Forest In Southeastern Brazil Research Articles

Vascular epiphytes in a woodland savanna forest in southeastern Brazil

We studied the floristic composition, the abundance, and the vertical distribution pattern of the vascular epiphyte community of a woodland savanna forest fragment in the municipality of Bauru, State of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil. We sampled 533 specimens of vascular epiphytes of 17 species from 12 genera and four families: Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Orchidaceae, and Polypodiaceae. The families Bromeliaceae and Polypodiaceae were the richest in species and the most abundant. We observed that most epiphyte individuals concentrate in the high-trunk stratum. We attribute the low species richness and low abundance of epiphytes observed in the woodland savanna to the existence of a climatic seasonality characterized by a season of low rainfall that limits colonization by a large number of species and individuals. We believe that humidity and solar irradiation determine the vertical distribution pattern of epiphytes in the woodland savanna.

Monitoring fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages in two vertical strata in seasonal Atlantic Forest: temporal species turnover is lower in the canopy

Abstract:To address how seasonality affects the richness and abundance of tropical insects, we compared the canopy and understorey communities of fruit-feeding butterflies in a seasonal Atlantic forest in south-eastern Brazil. Butterflies were sampled over 1 y using a standardized design with baited traps. A total of 2047 individuals in 69 species were recorded (1415 in the canopy, 632 in the understorey). Clear differences were found between canopy and understorey, with significantly higher butterfly abundances in the canopy. We observed two marked peaks of abundance and richness in both strata; one at the transition from dry to the wet seasons, and the other at the transition from wet to dry seasons. We found lower species turnover throughout the year in the canopy. We interpret this as evidence that temperature is more important than rainfall in explaining the yearly variation of abundance in vertical strata. The higher temperatures found in the canopy may allow butterflies to maintain activity in this stratum all year round, whereas the understorey is subject to colder temperatures, thus presenting a higher species turnover. These results improve our understanding of diversity gradients between evergreen and seasonal tropical forests, allowing insights into how climate and beta diversity gradients interact.

Factors influencing ocelot occupancy in Brazilian Atlantic Forest reserves

AbstractOver 80% of Atlantic Forest remnants are <50 ha and protected areas are embedded in a matrix dominated by human activities, undermining the long‐term persistence of carnivores. The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is an opportunistic species, but little is known about its tolerance to habitat alterations and the influence of other species on its occupancy in Atlantic Forest remnants. We used camera traps to assess ocelot occupancy in protected areas of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. We found a positive correlation between the occupancy of ocelots and top predators (jaguars, Panthera onca, and pumas, Puma concolor), and a weaker negative effect between the number of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) detected and ocelot occupancy. Ocelot detection was higher at sites with more eucalyptus, suggesting that ocelots frequently use these areas. Better‐protected areas surrounded by permeable matrices may be critical to the persistence of ocelots in the fragmented Atlantic Forest.

Variations in Bryophyte Communities in a Short Elevational Gradient in Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil

In order to better understand the influence of short elevational gradient on the attributes of bryophyte communities, we examined the bryophyte flora within six elevational belts (10, 50, 400, 800, 950, and 1170 m a.s.l.) on a mountain in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Ten subplots (10 × 10 m) distributed randomly in 1 ha forest plot of forest at each elevation were surveyed. A total of 253 species were encountered and the richness did not vary depending significantly on elevation. The floristic similarities of the elevational belts were high > 50%, with the exception of the Mountaintop forest (< 35%), and the classification analyses indicated groups defined by Atlantic Forest vegetation types. Endemism demonstrated a positive correlation with elevation, while the amplitudes of the phytogeographical patterns of the species diminished with increasing elevation. The dioicous condition predominated in all of the elevational belts, and the dioicous/monoicous ratio showed an inverted-parabolic pattern along the gradient. Data concerning bryophyte species richness and distributions will be useful in future projects monitoring the effects of climate change on tropical forests.

Pathways affect vegetation structure and composition in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

Although impacts generated by gaps can affect vegetation, few studies have addressed these impacts in the Atlantic Forest. Our aim was to investigate the effects of pathways of varying widths on vegetation structure and composition, considering dispersal syndromes, diversity, life forms, successional categories and threatened and exotic species occurrence in the Atlantic Forest. We studied three pathways with widths of 2, 10 and 20 m, intersecting a protected area in southeastern Brazil. To assess edge effects, plots were established adjacent to paths (edge) and 35 m from the edge (neighborhood), and in a control area without pathways. Wider pathways (10 and 20 m) exhibited reduced tree height and diameter, high liana density, exotic species, and a high proportion of pioneer and anemochorous species. In conclusion, our results indicate that the vegetation structure of narrow pathways (2 m) is similar to the control area, and that wide linear gaps cause negative effects on vegetation and extend to a distance of at least 35 m into the forest interior. Considering that linear gaps generate permanent effects to vegetation and may affect other organisms, we suggest that these effects must be considered for successful management of protected areas, including planning and impact mitigation.

Breeding behavior of the Atlantic forest endemic Blue Manakin (Chiroxiphia caudata)

ABSTRACT.— Manakins are small frugivorous birds found in the understory of humid Neotropical forests. Although aspects of their complex sexual displays have been addressed in various studies, their nesting biology is poorly documented. The Blue Manakin (Chiroxiphia caudata) is characterized by a cooperative courtship display but knowledge about its reproduction is limited to descriptions of the nest and eggs. We investigated 36 active nests during two breeding seasons in a well-preserved stretch of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Nests were shallow cups attached at their rim to horizontal forks in bushes or saplings with slender branches and were usually built over or close to forest streams. Reproductive activities were recorded from October to February and clutches were invariably consisted of two eggs. The incubation period was 18 days; nestling periods varied from 15 to 16 days, and estimated overall nesting success was 34%. Comparisons of nest architecture, egg color, and nestling characteris...

Are we headed towards the defaunation of the last large Atlantic Forest remnants? Poaching activities in one of the largest remnants of the Tabuleiro forests in southeastern Brazil.

Hunting is a problem to animal conservation in different parts of the world and it has caused the local extinction of several species. The aim of this study was to characterize the poaching activities in one of the main tabuleiro forest remnants of Brazil, the Linhares-Sooretama Block (LSB). Poaching records from 2010 to 2013 were gathered from the agencies responsible for monitoring and combating environmental crimes in the LSB. A total of 693 records (mean=173 events/year) were collected involving direct (hunted animals, firearms, handmade firearms, traps, poachers, and various hunting supplies) and indirect (tree stands, baits, and poacher signs) evidences of poaching. No differences in the monthly cumulative number of records were found among years, but the distribution of records differed according to the type of evidence. A total of 40 animal seizure events were recorded involving a total of at least 15 taxa directly affected by poaching (reptiles=2, birds=6, mammals=7) and 75 individuals seized (19 individuals/year). Five of the poached species are threatened. Lowland paca (Cuniculus paca) and armadillos were the most poached mammals in the region. Most of the poachers conduct such activities for fun (entertainment) and/or professionally (commercial hunting). The collected data show an approximately 32% increase in the number of poaching events in the region compared with the historical data available for LSB. It may have resulted from a gradual decrease in protection, both in terms of the number of agents deployed and the levels of effort of the teams, which began in 2009. The data demonstrate that poaching is a significant threat to the conservation of the LSB fauna, as it is in other Atlantic Forest remnants and in other regions of the world. Protection activities must be intensified to effectively combat the impacts of poaching in the LSB region, thereby contributing to the conservation of species in one of the few Atlantic Forest remnants whose original species composition still remains intact.

Re-discovering jaguar in remaining coastal Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil by non-invasive DNA analysis

Abstract Jaguar populations have been declining in Brazil mostly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with humans, poaching and reduction of prey. This is dramatically true in the Atlantic Forest, where occurrence of this large felid is now restricted to very few remaining areas. We used a non-invasive DNA analysis to search through felid scats collected in the Santa Virginia Unit (SVU) of the Serra do Mar State Park, to test for the potential presence of jaguar there. Our results indicated at least three individuals (two females and one male) inside SVU, thus confirming at least temporary presence of this top predator in this important protected area. It is now crucial to intensify studies in that area and surroundings, to evaluate the status of these individuals and identify conservation needs to urgently improve the prospects for the establishment of a resident population, allowing it to expand to adjoining units of the Serra do Mar State Park and Serra da Bocaina National Park.

Genetic diversity of Plathymenia reticulata Benth. in fragments of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

Studies of genetic diversity in natural populations are important for the definition of conservation strategies, especially in populations reduced by processes of fragmentation and continuous forest extraction. Molecular markers stand out as interesting tools for these studies. The objective of this research was to characterize the diversity and genetic structure of Plathymenia reticulata (Fabaceae), occurring in two fragments of the Montana Semideciduous Forest in the southern of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. DNA samples from 149 individuals were analyzed using 10 ISSR primers, generating 156 fragments, of which 101 were polymorphic (64.74%). The individuals sampled were classified into three units: adult trees (A), a mixture of progenies (B), and young regenerating individuals (C). The number of loci used (N = 101) was greater than that established as optimal number (N = 88), indicating precision in analyses. The genetic diversity index of Nei (H' = 0.407) and the Shannon index (I = 0.594) were found to have high genetic diversity. Besides, through the diversity parameters evaluated, it was possible to confirm that in the areas of natural regeneration and progeny mix there is genetic diversity equivalent to that found in adults. The analysis of molecular variance indicated that most of the genetic variation is found within the groups (96.53%). Genetic differentiation among adult trees was low (ΦST = 0.03) indicating that high gene flow rates (Nm = 12.70) are counteracting the effects of genetic drift. The data obtained allowed to evaluate the potential of adult trees as matrices for seed collection and to obtain seedlings with confirmed genetic variability.

Territoriality of Six Thamnophilidae Species In A Cloud Forest In Southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Territorial systems of Neotropical birds remain poorly understood, especially considering the effect of interspecific interactions. Studies on territorial behavior provide information about demography and life history, and are useful for the refinement of conservation strategies. We assessed territories of six species of antbirds (Thamnophilidae) from August 2010 to May 2011 at Pedra Azul State Park, a protected area in southeastern Brazil, in a 30-ha sampling grid. Birds were captured, marked, and followed through the study area. Territory sizes of Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus mentalis), Ferruginous Antbird (Drymophila ferruginea), Ochre-rumped Antbird (Drymophila ochropyga), White-bibbed Antbird (Myrmeciza loricata), White-shouldered Fire-eye (Pyriglena leucoptera), and Variable Antshrike (Thamnophilus caerulescens) were estimated by the convex polygon method. We found 46 territories of the six species. We compared and evaluated the effect of body size on territories among the species. Males and...

Daily and Seasonal Activity Patterns of the Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitarius) in the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT The Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitarius) is endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Little information is available about this bird species because of its low conservation priority and cryptic habits. Hunting and habitat loss are the main threats to the species, which is regionally threatened in southern and southeastern Brazil. We used camera traps installed along unpaved roads, at edges with roads, and in the forest interior in one of the last large remnants of the lowland Brazilian Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil to determine daily and seasonal activity patterns of the Solitary Tinamou. We obtained 256 records between June 2005 and December 2013 (sampling effort = 14,316 cameras-day). Solitary Tinamous were mainly observed away from roads, confirming the tendency of the species to occur more frequently in areas with greater canopy cover. Our data confirmed that photoperiod may influence daily activity patterns of the Solitary Tinamou, as the duration of daylight differs among the seasons. The ...

How liana loads alter tree allometry in tropical forests

Intense competition with lianas (wood climbers) can limit tree growth, reproduction, and survival. However, the negative effects of liana loads on tree allometry have not yet been addressed. We investigated the hypothesis that liana loading on tree crown alters tree’s allometry, expressed through slenderness (height–diameter ratio). The relationship between trunk slenderness and percentage of tree crown covered by lianas was investigated for 12 tree species from 10 fragments of the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest in Southeastern Brazil. We also tested whether the relationship between slenderness and wood density differ between trees without lianas and trees heavily infested. Liana loads significantly altered tree allometry by decreasing slenderness, even when lianas covered less than 25% of tree crown. Heavy-wood species decreased their trunk slenderness in a greater ratio than light-wood species. Our findings indicate that liana infestation shifts tree allometry, and these effects are stronger on heavy-wood tree species.

Searching for putative avian malaria vectors in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in Brazil.

BackgroundHaemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus can have detrimental effects on individual birds and populations. Despite recent investigations into the distribution and richness of these parasites and their vertebrate hosts, little is known about their dipteran vectors. The Neotropics has the highest diversity of mosquitoes in the world, but few studies have tried to identify vectors in this area, hampering the understanding of the ecology of avian malaria in the highly diverse Neotropical environments.MethodsShannon traps and active collection were used to capture 27,110 mosquitoes in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in southeastern Brazil, a highly endangered ecosystem.ResultsWe screened 17,619 mosquito abdomens from 12 different species and several unidentified specimens of Culex, grouped into 1,913 pools, for the presence of haemosporidians. Two pools (out of 459) of the mosquito Mansonia titillans and one pool (out of 29) of Mansonia pseudotitillans were positive for Plasmodium parasites, with the detection of a new parasite lineage in the former species. Detected Plasmodium lineages were distributed in three different clades within the phylogenetic tree revealing that Mansonia mosquitoes are potential vectors of genetically distant parasites. Two pools of Culex spp. (out of 43) were positive for Plasmodium gallinaceum and closely related lineages. We found a higher abundance of these putative vectors in pasture areas, but they were also distributed in areas at intermediate and late successional stages. One pool of the mosquito Psorophora discrucians (out of 173) was positive for Haemoproteus.ConclusionsThe occurrence of different Plasmodium lineages in Mansonia mosquitoes indicates that this genus encompasses potential vectors of avian malaria parasites in Brazil, even though we did not find positive thoraces among the samples tested. Additional evidence is required to assign the role of Mansonia mosquitoes in avian malaria transmission and further studies will add information about evolutionary and ecological aspects of avian haemosporidia and untangle the diversity of their vectors in Brazil.

A new Mapinguari Papavero & Wilcox (Diptera, Mydidae, Mydinae) from Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Mapinguari Papavero & Wilcox, 1974 (Diptera, Mydidae, Mydinae) is a very rare monotypic genus, with the type-species, M. politus (Wiedemann, 1828), occurring exclusively in Amazonia. With the description of Mapinguari uai sp. nov. from a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, the distribution of the genus is greatly expanded. In addition, an updated diagnosis for the genus and its type-species is provided.

Taxonomic novelties in Gomidesia clade (Myrcia s.l., Myrtaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Two new species of Myrcia from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil are here described and illustrated. Morphological features set them in the Gomidesia clade. Myrcia espiritosantensis and M. ruschii are recorded from southeastern Brazil, which is considered the diversity center for the genus Myrcia, and the species have restricted distribution in submontane and montane forests. Conservation assessments based on IUCN criteria are also given.

LONG DISTANCE AND SHORT TIME MOVEMENT OF A SMALL NEOTROPICAL MARSUPIAL

Movements of animals play a major role in the ecology of species, as it influence the dynamics of the populations and can connect populations and communities. Here we documented an exceptional long distance daily movement of a small marsupial, Gracilinanus microtarsus, in a two-year capture-recapture study at the Atlantic forest in southeastern Brazil. A sub-adult male moved between grids, a distance of 1.6 km, within 24 hours. This distance is higher than usual distances recorded for this and other small didelphid marsupials and reveals unknown abilities of short-time long distance dispersal. This occasional and exceptional observation brings attention to unknown abilities of space-use of Neotropical marsupials and encourages future studies which could be valuable for conservation of species.

Sugar Loaf Landin south-eastern Brazil: a centre of diversity for mat-forming bromeliads on inselbergs

Inselbergs sensu lato are isolated, mainly granitic and gneissic, rock outcrops, forming old landscape elements on crystalline continental shields on all continents. Mats consisting mainly of monocots occur on open rocky slopes, forming a conspicuous habitat on these outcrops. Brazilian lowland inselbergs consist of species-rich mats with large numbers of endemics and Bromeliaceae standing out as characteristic elements in these communities. For the first time, we provide a checklist of mat-forming bromeliads on lowland inselbergs in Brazil and investigate whether the regional species pool influences the species diversity of inselberg mats. Furthermore, through modelling analysis, we looked for the potential distribution of bromeliads endemic to inselbergs, expecting that they would show a narrower niche width than non-endemic species. Our data indicate the existence of a particular phytogeographical region in the Atlantic Forest in south-eastern Brazil, comprising inselbergs harbouring a highly diverse flora of Bromeliaceae, which we call Sugar Loaf Land. In addition, our projections reveal smaller predicted areas for bromeliads endemic to inselbergs compared with non-endemic species, the former apparently being mainly controlled by climatic factors. In addition to climate and regional species pools, the island-like character of inselbergs seems to play an important role in the speciation of rupicolous Bromeliaceae.

Restrain of birds with bottles of polyethylene terephthalate, tested in red-browed from the Atlantic Forest

In wild animals, containment is the moment of greatest stress caused by the investigator to the animal due to its natural resistance to the moment of capture, handling, containment and transport, attitudes frankly contrary to his nature. In birds, the restraint must meet certain criteria in order to control the animal's movements, avoiding trauma at the same time that you need to keep your breathing amplitude. The high risk of death during the restraint of these animals raised the need to design a device, from bottles of poly ethylene terephthalate (PET), for containing parrots-browed Amazon (Amazona rhodocorytha), a parrot endemic to the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, and endangered with extinction, which allowed the observation of respiration, the reduction of handling time of birds for collection of biological material, and consequent reduction of stress and risk of death during the evaluation of several biological data and health of the bird. The PET bottle container can be used as a model for any bird, provided it suits the size of the animal.

Medium-sized and large mammals from Quedas do Rio Bonito Ecological Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Information about the occurrence of medium-sized and large mammals in the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest is essential for monitoring the conservation status of these species in such biodiversity hotspots. This study presents the results of a survey of medium-sized and large mammals from Quedas do Rio Bonito Ecological Park, located in an ecotone between Cerrado and Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil. Four sampling methods were used: sand plots, camera traps, line transects and tomahawk traps. We recorded 20 species belonging to 12 families and 7 orders, with a high occurrence of Carnivora (50%). We highlight the occurrence of five endangered species: Chrysocyon brachyurus, Leopardus pardalis, L. guttulus, Puma yagouaroundi and P. concolor. The species with the highest frequencies of occurrence were P. concolor (27%), C. brachyurus (17%), and Sylvilagus brasiliensis (13%). Our results confirm that, despite their small size, forest fragments are essential for “top-of-the-chain” species conservation in the region.

A new species of Cryptophion (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from southeastern Brazil

Cryptophion Viereck, 1913 is a small Neotropical genus of Campopleginae, with seven described species, two recorded from Brazil. In this paper, a new species from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. In addition, a key to the Brazilian species is provided. Cryptophion atlanticus sp. nov. (holotype female deposited in DCBU: Brazil, Sao Paulo, Sao Luiz do Paraitinga, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar) is diagnosed by mesoscutum more or less uniformly punctate, except the notaular region with coarser and irregular rugae, scutellum bearing irregular lateral longitudinal rugae; forewing with areolet not distinctly petiolate above and hind tarsal claw pectinate, but with a large space in the middle, and distinctly longer than the arolium.