Forests Of Argentina Research Articles

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.

Diet and multi-taxa neo-taphonomy of Glaucidium nana (Aves, Strigiformes) from southeastern Patagonia and comparisons with G. brasilianum from Chaco forest and other owls

ABSTRACT The diet and neo-taphonomy of Glaucidium nana (Aves, Strigiformes), evaluated from pellets and leftover prey recovered in nest-boxes from a National Park of southeastern Patagonia are studied. Comparative evaluations are conducted with microvertebrate samples obtained from other raptors, particularly those of G. brasilianum from the Chaco forest in Argentina. The diet of G. nana reported here agrees with the generalist trophic behaviour of this species already documented, which feeds on invertebrate (insects and arachnids) and vertebrate prey (amphibian, reptiles, birds and mammals), mainly caviomorph rodents heavier than itself. The taphonomic attributes allow us to place the two species of Glaucidium in the moderate modification category. They could deposit their diet remains in several open-air sites, mainly in wooded and rocky areas, where the cavity nests are located. Later, their bone accumulation –composed of microvertebrates with evidence of moderate bone modifications and/or with articulated skulls and limb bones without digestive corrosion- might integrate into the lithosphere. Understanding the trophic interactions between predators and prey, and their taphonomic signatures, as well as identifying their nesting areas, is crucial for archaeology/palaeontology analysis and for developing effective conservation and management strategies within protected areas.

Fragmented forest affects the southern black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus cucullatus) in the Argentinean Atlantic Forest.

The southern black-horned capuchin, Sapajus nigritus cucullatus, is considered Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and Vulnerable in Argentina. The species is mainly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. The aim of this study was to compare range size, group size, and density in S. n. cucullatus groups between areas of continuous and fragmented habitat in the Atlantic Forest in Argentina. The study was carried out in two areas in northern Misiones province, one continuous and one anthropogenic fragment. Fieldwork was carried out for 5 days each month from November 2019 to March 2020 and from November 2020 to March 2021. SARS-CoV-2 restrictions meant we could not survey in the intervening period. Group counts were made on existing trails and subsequent group follows. We georeferenced encounters and follows to estimate home range sizes. We calculated density based on home range modeling using 100% minimum convex polygons (MCP), and compared these using generalized linear models (GLM). Smaller groups and lower density of S. n. cucullatus were found in continuous forest, with group sizes between 12 and 23 individuals, and density of 0.14 ind/ha, whereas in the fragmented forest, group sizes were between 32 and 36, with density of 0.62 ind/ha (n = 107; zero-inflated negative binomial regression [ZINB], p < 0.05). The higher density in forest fragments may be due to reduced dispersal ability. This work highlights data on species plasticity that could contribute to the development of conservation management strategies for S. n. cucullatus and its habitat.

Soil organic carbon stocks in native forest of Argentina: a useful surrogate for mitigation and conservation planning under climate variability

BackgroundThe nationally determined contribution (NDC) presented by Argentina within the framework of the Paris Agreement is aligned with the decisions made in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on the reduction of emissions derived from deforestation and forest degradation, as well as forest carbon conservation (REDD+). In addition, climate change constitutes one of the greatest threats to forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of native forests have not been incorporated into the Forest Reference Emission Levels calculations and for conservation planning under climate variability due to a lack of information. The objectives of this study were: (i) to model SOC stocks to 30 cm of native forests at a national scale using climatic, topographic and vegetation as predictor variables, and (ii) to relate SOC stocks with spatial–temporal remotely sensed indices to determine biodiversity conservation concerns due to threats from high inter-annual climate variability.MethodsWe used 1040 forest soil samples (0–30 cm) to generate spatially explicit estimates of SOC native forests in Argentina at a spatial resolution of approximately 200 m. We selected 52 potential predictive environmental covariates, which represent key factors for the spatial distribution of SOC. All covariate maps were uploaded to the Google Earth Engine cloud-based computing platform for subsequent modelling. To determine the biodiversity threats from high inter-annual climate variability, we employed the spatial–temporal satellite-derived indices based on Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and land surface temperature (LST) images from Landsat imagery.ResultsSOC model (0–30 cm depth) prediction accounted for 69% of the variation of this soil property across the whole native forest coverage in Argentina. Total mean SOC stock reached 2.81 Pg C (2.71–2.84 Pg C with a probability of 90%) for a total area of 460,790 km2, where Chaco forests represented 58.4% of total SOC stored, followed by Andean Patagonian forests (16.7%) and Espinal forests (10.0%). SOC stock model was fitted as a function of regional climate, which greatly influenced forest ecosystems, including precipitation (annual mean precipitation and precipitation of warmest quarter) and temperature (day land surface temperature, seasonality, maximum temperature of warmest month, month of maximum temperature, night land surface temperature, and monthly minimum temperature). Biodiversity was influenced by the SOC levels and the forest regions.ConclusionsIn the framework of the Kyoto Protocol and REDD+, information derived in the present work from the estimate of SOC in native forests can be incorporated into the annual National Inventory Report of Argentina to assist forest management proposals. It also gives insight into how native forests can be more resilient to reduce the impact of biodiversity loss.

Local to global escalation of land use conflicts: Long-term dynamics on social movements protests against pulp mills and plantation forests in Argentina and Uruguay

Land-use conflicts are increasing in number and intensity. In conflicts involving power imbalances and structural asymmetries, actors may attempt to frame the conflict in a manner that would put it on the political agenda, sometimes causing an escalation of the conflict and extending the possibilities of new coalition partners. Consequently, this study aims to analyze the spread of conflict escalation across scales from the local to the international level, following political factors. We analyzed the conflict between Argentina and Uruguay over two pulp mill projects using a qualitative case study design with process tracing building on the content analysis of public documents and expert interviews. The results allow us to analyze the development of the conflict in three stages of escalation: local, international, and global. Our findings provide insights into conflict escalation patterns as important analytical concepts in land-use conflicts resulting from an active, strategic undertaking of political actors in pursuing strong allies at different levels of governance.

Oil exploitation drives environmentally- and trait-mediated diversity of non-native plants in the Yungas forest in Argentina

Anthropogenic disturbances profoundly affect forest ecosystems worldwide. Oil exploitation is one of the major stressors driving the high co-occurrence of different non-native plant species in the Yungas forest of Calilegua National Park, Argentina. Using a dataset of records collected from 2010 to 2020, we evaluated environmental drivers and oil exploitation activity shaping the occurrence and diversity of non-native plant species in 18 study sites.To do so, we first compared species richness and diversity at different levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Then, we used regression models to investigate species-environment relationships. Lastly, a fourth corner analysis was applied to investigate how the interaction between explanatory variables and plant functional traits shapes the occurrence of the studied non-native plant species.We found that oil exploitation activities promoted the diversity of non-native plants in the protected area. Presence of the three most widespread non-native plant species was influenced by the topographic slope and organic matter content. The fourth corner analysis further showed that the positive interaction between plant N-fixation capacity with either close proximity to oil boreholes, a low organic matter content or a high coverage of herbs positively affected the presence of non-native plant species.To our knowledge, this is the first time that trait-environment relationships under a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance were investigated to explain the occurrence and diversity of non-native plant species. Given that abundant non-native plant species have partially overlapping niches in the Yungas transition forests, it is advisable that future restoration actions focus on groups of non-native plants rather than single species. Additionally, non-native plant species of concern, which are able to successfully establish in both disturbed and undisturbed areas require adapted eradication measures.

Phidon abismus sp. nov. from Patagonian forests of Argentina (Blattaria: Pseudophyllodromiidae).

Phidon abismus sp. nov. is described from north-western Patagonian forests in Argentina. The specimens were collected under dead tree bark of Austrocedrus chilensis, Nothofagus dombeyi and Nothofagus pumilio. A detailed description of the male including abdominal apex, genitalia, tegmen and wing venation and front femur armament type B2 is provided as well as a description of the A type oviparity. The genus Phidon is recorded from Argentina for the first time. The key of Rehn (1933) for the known males of the genus is updated.

Post-logging changes in a neotropical dry forest composition and structure modify the ecosystem functioning

Native forests are considered to be the main centers of terrestrial diversity in the world and they provide important ecosystem services for humanity. Unsustainable logging is currently-one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of these forests. In northwestern Argentina, about 90 % of the piedmont forest in the Southern Yungas has been transformed and the remaining 10% is being intensively logged. The aim of this study was to identify post-logging changes in the structural and compositional attributes affecting the functionality of a dry forest in Argentina. In the control forest, we recorded 1559 individuals from 45 tree species and 22 families, and at post-logging forest, 1376 trees from 47 species and 25 families. Logging affected the forest structure by decreasing timber tree density and basal area. In addition, at the post-logging forest, we observed an increase in the density of non-timber trees and in the horizontal understory cover, which were associated with the normalized difference vegetation index, thus, affecting the forest functioning. The threatened timber species Amburana cearensis and Jacaranda mimosifolia were not recorded in the logged forest. In the control, four timber species had the highest importance value indexes (IVI): Phyllostilon rhamnoides, Anadenanthera colubrina, Calicophylum multiflorum, and Myracrodruon urundeuva. Additionally, in the logged forest there was a change in the species order regarding the IVI, with A. colubrina, P. rhamnoides, Cordia americana, and a non-valuable timber species (Ocotea puberula) being the most important tree species. In order to preserve the economic and ecological value of the piedmont forest, the density of non-timber tree species and the horizontal understory cover must be maintained at values close to the control forest. These guidelines can be implemented by applying low-impact logging techniques.

Reproductive phenology of timber tree species in the Yungas Piedmont Forest of Argentina

The tree reproductive phenology in the seasonal neotropical forest is driven by many abiotic and biotic factors and provides information to understand the biological processes of ecosystems. The Yungas Piedmont Forest in Argentina is one of the areas with the greatest biodiversity and timber resources in the country. However, limited knowledge of the reproductive phenology of these species has resulted in inadequate management plans and protocols. In this study, we observed the reproductive phenology of eight timber tree species in the Yungas Piedmont Forest over a two-year period and evaluated the relationship between local climatic conditions (temperature, precipitation, and photoperiod) and reproductive phenology. In the Yungas Piedmont forest, the reproductive phenology of timber tree species presented intermediate intensity, and short duration. The reproductive phenology of each species was seasonal and mainly modulated by photoperiod. Concerning the timing of each phenophase, we found interspecific variation in reproductive phenological strategies. Flowering occurred mainly during the late dry season up to early wet season and fruiting had two annual intensity peaks, one per season. This study provides valuable information on the phenological patterns of economically important tree species in the Andean Forest, and it is essential for underpinning conservation and restoration actions in the Yungas forests.

Assessment of L-Band SAOCOM InSAR Coherence and Its Comparison with C-Band: A Case Study over Managed Forests in Argentina

The objective of this work is to analyze the behavior of short temporal baseline interferometric coherence in forested areas for L-band spaceborne SAR data. Hence, an exploratory assessment of the impacts of temporal and spatial baselines on coherence, with emphasis on how these effects vary between SAOCOM-1 L-band and Sentinel-1 C-band data is presented. The interferometric coherence is analyzed according to different imaging parameters. In the case of SAOCOM-1, the impacts of the variation of the incidence angle and the ascending and descending orbits over forested areas are also assessed. Finally, short-term 8-day interferometric coherence maps derived from SAOCOM-1 are especially addressed, since this is the first L-band spaceborne mission that allows us to acquire SAR images with such a short temporal span. The analysis is reported over two forest-production areas in Argentina, one of which is part of the most important region in terms of forest plantations at the national level. In the case of SAOCOM, interferometric configurations are characterized by a lack of control on the spatial baseline, so a zero-baseline orbital tube cannot be guaranteed. Nevertheless, this spatial baseline variability is crucial to exploit volume decorrelation for forest monitoring. The results from this exploratory analysis demonstrates that SAOCOM-1 short temporal baseline interferograms, 8 to 16 days, must be considered in order to mitigate temporal decorrelation effects and to be able to experiment with different spatial baseline configurations, in order to allow appropriate forest monitoring.

First record of the genus Tanytydeus (Acari: Paratydeidae) from South America with description of a new species from the Patagonian forests of Argentina

All active stages of Tanytydeus nothofagi n. sp. are described from northwestern Patagonian forests in Argentina where it was collected on bare tree bark of Nothofagus dombeyi. The genus Tanytydeus is recorded from South America for the first time.

Plantas medicinales asociadas a bosques de Polylepis tarapacana del altiplano jujeño: Riqueza y cobertura en gradientes geográficos, topográficos y de estructura forestal

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is common among the peoples of the Argentinean highlands, where only one tree-like species grows: Polylepis tarapacana. Until now, this resource of medicinal plants has not been quantified, ignoring the richness and coverage throughout its distribution and in different environments. The objective was to quantify the richness and coverage of medicinal plants in geographic, topographic and forest structure gradients in P. tarapacana forests. The forests were categorized into 5 zones, where 93 plots were surveyed. In each forest, medicinal plants were sampled using the point-intercept method. Twenty-one medicinal species (16 genera and 8 botanical families) were recorded. The family with the highest representation is Asteraceae (12 species, 9 genera), while the species showing the highest frequency and coverage were Baccharis tola ssp. tola (97.8%, 2.37%), Azorella compacta (82.8%, 1.21%) and Parastrephia lucida (81.7%, 0.66%). The richness of medicinal plants showed differences depending on elevation and northern aspect (ExN), where richness decreases with increasing elevation and northern aspect. From the total of 21 medicinal plants found, 11 presented significant relationships between their coverage and geographic, topographic and forest structure variables. It was observed that within the wide distribution of P. tarapacana forests in Argentina, the medicinal plants found correspond to different plant associations from Bolivia and Chile. This information will facilitate the establishment of guidelines for adequate management and protection of these resources.

Conceptual framework to define management strategies for silvopastoral systems in native forests

Most of the native forests in Argentina are used for livestock production with little sustainable silvopastoral management. Our objective here is to discuss different management strategies where natural and human capital are combined to co-produce ecosystem services (ES) provided by silvopastoral systems in native forests, interacting with different ecosystem functions and biodiversity. Also, we provide perspectives that should be analyzed in a context of socio-ecological approaches in agro-forestry landscapes. Four types of theoretical strategies are proposed (win-win, win-lose, lose-win and lose-lose), which define the social-ecological and economic thresholds that determine the provision of ES and biodiversity in the long term. The evidence of the win-lose strategy occurs when the silvopastoral systems are managed mainly to increase economic profitability through increments in forage biomass aimed to increase livestock production in the medium and long term. Deferred deforestation was presented as a typical example of lose-lose strategy in the Chaco region based on short-term management strategies by only obtaining commodities (crops or livestock products) without considering the negative interactions with other ES and loss of biodiversity. The information provided in this work should assist stakeholders and researchers to identify thresholds of economic profitability and ecological resilience in ecosystems under management. The proposed approaches provide a utilitarian vision of ecosystem services and key aspects of social-ecological resilience.

Selective logging of a subtropical forest: Long-term impacts on stand structure, timber volumes, and biomass stocks

Long-term studies are key to understanding the dynamics of managed forests, especially as related to timber supplies. We evaluated 20 years of recovery of pre-harvest structure, biomass, and timber stocks of a Subtropical Atlantic Forest in Argentina subjected to either conventional selective logging (CL = ∼15 m3 ha−1) or reduced-impact logging (RIL = ∼11 m3 ha−1); we also monitored the dynamics of interspersed plots of unlogged forest (Control). All trees ≥10 cm DBH were measured before and at variable intervals for 20 years post-logging; the results are presented for all stems and for only those of species that provide commercial timber. After logging, basal areas and volume of all stems increased two-times faster after CL than after RIL, whereas biomass increments were similar between logged treatments. In contrast, commercial timber tree stocking did not recover regardless of the harvesting system applied. Mortality rates were high in both CL and RIL plots but also in unlogged Control plots (1.6–3.6 % year−1). The failure of timber stocks to recover was apparently due to high tree mortality rates coupled with the proliferation of understory bamboos. Alternative silvicultural methods are clearly needed to avoid degrading the remaining species-rich Subtropical Atlantic Forest.

Red Argentina de Parcelas Permanentes de Bosques Nativos para promover colaboraciones científicas en estudios de largo plazo

Permanent forest plots are sampling areas where tree identity, abundance and size are recorded periodically, in order to study how forests change with climate, natural disturbances, uses and management. So far, patterns of change observed with permanent plots in Argentina have been local or regional. To promote scientific collaborations between different research groups within and among regions of Argentina, we created the Network of Permanent Plots of Native Argentinian Forests (RAPP), which includes the regions of Bosques Andino-Patagónicos, Chaco Seco, Chaco Húmedo, Monte de Sierras y Bolsones, Monte de Llanuras y Mesetas, Selva Paranaense and Yungas. Here we synthesize and characterize the information of 317 permanent plots (328.9 ha) included in the RAPP, describing their geographic distribution, objectives, main methodological aspects, and characteristics of the forests where they are established (e.g., disturbance, land tenure, structure, species richness), and after that, discuss the complementarity between the RAPP and the national inventories of native forests. Permanent plots are established over a wide range of latitude (22.02-54.89° S) and elevation (19 a 2304 m a. s. l.), but they are mainly concentrated in Subtropics (Chaco Seco, Chaco Húmedo, Selva Paranaense, and Yungas) and in Bosques Andino-Patagónicos. In all plots, trees are taxonomically identified and different dasometric variables are remeasured, which are the basis for potential collaborations to answer ecological questions at a larger scale. We hope to continue incorporating working groups in the RAPP and encouraging the establishment of plots, mainly in regions with a low number of permanent plots such as Monte, Espinal, and Delta e Islas del Paraná. The goal is that the RAPP advances in the long-term study of all native forests in Argentina, achieving a greater national cover and more interactions among research teams.

Above-ground biomass and high temperatures are more important than productivity for the spatial pattern of bird richness in Subtropical Dry forests of Argentina

Above-ground biomass and high temperatures are more important than productivity for the spatial pattern of bird richness in Subtropical Dry forests of Argentina

Forest fragments prioritization based on their connectivity contribution for multiple Atlantic Forest mammals

Natural environments worldwide are increasingly restricted to smaller and isolated patches, resulting in major threats to biodiversity. To prioritize conservation efforts, it is important to assess the relative contribution of the habitat remnants to landscape connectivity. We prioritized remnants of Atlantic Forest in Argentina based on their contribution to the connectivity requirements of mammals that are sensitive to landscape transformation by analyzing habitat connectivity and availability for five species with varying habitat requirements and dispersal abilities. We combined graph-based analysis with occupancy models to calculate the resistance matrices and the node attributes, incorporating anthropogenic pressures. Results of connectivity indices were combined for all species so that those that were more sensitive to the loss of connectivity and/or availability had a greater influence on the final prioritization. Five patches had maximum priority for conservation and were vital to maintaining both landscape connectivity and habitat availability. These patches were particularly important for smaller species with low dispersal abilities, for which they constitute suitable habitats. Four percent of the patches were identified as irreplaceable stepping-stones that connected habitat patches for species with intermediate dispersal distances. Patch connectivity was not equally important for all species as they had different dispersal abilities and sensitivity to anthropogenic pressures, which means that the process of territorial planning based on landscape connectivity must include very careful selection of the species involved. With this multi-species model, we generated a spatially explicit tool that proved useful to prioritize forest patches to conserving Atlantic Forest mammals and other fragmented Neotropical forests.

Update of Dicrocoeliidae (Digenea) parasitizing rodents from the Americas with a description of a new Platynosomoides species from Argentina.

Digeneans are common parasites of small mammals. Dicrocoeliidae is a family with a cosmopolitan distribution, with 18 genera previously recorded from mammals in the Americas, six of them parasitizing rodents in Argentina. In this study, an updated compilation is provided of Dicrocoeliidae from rodents in the Americas. Also, a new Platynosomoides species is described parasitizing the cricetid rodent Akodon montensis of the Atlantic Forest in Argentina. Digital repositories were used to search for Dicrocoeliidae from rodents in the Americas. Rodents were collected in four localities of the Atlantic Forest, Argentina. Digeneans were removed from the rodent's bile duct, and conventional studies were used for the morphological description. A total of 15 Dicrocoeliidae species were found parasitizing 18 rodent species from eight countries in the Americas. The new species of Platynosomoides from Akodon montensis differs from the other two species of genus by the size of body, testes, ovary, cecum length and position and length of the vitelline bands. Dicrocoeliidae show growing diversity, and the compilation of species in a rodent host base allows a clearer comparison and identification of new taxa in the future.

Peces endémicos de sistemas fluviales de la Selva Atlántica en la Argentina: Áreas prioritarias para su conservación

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened by human activities and climate change; so, their conservation is a priority. The province of Misiones has the highest rate of fish endemisms of all the ictic areas of Argentina. Our objective was to establish the status and conservation priorities of the interior river courses of the Atlantic Forest in Argentina in relation to the presence of endemic and distribution-restricted fish in Misiones, evaluating their representativeness in the system of protected areas and determining gaps in conservation. The ecological integrity of the river systems was analyzed according to the degree of modifications calculated by means of the rapid index for the evaluation of the quality of riverside ecosystems (QBR). Their degree of protection was estimated by the percentage of the river course outside, inside or marginal to protected areas. Streams that efficiently include all endemic species were prioritized. Thirty-six watercourses are home to 79 endemic fish species; 22 streams appear a priority for conservation because they would protect all endemic species. However, more than half of these streams are not currently protected and suffer alterations such as destruction of marginal vegetation, dams, pollution and introduction of exotic species. The highest priority for conservation was assigned to the Iguazú, Yabotí and Urugua-í watercourses with their tributaries.

Diversity of ground‐dwelling ants across three severely threatened South American subtropical forests: are diversity patterns influenced by spatial or climatic variables?

Abstract Understanding the spatial distribution of species sheds light on the biogeographical history, offers clues to the drivers of biodiversity and helps guide conservation strategies. In southern South America, Andean, Chaco and Atlantic forests drastically decreased their coverage in the last decades mainly by changes in land use. Ants represent an excellent model for macro‐ecological studies that support evidence‐based management policies. Unfortunately, little is known about ant distribution, diversity patterns and drivers in the southernmost portion of these three biomes. We surveyed ground‐dwelling ants using baits and leaf‐litter sieves in 38 sites across these subtropical forests in Argentina. We analysed ant species richness, turnover and composition within and between forests, and whether spatial and climatic variables explain diversity patterns. We collected 161 species belonging to 38 genera. The Atlantic forest had the highest cumulative species richness (91 species), followed by the Chaco (60) and Andean (52) forests. Neither mean species richness nor beta diversity differed significantly between forests, though both indicators tended to increase from west to east. Seven spatial and climatic variables differentiated forests. Aridity index, and variables associated with seasonal rainfall, moderately influenced a tendency to increase species richness from west to east. We identified five shared species between the Andean and Atlantic forests, which are candidates to test biogeographic hypotheses. The high level of species replacement across and among forests resulted in unique assemblages (with at least 29 species that seem to be exclusive to one forest), indicating the importance of conserving the biodiversity of the three forests.