Atlantic Forest Fragments Research Articles

Six new species of Cladosporium associated with decayed leaves of native bamboo (Bambusoideae) in a fragment of Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest has the greatest diversity of plants per hectare, and it is considered the main center of bamboo biodiversity in the world. Studies on bambusicolous fungi are scarce and concentrated in temperate regions. Cladosporium is one of the largest genera of dematiaceous hyphomycetes fungus and their adaptation to different environments allows them to have a broad lifestyle. Currently, this genus has been taxonomically and phylogenetically elucidating with the help of extensive polyphasic analyzes. This study aimed to characterize 17 Cladosporium isolates associated with decayed leaves of three bamboo species at a fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, namely “Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro”, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Phylogenetic studies revealed that all isolates belong to the C. cladosporioides species complex. Six new Cladosporium species were found and named herein as C. aulonemiae, C. bambusicola, C. benschii, C. brigadeirensis, C. chusqueae and C. pseudotenuissimum. This study contributes with several taxonomic novelties for knowledge about the diversity of the C. cladosporioides species complex.

Reduced evolutionary potential of a frugivorous bird species in fragmented forests

Morphological attributes are important in determining the success of ecological interactions, such as the interactions between fleshy fruited plants and their seed dispersers. Morphological traits can present high levels of intraspecific variation both within and across populations. Such variation will not only mediate which interactions can be established locally but also the potential for populations to respond to perturbations and selective pressure. Here, we investigated patterns of morphological variation (body weight and beaks’ traits) among different populations of blue manakin (Chiroxiphia caudata), in the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest, Brazil, both in terms of mean trait values – that might mediate interactions locally – and in their habitat-level variation which influences their evolutionary potential. Using metrics of evolutionary potential derived from quantitative genetics theory, we hypothesized that ecological stress would lead to a decline in the overall evolutionary potential in manakin populations. We found that populations differ slightly in their mean morphological attributes, with the exception of a population that occurs in temperate Araucaria forests. Nevertheless, we found a striking difference in the evolutionary potential of populations from different vegetation types. Specifically, populations that occur in ecological stress areas, Araucaria forests, and forest fragments immersed in savanna presented a smaller overall and conditional evolvability, suggesting their lower ability to respond in the direction of selection. This pattern might have important implications for the role of this species as seed disperser, as populations under stress may lack morphological variation (and covariation) that can be important to allow a given population to disperse seeds of multiple types of fruits. Moreover, a smaller evolvability might impact the potential of these populations to persist and perform their ecosystem services in face of environmental changes.

Present but not detected: new records increase the jaguar's area of occupancy in the coastal Atlantic Forest

AbstractThe jaguar Panthera onca has lost 85% of its habitat in the Atlantic Forest, where it persists in small and isolated populations in the largest fragments. In the absence of recent records, the jaguar had previously been presumed extinct in the large Atlantic Forest fragments of the Serra do Mar in southern Brazil. However, as this region is mountainous, densely forested and difficult to access, the jaguar could still be present, but undetected. We carried out an intensive survey using camera traps and interviews with local people in a large (c. 6,500 km2) forest block. During 2011–2019, 98 camera-trap stations were established (14,239 trap-days), and 249 interviews were conducted in 102 grid cells of 5 × 5 km. We obtained the first images of the jaguar in the region, from which five individuals were identified, and interviewees provided records of the jaguar in 24 grid cells. Our findings increase the range of this species in the Atlantic Forest by 9%, and we recommend that the area should be classified as a jaguar conservation unit. As the area we surveyed is adjacent to the Serra do Mar jaguar conservation unit, the combined area of 19,262 km2 is the largest priority area for jaguar conservation in the Atlantic Forest. This proposed jaguar conservation unit could serve as a vital source of jaguar individuals for the coastal forests further south. We recommend that surveys are extended southwards to Santa Catarina state to determine whether the presumed extinction of jaguars in this state is another case of a false absence.

Edge effect on vascular epiphytes in a subtropical Atlantic Forest fragment

Epiphytes are efficient indicators of environmental quality. The Atlantic Forest is a hotspot for epiphyte richness; however, it is experiencing one of the highest rates of degradation, exposing epiphytes to edge effects. This study aimed to evaluate the floristic composition and richness of vascular epiphytes and their relationship with phorophyte features and microenvironmental variables at the edge and in the interior of a subtropical Atlantic Forest fragment in Brazil. Twenty-five trees were analyzed, respectively, at the edge and in the interior of the fragment. Height and diameter of phorophytes, temperature, relative air humidity, photosynthetically active radiation and canopy opening were measured. A total of 41 epiphytic species were recorded, 40 occurring in the interior and 23 at the edge. Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Polypodiaceae were the richest families, representing 75% of all species. The average number of species per tree in the interior was twice that for the edge. Pleopeltis pleopeltifolia, Microgramma squamulosa, M. vacciniifolia and Rhipsalis teres concentrated great biomass in both environments, with twice as much in the interior. Epiphyte richness and biomass was lower on thinner trees with more open canopies at the edge. Our results indicate that the forest interior is more beneficial for epiphytes, which are sensitive to environmental changes caused by the edge effect. The contrast between the epiphytic communities of the edge and the interior reveals the need to increase richness and abundance of native trees and prevent cattle grazing, the planting of exotic species and more human settlements in the habitat matrix.

Small mammals and microhabitat selection in forest fragments in the transition zone between Atlantic Forest and Pampa biome

Natural resources are depleted in fragmented landscapes that have their vegetation also altered. As a result, the microhabitat diversity and the composition and distribution of local species are affected. In this study, we evaluated the small mammals' community diversity, composition and microhabitat selection in two Atlantic Forest fragments, in an ecotone area with the Pampa biome, southern Brazil. We recorded five rodents (Akodon montensis, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Sooretamys angouya, Juliomys pictipes and the exotic Rattus rattus) and one marsupial (Didelphis albiventris). Both fragments were dominated by the generalist rodent A. montensis. Akodon montensis and O. nigripes showed similar habitat preferences: ground covered by rocks and higher values of vegetation obstruction. Sooretamys angouya preferred places with higher abundance of trees. Fruit availability was important for A. montensis and D. albiventris, highlighting the importance of this food resource for local wildlife, and the potential role of these species as seed predators and dispersers. Small species richness, the presence of an exotic species and high dominance level suggest that the study area is highly degraded.

Relationship between forest integrity, drainage headboards and patch-level metrics as subsidy for planning and conservation in fragmented Atlantic Forest areas

Forests worldwide are essential goods for humanity as they provide support, provision, regulation, and cultural ecosystem services. In Brazil, the Atlantic Forest has lost much of its original cover, is currently represented by relatively small fragments in an anthropized matrix. Therefore, it is very relevant to analyze if forest fragments change in related the fragmentation of the original native vegetation and how they maintain their quality. This study aimed to analyze whether patch-level metrics are related to forest quality (biotic integrity) and whether relief features such as headboards are related to forest fragmentation patterns to provide subsidies for public planning and environmental conservation policies. The methodology involved mapping forest fragments (F) and drainage headboards (DH), calculating patch-level metrics (AREA, SHAPE, PROX), and the biotic integrity (BII) of the forest. Spearman's Correlation Coefficient was used to test the relationship between variables. The results showed a significative robust relationship between AREA and BII and significative medium relationship between SHAPE and DH, confirming partially the initial assumptions of the research. We concluded that the integrity of the forest fragment and the presence of drainage headboards must be considered in public planning and environmental conservation policies.

Influence of urban noise in call traits of the Atlantic Forest treefrog Bokermannohyla hylax

Anurans commonly use sound signals as the main form of communication. This system is diverse in both structure and social functions, and can be used from mate recognition until evaluation of conspecifics. Consequently, when in noisy environments, the main constraint is to correctly identify acoustic signals. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the influence of traffic noise in call parameters of Bokermannohyla hylax. We recorded individuals in collecting sites closer and further from the boulevard, inside the area of Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, an urban Atlantic Forest fragment at municipality of São Paulo, Brazil. We evaluated if noisy or silent collecting sites influence temporal and spectral variables and signal-to-noise ratio. As expected, we observed influence of collecting site on temporal variables and on signal-to-noise ratio, but not on spectral variables. Spectral traits, unlike temporal ones, are more related to intrinsic aspects of individuals, and consequently they tend to present limited or no modification in face of anthropogenic noise. We also observed an influence of traffic noise on signal-to-noise ratio, which means that if the traffic noise is more intense, individuals increased calling power amplitude. This increase has several implications in different aspects of the life of individuals, even influencing the spent of energy in other anuran life story traits. Consequently, traffic noise can impact the long-term permanence of the species in highly noisy environments.

Flora visited by Melipona mondury Smith 1863 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Tropical forests encompass a high diversity of plant species that depend on several pollinator bees, such as Melipona mondury. In the present study, we identified the pollen types in samples of honey, pollen (nest pots) and pollen baskets of M. mondury workers from a meliponary located in the Atlantic Forest of the state of Bahia, north-eastern Brazil. Samples of flowering plants were also collected monthly nearby the meliponary and from trails along the fragment borders. The botanic material was identified and stored as herbarium collections. The samples of honey and pollen from colonies of M. mondury were collected and prepared using the acetolysis method for palynological studies. Using the botanical inventory around the meliponary, palynological slides were prepared and pollen characterised from 43 genera and 46 species within 24 plant families. Asteraceae (23%), Fabaceae (14%), Anacardiaceae (5%), Myrtaceae (5%), and Melastomataceae (4%) were the most common and diverse families around the meliponary. A total of 44 and 54 pollen morphotypes were found in honey and pollen samples, respectively, comprising several plant families, particularly Myrtaceae (15%) and Melastomataceae (10%). The pollen baskets of workers contained 35 pollen morphotypes, with a predominance of Fabaceae-Mimosoideae (16%), Melastomataceae (13%), Sapindaceae (13%), Myrtaceae (10%) and Solanaceae (10%). The flora of the study area proved to be highly diverse and M. mondury utilises a wide variety of plants, albeit with some differences. The conservation of the Atlantic Forest fragments is essential to the maintenance of pollinators such as M. mondury to assure the functionality of local ecosystems.

Seed rain in two areas with different relief types in a tropical rainforest

Seed rain participates in species enrichment during the natural regeneration of terrestrial ecosystems, as this ecological process promotes gene flow and the maintenance of forest biodiversity. However, few studies assessed variations in seed rain related to environmental heterogeneity inside forests. We studied the influence of relief (flat or slope areas) on the seasonal and monthly variation in density, floristic composition, and richness of the seed rain in an urban fragment of Atlantic Forest. We carried out the present study in Rain Tropical Forest, Northeastern Brazil. We selected two areas within the fragment: one with flat relief and the other on a slope. In each relief type we set up 20 0.25-m2 seed collectors, in a total of 40 units, to quantify seed rain. After ten months of study, we counted 9,474 seeds: 8,061 in the flat area and 1,413 in the slope area. There were significant differences in dispersal syndromes and plants habit between relief types. The seed density in the flat area differed between seasons and the species richness varied seasonally in both areas. There were variations in floristic composition between seasons in the flat and slope areas. Seed density was higher in December and January in the flat area. Differences in seed rain suggest that it is influenced by spatial heterogeneity and climate seasonality, and that the areas with different kinds of relief are important for the biodiversity conservation.

Use of Sentinel 2 imagery to estimate vegetation height in fragments of Atlantic Forest

Information on vegetation height can be used in a variety of applications, but the high cost to obtain it in large areas using field sampling and the latest remote sensing technologies is still a barrier for low-income countries and organizations. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, we explored the possibility to estimate vegetation height in fragments of Atlantic Forest (São Paulo - Brazil) based on Sentinel 2 imagery, using LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and field data as reference. The initial results showed that only wet season images appear to be related to the vegetation height, especially band 5 (red-edge) and related vegetation indices (VIs). Predictions made with Sentinel 2 and LiDAR data showed that vegetation height can be estimated with a root mean square error (RMSE) close to 3 m, with simple linear models outperforming random forest algorithms. It's also shown in a variety of validation tests, that although better results are obtained if the models are applied to the same images they were trained in, they are still able to reasonably predict vegetation height when applied to other images and locations if the right predictive variables are used. The results agree with recent studies made in other biomes and show that Sentinel 2 imagery can be used to estimate vegetation height in the Atlantic Forest as well. We conclude that vegetation height estimates with linear models can be used as a simple low cost alternative for future applications in this environment.

Plant community and native primate as drivers of habitat use by an exotic primate (Saimirispp. Linnaeus, 1758) in an Atlantic Forest fragment

AbstractUnderstanding how and why exotic species use their habitats is crucial for defining effective conservation strategies. We aimed to investigate habitat use by an exotic population of squirrel monkeys living in an Atlantic Forest fragment and identify factors associated with their habitat preferences. Over 6 months of scan sampling observations, we collected data on native and exotic plants consumed by the squirrel monkeys, food availability, and interactions between the squirrel monkeys and the native common marmosets. We also georeferenced the estimated centroid point of the study group during each scan. Squirrel monkeys used Secondary Old Forest habitats more often than the other habitats available. The consumption of native and exotic plants and the association with common marmoset appear to have influenced the habitat use of the exotic squirrel monkeys; however, the choice habitat did not demonstrate to be associated with food availability. The exotic squirrel monkeys preferred to use less disturbed habitats to consume a high amount of food (often associated with the common marmoset), potentially optimizing their food intake. Our findings demonstrated the adaptive success of an exotic primate in its non-natural habitat and the key role of the plant community in maintaining this population.

Spectral analysis for identification of plant ecosystems in Brazilian Atlantic Forest / Análise espectral para identificação de ecossistemas vegetais na Mata Atlântica Brasileira

The creation of the Guadeloupe EPA aimed to protect natural ecosystems and promote sustainable development in atlantic forest fragments existing in Pernambuco, Brazil. However, even with the State Decree formalizing these objectives, the ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest Biome present at the site suffered serious data by anthropic actions. For the study of these ecosystems, spectral analysis was an excellent channel of connection between geotechnologies and phytogeography of the site, allowing to study the location and type of vegetation in the extension of the Conservation Unit. From this perspective, the present research aimed to differentiate the atlantic forest ecosystems through spectral analysis. The results of spectral analysis allowed to indicate that in the identification of the Dense Ombrófila Forest the best specific combination is Atmospheric Penetration (PA) in its Pixel (PI) α. Mangrove in turn can be better identified in Infrared Vegetation (IVV) - Ranging from 150 to 220 Ash Levels (NC) - in pi α and also in PI β and PI γ varying in values very close to 50NC. Regarding restinga it is estimated that it can be accurately identified in Agriculture (AG), especially in pi γ, and also in Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), in all its Pixels.

Carbon from above-ground biomass and litter accumulated in an Atlantic Forest fragment

This work aimed to quantify carbon (C) stocks from above-ground biomass (AGB) and accumulated litter in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest biome (edge and interior) in Northeastern Brazil. The study was carried out in areas with native vegetation, in a fragment of Atlantic tropical forest, municipality of Sirinhaém, Pernambuco, Brazil. AGB was quantified using the allometric equation proposed for tropical rainforests. The samples of plant material were dried at 60°C, weighed and ground, and then taken to the laboratory for analysis of organic C contents by dry combustion. AGB stocks were not different between the fragment edge and interior environments. The AGB stratification into diameter classes showed that large trees are important for the storage of biomass in trees. Litter biomass stocks also did not differ between edge and interior. The branch compartment showed higher levels of C. The C-AGB stocks were not different between edge and interior, similar to the C-litter. C stocks did not differ between interior and edge among tree species, except for Protium heptaphyllum, which had the highest C stocks at edges. With this study, we hope to contribute to improving C estimates in fragmented forests to support forest conservation policies, support REDD+ projects, and access to carbon credits

DNA barcodes reveal striking arthropod diversity and unveil seasonal patterns of variation in the southern Atlantic Forest.

The Atlantic Forest harbors 7% of global biodiversity and possesses high levels of endemism, but many of its component taxa remain unstudied. Due to the importance of tropical forests and the urgency to protect them, there is a compelling need to address this knowledge gap. To provide more information on its arthropod fauna, a Malaise trap was deployed for 12 months in a semi-degraded area of the southern Upper Paraná ecoregion of the Atlantic Forest. All specimens were DNA barcoded and the Barcode Index Number (BIN) system was employed to assign each specimen to a species proxy. DNA barcodes were obtained from 75,500 arthropods that included representatives of 8,651 BINs. Nearly 81% of these BINs were first records, highlighting the high rates of endemism and lack of study of arthropods from the Atlantic Forest. Diptera was the most abundant order, followed by Hemiptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Diptera was also the most species-rich order, followed by Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera, a result consistent with studies in other biogeographic regions. Insects were most abundant in winter and most diverse in autumn and winter. This pattern, however, was caused mainly by the dynamics of dipteran diversity as other orders differed in their seasonal variation. The BIN composition of the insect community varied sharply through the year and also differed between the two consecutive summers included in the sampling period. The study of the 38 commonest BINs showed that seasonal patterns of abundance were not order-specific. Temperature had the strongest impact on seasonal abundance variation. Our results highlight the striking and understudied arthropod diversity of the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest, the predominance of dipterans, and the fact that abundance and richness in this insect community peak in the coolest months. Standardized studies like this generate fast and reliable biodiversity inventories and unveil ecological patterns, thus providing valuable information for conservation programs.

Primate reintroduction promotes the recruitment of large-seeded plants via secondary dispersal

The loss of larger frugivores alters seed dispersal. Species reintroductions have been proposed as a strategy for reversing local disperser extinctions. However, their effects on ecological processes have seldom been assessed. Howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba) have been reintroduced in Tijuca National Park, a defaunated Atlantic Forest fragment. We compared the fate of seeds dispersed by howlers to dispersal by two other frugivores present in the park: capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) and guans (Penelope superciliaris). Howlers produce clumped defecations that attract dung beetles, which provide secondary dispersal by burying seeds embedded in feces. We expected that seeds dispersed by howlers would have a different fate from those dispersed by capuchins and guans, since their scattered defecations are less attractive to dung beetles. We followed the fate of seeds 3–14 mm in diameter through three processes after seed deposition: secondary dispersal, predation, and seedling emergence. We estimated the probabilities in each step according to the primary disperser and plant species. Dispersal by howlers increased the recruitment of large-seeded plants because of the higher probability of secondary dispersal of the seeds in their feces. Fewer of the seeds dispersed by capuchins or guans were buried, regardless of size, and burial depths were shallower. For 3 mm seeds, the final recruitment probability was similar across frugivores. However, more of the larger seeds reached the seedling stage when dispersed by howlers since they were buried more deeply, which increased their survival without affecting seedling emergence. Reintroductions can thus contribute to restoring ecological processes.

Aboveground biomass accumulation and tree size distribution in seasonal Atlantic Forest restoration sites

Tropical forests undergoing restoration can present high biomass accumulation rates, especially in the first 20 years. However, native species reforestations often present a bias toward fast growth, low wood density, and small maximum adult size species, contrasting with most mature forest species. Since tree species adult size and wood density are key traits that influence biomass accumulation, these induce uncertainty regarding carbon uptake capabilities of restoration projects in the long term. We compared the density of individuals (DI), basal area (BA), aboveground biomass (AGB), and weighted average wood density (WDW) in 13–14‐year‐old restoration sites and in mature seasonal Atlantic Forest fragments. We also assessed the contribution of pioneer and non‐pioneer and planted and non‐planted species on these variables at restoration sites. Furthermore, we investigated the DI and WDW for saplings and seedlings, in order to foresee changes in forest structure that may result from natural recruitment of dense‐wood mature species. The BA and WDW at restoration sites were similar to forest fragments, except for large trees (DBH ≥50 cm). Restoration sites recovered AGB to the level of forest fragments only for the smaller size class (DBH 5–19.9 cm). Planted pioneer and non‐pioneer species accumulated the greatest AGB (93%), BA (94%), and DI (90%) at restoration sites. The DI of non‐planted non‐pioneer species with higher WDW increased among saplings and seedlings at restoration sites. The presence of species with a larger adult size and higher WD may indicate long‐term increase in biomass accumulation at restoration sites.

Accumulated litter, nutrient stock and decomposition in an Atlantic Forest fragment

Litter dynamics is one of the fundamental processes for the growth and maintenance of native forest fragments, being considered the main pathway for nutrient cycling in forests. Therefore, studies on accumulated litter and nutrient content provide information for a better understanding of nutrient dynamics. The aim of the study was to evaluate leaf litter and nutrient stock in different seasons and the instantaneous rate of decomposition in an Atlantic Forest Fragment over two years. Litter sampling was carried out in 12 permanent plots with dimensions of 20 m x 50 m. Litter dry mass and nutrient concentration were determined. The average annual accumulation of litter was 5269 kg ha-1. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of litter between seasons. There was a statistically significant difference in the contents of N, P, K Ca and Mg between the different seasons. Nutrient stocks were 123.3, 92.8, 13.2, 11.8, 9.6, 3.0 kg ha-1 year-1 for Ca, N, Mg, S, K and P respectively. The total of nutrients in the accumulated litter was 253.7 kg ha-1 year-1. The litter renewal time was 281 days. The times required for 50% and 95% litter decomposition were 196 and 850 days. The average litter stocks, nutrients and decomposition are in line with other studies, indicating that the Atlantic Forest fragment seasonal semi-deciduous presents indicators of nutrient cycling. These results show that the ecosystem is sustainable from the point of view of cycling and nutrient release.
 Keywords: ecosystem functions, nutrient cycling, secondary succession.

Copacabana is more than a beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: the orchid flora of Parque Estadual da Chacrinha

Orchidaceae is the most diverse botanical family in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 79 genera and 250 species. Vegetation in Rio de Janeiro is mostly restricted to small fragments of Atlantic Forest, many of which are located within conservation units and act as refuges for flora. Some of the best-known postcards of the city, such as Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountains, and the Christ the Redeemer statue, are located within rban conservation units. This work presents the results of a floristic-taxonomic study of Orchidaceae in the Parque Estadual da Chacrinha (PE Chacrinha), a state park located extremely near the famous Copacabana beach in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Brief morphological descriptions of the species are provided and an identification key for the orchids of PE Chacrinha is presented, based mainly on vegetative morphological characters. Orchidaceae of PE Chacrinha is represented by thirteen genera and 16 species, most of which restricted to Brazil, seven of them are also endemic to the Atlantic Forest, or South America and occur as terricolous or rupicolous. We highlighted the occurrences of Acianthera limae, Epidendrum ammophilum and Prescottia spiranthophylla, species that grow exclusively or predominantly on rocky outcrops. With these findings, our goal is to raise awareness among the local population about the importance of conserving the regional flora; estimulate visits to PE Chacrinha and promote the inclusion of this conservation unit in the tourist tinerary of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Molecular bioprospecting of plant extracts: Experience report of the BIOPROS/UFV group in the search for antitumor compounds

This manuscript discusses the experience of the research group BIOPROS (Molecular Bioprospecting in the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity) from the Federal University of Viçosa in the field of bioprospecting. We describe our experience on the search for antitumor compounds from the collection of extracts of native tree species from the Atlantic Forest biome. Presenting an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge of forestry engineering, bioinformatics and natural products chemistry, the bioprospecting research of the BIOPROS group has innovated in the generation of pharmacochemical knowledge of native species of the Atlantic Forest. For the composition of the extract library a total of 220 plant species distributed in 57 botanical families and 140 genera were identified. 196 extracts from 49 plant species were produced; all of them evaluated for cytotoxic activity. By showing the process of obtaining a promising antitumor activity withanolides compounds from Athenaea velutina, a species hitherto little known to science, this manuscript shows our sequence of methodological steps used to unravel bioactive natural products from fragments of Atlantic Forest. The research follows the premises of the Convention on Biological Diversity, regarding the creation of strategies for the sustainable use of biodiversity.

Diversity of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest Urban Park, Salvador, Brazil.

We identified mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest fragment located in a large urban park in Salvador, Brazil, one year after a citywide epizootic of yellow fever virus (YFV). Between May 2 and August 2, 2018, adult mosquitoes were collected using the human attraction method, followed by trapping with hand-nets, and CO2-baited light traps placed at ground level and in the canopy. We collected a total of 11,914 mosquitoes, which belonged to three tribes, five genera, and at least seven species. The most abundant taxa captured by CO2-baited light traps were Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, Diptera: Culicidae) Limatus spp. (Diptera: Culicidae), and Wyeomyia spp. (Diptera: Culicidae), while by human attraction, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Wyeomyia spp., and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, Diptera: Culicidae) were captured most often. The diversity of mosquitoes by species was greater in the park area with restinga vegetation compared to the area with dense rainforest. Although vectors commonly associated with sylvatic YFV transmission were not captured, we collected several species capable of transmission of other arboviruses. Given the high likelihood of encounters between mosquitoes and human visitors in environments, such as the one studied, periodic entomological surveys to determine the risk of arbovirus transmission in these settings are warranted.