of endemic species in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Comparação entre variáveis microclimáticas de local aberto e florestal em um bioma da Mata Atlântica, sul do Brasil

Na região subtropical do Brasil, o ambiente é naturalmente caracterizado pelo clima quente e úmido. Essas condições são fatores preponderantes para a ocorrência da formação florestal na região, o bioma Mata Atlântica. Associa-se que qualquer condição diferente daquela que não seja natural, pode receber de forma diferenciada a condição meteorológica local. Supõe-se que florestas ajam como reguladoras, atenuando os índices meteorológicos e microclimáticos. Este estudo comparou uma série temporal de três anos de registro de duas estações meteorológicas, uma em área aberta de pastagem e outra abaixo do dossel de um fragmento florestal de floresta ombrófila densa (Mata Atlântica) em estágio avançado de regeneração. Foram monitoradas a precipitação, a umidade relativa do ar, a radiação global, a temperatura do ar, a velocidade do vento e a temperatura do solo. A evapotranspiração potencial diária foi estimada pela equação de Penman-Monteith (PM-FAO56) para as duas condições. A área florestal apresentou condições meteorológicas diferenciadas em relação à área aberta (pastagem). Por exemplo, o dossel florestal reteve 41,2% da precipitação anual (menor drenagem superficial), a temperatura média diária do ar foi reduzida em 9,5% no ano, assim como a velocidade média do vento, em 87,6%, e a média da radiação global, em 88,1%. A evapotranspiração potencial foi 89,1% superior na pastagem. Valor comprovado pela média anual da umidade do ar, que foi de 7,6% maior no ambiente florestal. O comportamento diário das variáveis mostrou maiores valores na pastagem e por volta das 15h, e mais baixos na floresta no período noturno. Exceto para a umidade relativa do ar que foi inverso. Ou seja, na pastagem ocorrem perdas maiores de água para a atmosfera. O ambiente florestal, por outro lado, retém mais água, formando um “microclima” em seu interior.

STRUCTURE AND FLORISTIC COMPOSITION IN A DENSE OMBROPHILOUS FOREST AREA UNDER FOREST MANAGEMENT

This study shows the phytosociology and floristics of a Dense Ombrophilous Forest fragment under forest management in Portel city, Pará State. Six conglomerates were sampled, divided into secondary and tertiary plots totaling 120 sample units of 0.4 hectares each, in which all trees with diameter at breast height (130 cm above ground; DBH) above 10 cm were measured. These individuals were botanically identified, and evenness and floristic similarity were calculated. There were 3,586 individuals distributed in 42 families, 121 genera, and 174 species. Families Fabaceae, Lecythidaceae, and Sapotaceae were the ones that obtained the highest IVI and the highest representativity of individuals. Species Eschweilera coriacea (DC.) S.A.Mori, Vouacapoua americana Aubl., and Tetragastris altissima (Aubl.) Swart were the ones with the highest IVI. Among the ten highest results, we highlight Syzygiopsis oppositifolia Ducke and Manilkara dardanoi Ducke, with great potential for timber production. The Shannon diversity index averaged 3.83 between the plots, and the Pielou evenness averaged 0.84, showing that the area presents high floristic diversity and great potential for forest management activities.

Structure and Successional Classification of the Shrub-Arboreal Component in a Remnant of Atlantic Forest, Northeastern Brazil

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the structure and successional classification of component shrub-arboreal in the edge and interior environments in a remnant of Tropical Forest in Pernambuco, Brazil.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in a remnant of the Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest categorized as Urban Forest Reserve named Mata of Manassu, with an area approximately 264.24 ha and located in Jaboatao dos Guararapes, Pernambuco. The data were registered between March 2017 and September 2017.
 Methodology: The data were collected in 40 100 m2 plots, 20 plots in each environment: edge and forest interior. The ‘‘edge’’ was considered to comprise a 100-m strip at the border of the forest and the ‘‘interior’’ at least 300 m in from this strip. In all plots, were cataloged, identified and measured the circumferences at height of the base at 30 cm from the soil of all shrub-arboreal individuals whose height were equal or greater than 1.0 meter and circumference at breast height at 1.30 m of soil, less than 15.0 cm. For the communities on the edge and forest interior were estimated: total density (TD), absolute density (AD), relative density (RD), total frequency (TF), absolute frequency (AF), relative frequency (RF), total dominance (TDo), absolute dominance (ADo), relative dominance (RDo), relative natural regeneration by height class (RNRij), total natural regeneration by height class (TNR), importance value index (IVI) and was performed the distribution analysis of individuals in three height classes using the Chi-square test with 95% significance. The sampled individuals were classified into family, genus, and species, and the species classified for the successional group (pioneers, initial secondary, late secondary or uncharacterized).
 Results: The environment of the edge showed the highest absolute density (10.240 ind.haˉ¹) to the forest interior (9.805 ind.haˉ¹). In both environments, it was found the high representativity of initial and late secondary species. The structural distributions of individuals by height class at the edge and interior environments showed curves shaped as inverted "J" indicating "dynamic balance" of the forest.
 Conclusion: The higher representativity of initial and late secondary species probably is due to the forest being in an advanced successional stage, having a structure with well-defined stratum. Among the shrub-arboreal species sampled which presented higher total natural regeneration per height class to both in the edge and forest interior and that can be used for the enrichment of areas in the recovery process of Atlantic Forest are Miconia prasina e Eschweilera ovata.

Fire dynamics in extreme climatic events in western amazon

This study aimed to evaluate fire dynamics in ‘extreme’ climatic events of the El Niño Southern Oscillation in the western Amazon in Acre, Brazil. It employed remote sensing products of burned areas, the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), rainfall products, and kernel density to spatialise fire foci. The largest burned area recorded during the study was during the La Niña period, with a total of 296 km2 burned. The highest concentration of fire foci was found in the lowland open ombrophilous forest in areas with palm trees, where 28% of the fires occurred. Rainfall was concentrated on the cover of the submontane dense ombrophilous forests with emergent canopies with a maximum value of 2515.9 mm in the La Niña event. The highest and lowest EVI values occurred in the neutral episode with values ranging from 0.57 to 0.36. The correlation between burned and fire foci areas was greatest during the El Nino period (0.92). On the other hand, the maximum negative value was found between the rainfall and fires in the neutral episode (−0.80). Fire outbreaks and EVI presented a significant positive growth trend in the neutral episode. The largest fires were recorded during the neutral period, and this study highlights the vulnerability of the western Amazon to fire.

EFFECTS OF SEASONAL AIR TEMPERATURES AND LIGHT ON LEAF TRAITS AT ATLANTIC MONTANE FOREST, BRAZILIAN SOUTHEAST

Seasonal variation of temperature could place physiological constraints on the distribution and performance of tropical forest plants, associated with light and water availability. A simple way to assess the relationship between temperature and plant physiology is through the characterization of leaf traits. The main aim of this study was to evaluate, through foliar parameters, the responses of plants to inherent seasonality. A 0.09 ha plot was installed near the flux tower and albedo sensors at Montane Ombrophilous Dense Forest (MODF) - Santa Virgínia Nucleus. At the peak of the dry and wet seasons, the electron transport rate (ETR) and photosynthetic pigments were measured. The results indicated that in MODF, cold and light availability are the main factors that could be influencing the physiology of species, demonstrated by high ETR in the wet season (197.4 µmol e-m-2s-1) compared to the dry season (87.4 µmol e-m-2s-1). Photosynthetic pigments varied between seasons, we observed higher chlorophyll b content (p<0.05), and lower content of carotenoids and xanthophylls (p<0.01) and Chl a/b (p<0.01) in the dry season. The low temperatures and irradiance influenced metabolic activity.

A new species of dragon's blood Croton (Euphorbiaceae) from Serra dos Órgãos (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

Crotonrizzinii Farias & Riina, sp. nov. is a new species from Serra dos Órgãos National Park in the Atlantic Rain Forest domain (Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil). It is known from the municipalities of Guapimirim, Teresópolis and Petrópolis, where it grows in montane ombrophilous dense forest, between 500 and 1500 m elevation. This arborescent species belongs to CrotonsectionCyclostigma Griseb., a Neotropical lineage distributed in forest habitats from Mexico to northern Argentina. It is mainly characterised by its laciniate-glandular stipules, bracts with two inconspicuous glands (colleters) at the base and campanulate pistillate flowers with sepals covering the ovary. We describe and illustrate the new species, and compare it with close relatives occurring in the Atlantic Rain Forest. We also provide a distribution map, habitat information and suggestions for the assessment of its conservation status.

BIRD ASSEMBLAGES AT THE SOUTHERN LIMIT OF THE BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST: A COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO FOREST PHYSIOGNOMIES AT THE APARADOS DA SERRA NATIONAL PARK

The Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots harbouring at least 900 species of birds. Covering less than 7% of its original distribution, conservation strategies for this biome depend on information about diversity patterns and the mechanisms behind them. Here we evaluated the composition, richness, and taxonomic and functional diversity of the bird assemblage in two forest physiognomies, corresponding to two elevation ranges, at the southernmost federal protected area within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the Aparados da Serra National Park. Birds were sampled with mist nets in two environments: Araucaria forest, at elevation ranging above 900 m a.s.l., and dense ombrophilous forest, at elevations between 0 and 200 m a.s.l.. We found no differences in species richness between the two environments but species composition was dissimilar, as revealed by ANOSIM. Also, dense ombrophilous forest was functionally richer, while Araucaria forest presented higher functional divergence. No dominance pattern was found in dense ombrophilous forest, while in Araucaria forest a few species dominated the assemblage. The evidence that the bird assemblages of the two forests are distinct both in terms of species composition and functionality indicates that the conservation and management of the bird communities at the two environments is fundamental for the maintenance of the Southern Atlantic Forest’s bird species pool.

A stranger in the family? On the social behavior of a leucistic collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) with pigmented conspecifics

Anomalous coloration is defined as the excess or deficit of pigmentation in some region(s) or throughout the entire body of an animal, and have been classified as piebalism, leucism, or albinism. The first record of anomalous coloration for the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) was a leucistic cub captured in dense ombrophilous Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Sao Jose dos Pinhais, state of Parana, southern Brazil, which was subsequently raised by residents until it was an adult. Collared peccarys’s behaviors are well documented in literature, but there is no published scientific information about the behavior of leucistic individuals. Here we report the second case of anomalous coloration of the collared peccary (P. tajacu) in Brazil and the Neotropical region, and comment on its social interaction with pigmented conspecifics. For a period of 27 months of monitoring, cameras trap captured 109 records (47 videos and 62 photos) distributed among 21 days. We retrieved 22 independent events from the records, of which 54.5% were of the leucistic collared peccary alone and 45.5% with it interacting with pigmented conspecifics. During interactions it displayed both affiliative and agonistic behaviors. Collared peccaries live in stable herds of five to 25 individuals, with temporary sub-herds of one to three individuals that forage separately for several hours during the day. Considering that animals with an absence of body pigmentation are more susceptible to predation, the survival of the leucistic collared peccary may be associated with its social interaction with pigmented conspecifics.

Atlantic forest and leaf traits: an overview

Leaf traits in Atlantic forest are modulated by environmental filters and biotic interactions. More information about leaf traits and nutrient are needed. Categorizing tree species according to their relationships with ecosystem processes in the Atlantic forest (AF) biome is fundamental to better understand their functionality in this high biodiversity hotspot. For categorizing vegetation, leaf traits are extremely useful and this is the first compilation of leaf traits focusing on photosynthesis, water relations, nutrients, and functional diversity across major AF vegetation types: (1) rainforest (ombrophilous dense and mixed ombrophilous Araucaria forest), (2) seasonal semi-deciduous forest, (3) deciduous forests, and (4) coastal plain forests (restingas). Species showed high plasticity of photosynthetic traits from early developmental stages, including adjustments in Rubisco carboxylation capacity, maximum photosynthetic capacity, photochemical and non-photochemical quenching, specific leaf area (SLA), and chlorophyll and spongy parenchyma thickness. Montane rainforest tree species showed lower SLA and longer leaf lifespan in comparison to lowland rainforest species. Tree communities are structured by environmental filtering leading to trait convergence in early successional stages or in stressful ecosystems such as restingas, and by biotic interactions leading to trait divergence in later stages. Altitudinal gradients in litter production and below/aboveground biomass stocks in AF show contrasting patterns in comparison to other tropical forests, with important consequences for responding to climate change. However, the identity of limiting elements to growth still represents a critical gap in leaf trait data for AF species. Other gaps in knowledge of AF leaf traits are highlighted for consideration in future studies.

Comparison of the phytochemical profiles of five native plant species in two different forest formations.

The expression of chemical compounds by individual plants of the same species in different locations may be affected by abiotic factors resulting in differences in the production of allelopathic compounds. The objective of this study was to compare the phytochemical profiles of plant species from two different forest formations in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The forest formations were Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (SSF) and Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest (LODF), and the five study species were Jacaranda micrantha, Cecropia pachystachya, Mimosa bimucronata, Schinus terebinthifolius and Cedrela fissilis. Secondary metabolites were extracted by exhaustive extraction with methanol, and the crude extract was fractionated using column chromatography. The fractions were used to calculate the retention factor of the main compounds using thin layer chromatography and phytochemical tests. The classes of compounds identified were practically the same among the analyzed species, however, at different levels of concentration. The type of tannins found in S. terebinthifolius differed between the two forest formations.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in soils under three phytophysiognomies of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

ABSTRACT Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in plant community productivity and structure, and so studying the factors that affect the diversity and structure of this fungal community is important for understanding their ecology in tropical forests. We investigated AMF spore communities and root colonization under three forest phytophysiognomies (Restinga Forest, REF; Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest, LLF; and Montane Ombrophilous Dense Forest, MTF). Spore abundance was lowest in LLF and highest in REF, with no statistical differences relative to MTF. Spore diversity indices and root colonization rates were not statistically different among the phytophysiognomies. However, principal components analysis revealed that AMF community structure differed according to forest phytophysiognomy. Hierarchical partitioning analysis indicated that most of the AMF community variables were better explained by phytophysiognomy than by chemical and physical attributes of the soil. In addition to the plant community, clay content, pH, Boron, P, S and CEC best explained some of the AMF community variables. Thus, we conclude that while several factors determine AMF community structure in the Atlantic Forest, phytophysiognomy is the most significant.

Nutritional Contribution of Litter in Rainforest of Brazil

Lowlands Dense Ombrophilous Forest is one phytophysiognomies of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The main ecological characteristic of this forest is the Ombrophilous environment, related to high rainfall and temperature indexes. Nutrient cycling is well balanced in the periods of good thermo-pluviometric distribution. Global climatic changes have been intensifying in recent years making rainfall irregular, changing its distribution and intensity throughout the year. This can affect the natural regeneration and vegetative growth of the species. This study aimed to correlate litterfall and nutrient contribution with climatic variations, identifying the level of importance of this correlation and which nutrients may have their compromised cycling. Literfall was collected monthly in 40 collectors. N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents were determined and their stocks were calculated. The litter deposition was 8,261.15 kg ha-1 year-1 and was not influenced by rainfall and temperature. The N, P, K, Ca and Mg stock in this litter was 244.93 kg ha-1 year-1, being stored just of N 113.75 kg ha-1 year-1. P and K stocks varied with rainfall and temperature, suggesting that variations in these climatic variables may interfere in the cycling of these nutrients in this forest fragment.

ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MEDIUM MORPHOTYPE OF Paubrasilia echinata (Lam.)Gagnon,H.C.Lima and G.P.Lewis RAISED UNDER FULL SUNLIGHT AND NATURAL SHADE

ABSTRACT The existing inconsistent data on the irradiance needs of Brazilwood plants Paubrasilia echinata (Lam.) Gagnon,H.C.Lima and G.P.Lewis. can be explained by their phenotypical variations. While small-leaf morphotypes grows better in the shade, not tolerating environments with high irradiance, a recently discovered population of medium morphotype presents different behavior: better performance under direct sunlight and limited growth in the shade. In order to understand the physiological mechanisms of the medium morphotype in response to the available irradiance, this study was performed to characterize the oxidative stress metabolism, photochemical and biochemical photosynthesis efficiency, as well as anatomical adjustments of leaves of the medium morphotype of P. echinata under different intensities of irradiance. The analyses were performed at direct sunlight condition (2000 µmol m-2.s-1) and within a dense ombrophilous forest with 80% shading (192 µmol m-2.s-1). Growth, leaf anatomy, chloroplast pigments, photochemical (chlorophyll a fluorescence), and biochemical (gaseous exchanges) efficiency, soluble carbohydrates, and antioxidants were measured. The results showed that the higher efficiency in light energy uptake, paired with better photochemical performance and better CO2 fixation in plants under direct sunlight resulted in higher concentration of soluble sugars and growth. The energy that should have been used in photochemical and/or biochemical reactions of shaded plants was dissipated in the form of heat, re-emitted as fluorescence or translocated to the production of antioxidant defense compounds of the secondary metabolism. Therefore, the medium morphotype of P. echinata presents an ecological profile of sun-tolerant or pioneer species, and as such, it is recommended its planting in full sunlight. These results differ from previous studies on small morphotype of P. echinata and suggest the need for a taxonomic reconstruction of this species, which is essential to adequate management practices in Atlantic rainforest recovery programs.

ÁRVORES DE UM FRAGMENTO FLORESTAL URBANO EM SANTA CATARINA, SUL DO BRASIL: FLORÍSTICA E ESTRUTURA

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar levantamento florístico e estrutural em um fragmento florestal urbano no Parque Ecológico Municipal José Milanese, no município de Criciúma, Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil, enfatizando a importância deste fragmento para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas. O levantamento consistiu na instalação de 100 parcelas contíguas de 10 × 10 m em Floresta Ombrófila Densa Submontana, sendo amostradas todas as espécies arborescentes com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) ≥ 5 cm. Foram registradas 137 espécies, sendo Myrtaceae a família mais rica. Cryptocarya moschata Nees &amp; Mart. apresentou o maior valor de importância, principalmente pelo maior diâmetro de seus caules, seguida por Psychotria vellosiana Benth., Myrcia pubipetala Miq. e Guatteria australis A.St.-Hil., evidenciando a possibilidade de suas utilizações em programas de restauração ecológica em fragmentos florestais da região. Conclui-se que o fragmento estudado apresenta elevada riqueza específica, quando comparado com outros na região, tornando-o uma importante fonte de propágulos para áreas adjacentes. Além disso, o conhecimento produzido a partir deste estudo poderá fornecer alternativas de uso e manejo em áreas similares, ou mesmo, ambientes florestais alterados, de forma geral.

Floristic composition and vertical zonation of epiphytic bryophytes in Dense Montane Ombrophilous Forest in southern Brazil

Dense High-montane Ombrophilous Forest possesses environmental characteristics that give it unique structure and floristic composition. Assuming that elevation and associated variables act as filters for bryophyte communities, the purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution of bryophytes in relation to vertical phorophyte zonation within the nebular forest, a type of rainforest in a high altitude environment, characterized by the occurrence of constant cloud, in Parque Estadual Pico do Marumbi, Parana, Brazil. All bryophytes occurring on twenty-eight trees in the elevation range of 1000 to 1500 m were sampled and analyzed in six predefined vertical zones. Samples were identified using standard methods and references for bryophytes, and their coverage and abundance was characterized for each tree. Comparisons among zones were done using cluster analysis and diversity. A total of 96 species and 31 families were recorded, with Lejeuneaceae being the richest family followed by Frullaniaceae. Some species were common to all areas, and eight new occurrences for the state of Parana are reported. This study found high diversity (ranging from H′ = 2.6 to H′ = 4.1) and abundance (0.01 to 0.07) of bryophytes, with a predominance of liverworts. Among the areas analyzed, the floristic compositions of only two differed by more than 50%. This study represents the first evaluation of bryophytes in this elevation range, and the results confirm the importance of conserving high montane regions.

Spatial Distribution and Diametric Structure of Tree Species in a Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Spatial Distribution and Diametric Structure of Tree Species in a Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The advertisement call of the Hoogmoed’s harlequin toad Atelopus hoogmoedi Lescure, 1974 from northern Brazil (Anura, Bufonidae)

Harlequin toads (Atelopus) are distributed over a wide range in the Amazon Rainforest, mostly associated with streamlets in dense ombrophilous forests in lowland and sub-montane regions. Atelopus hoogmoedi Lescure, 1974a was considered as bearing full species status by Lötters et al. (2005), although until that moment this species had been assigned to a subspecies of A. pulcher (Boulenger, 1882) (Lescure 1974a, 1976) or of A. spumarius Cope, 1871 (Lescure et al. 1980; Lescure Marty 2000; Lötters et al. 2002). More recently, Noonan Gaucher (2005) subscribed to Lötters et al. (2005)'s statement that A. s. hoogmoedi should belong to a distinctive species (A. hoogmoedi), based on phylogeographic evidence. The species' range is currently restricted to the Guiana Shield of French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and in adjacent regions of northern Brazil (Lötters et al. 2005).

Eremocaulon triramis (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Guaduinae): a new species from the Atlantic rainforest of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

An unusual new species of Eremocaulon, a Neotropical woody bamboo genus, is here described and illustrated. Eremocaulon triramis occurs in dense ombrophilous forest and is apparently endemic to Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The diameter and indument of the culms, number of branches in the branch complement, and occurrence of two different forms of fimbriae on the foliage leaves allow this taxon to be recognized as distinct from its congeners, even in the vegetative condition. Reproductively, E. triramis differs from its congeners in having laminiferous subtending bracts in the pseudospikelets and four stamens. Illustrations, photos, a detailed description, comments on morphology, habitat, distribution, and conservation status are provided, as well as a key to all species of Eremocaulon.

Dynamics of Natural Regeneration in a Fragment of Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Urban Area

Dynamics of Natural Regeneration in a Fragment of Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Urban Area