Semideciduous Forest Fragment Research Articles

Floristic and structure of different strata in an urban Semideciduous Forest in Jataí, Goiás state, Brazil

Estudos comparativos entre diferentes estratos de florestas em sucessão ecológica são importantes para entender a dinâmica florestal. O estudo avaliou aspectos florísticos, fitossociológicos e ecológicos entre os estratos adulto e regenerante de um fragmento urbano de floresta estacional semidecidual, em Jataí, Goiás. Nas últimas décadas, a vegetação que era tipicamente savânica tem se tornado uma floresta. As árvores adultas (diâmetro a altura do peito, DAP ≥ 5 cm) foram amostradas em 12 parcelas permanentes de 200m². Em cada uma delas, sub-parcelas de 25m² foram amostradas para o estrato regenerante, que compreendeu indivíduos com DAP 5cm e altura ≥ 1m. Regenerantes tiveram maior riqueza (31 espécies), com duas espécies a mais do que os adultos. Houve baixa similaridade florística e estrutural entre os estratos, indicando uma substituição de espécies ao longo do tempo. A diversidade de Shannon foi significativamente menor para o estrato arbóreo (teste t), visto que apresentou baixa equabilidade, com dominância ecológica de poucas espécies. Ambos os estratos tiveram elevada proporção de espécies pioneiras, quando comparado com outros estudos. Zoocoria e espécies de ambientes florestais foram expressivamente mais abundantes no estrato regenerante. O estudo revelou um fragmento em franco processo de sucessão secundária e vulnerabilidade diante de pressões antrópicas, sendo importante os cuidados quanto à sua conservação.

The effect of fragmentation on spider richness (Arachnida: Araneae) in montane semideciduous seasonal forest

The fragmentation process that has altered natural environments has been widely discussed, as it causes changes in communities and compromises different environmental functions. In this sense, this study was based on the evaluation of fragmentation on araneofauna of semideciduous seasonal forest fragments, phytophysiognomy belonging to the Atlantic Forest. The study was conducted in three fragments in the municipality of Inconfidentes, southern Minas Gerais, from April 2014 to March 2015. The results showed that there is a similarity in the composition of spider species among the sampled fragments and that the size of the fragment is positively correlated with species richness. Our data show that smaller fragments must be preserved and that agricultural areas maintain the integrity of adjacent forest areas to benefit from the predation dynamics that spiders exert on pests that affect plantations.

The resilient frugivorous fauna of an urban forest fragment and its potential role in vegetation enrichment.

Anthropocentric defaunation affects critical ecological processes, such as seed dispersal, putting ecosystems and biomes at risk, and leading to habitat impoverishment. Diverse restoration techniques could reverse the process of habitat impoverishment. However, in most of the restoration efforts, only vegetation cover is targeted. Fauna and flora are treated as isolated components, neglecting a key component of ecosystems’ functioning, the ecological interactions. We tested whether the resilient frugivorous generalist fauna can improve habitat quality by dispersing native plant species through the use of fruit feeders as in a semideciduous seasonal urban forest fragment. A total of 32 sampling points was selected at a heavily degraded 251-ha urban forest fragment, with feeders installed at two heights monitored by camera-traps. Variable quantities of native fruits of 27 zoochorous species were offered alternately in the feeders. Based on more than 36,000 h of video records, Turdus leucomelas (Class Aves), Sapajus nigritus (Class Mammalia), and Salvator merianae (Class Reptilia) were recorded ingesting the highest fruit species richness. Didelphis albiventris (Class Mammalia) was the most frequent visitor but consumed only pulp in most of the visits. The frugivorous birds were recorded at a high visitation rate and consumed a wider variety of fruits. Our study opens a new avenue to combine the traditional approach of ecosystems recovery and ecological interactions restauration in an urban forest fragment.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11252-020-01080-5.

Edge Effects on Successional Dynamics of Forest Fragments in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract Comparative studies of tree dynamics can be useful for the conservation of forest fragments in the Cerrado. We tested if the successional dynamics in fragments of semideciduous forest (SF) and cerradao (CE) are influenced by edge effects (EE). Two surveys were carried out with plots allocation in both physiognomies, from the edge towards the interior of the fragments. All trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 5cm were measured, identified and classified (ecological groups). Both physiognomies showed high recruitment and mortality rates when compared with other forests in Cerrado. We found an EE on tree density (SF), and on mortality, total basal area and basal area of dead (CE), although do not so notorious on a short-term scale. Probably because EE did not influence the ecological groups and canopy cover. Our results suggest that the forest fragmentation can act as a disturbance agent, causing changes in the tree dynamics of the Cerrado forests.

SEASONALITY IN LITTERFALL PRODUCTION IN A NATIVE FOREST IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF RS, BRAZIL

Studies on litter deposition are considered an important indicator of environmental quality of forest ecosystems. It is the main route of entry of organic matter and nutrients to forests. The objective of this study was to quantify the annual litterfall and seasonality in a fragment of native forest located in São Sepé in the Central Depression of Rio Grande do Sul. The experiment was conducted in a fragment of a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. Inside this forest, in a place with homogeneous conditions, five plots of 20 m x 15 m length were systematically allocated 30 meters away from each other, where five litterfall traps were distributed in each plot (0,1963 m2 each trap), totaling 25 traps. The collection of all plant material deposited by the trees in the collectors was performed monthly in a four-year period. In the laboratory, the samples were separated into leaves, small twigs (diameter < 0.5 cm) and miscellaneous, and after they were oven dried and weighed on a precision balance. Higher litterfall was observed in the spring, with the highest return peaks mainly in October, indicating a seasonal deposition behavior. The mean litterfall was 6.56 Mg ha-1 year-1; of this total, the leaves were responsible for 67.61%, followed by the miscellaneous with 19.04% and the small twigs with 13.29%. Only a high significant correlation was obtained between the miscellaneous fraction and the temperature.

Opiliofauna (Arachnida, Opiliones) of the seasonal semidecidual forest of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Existem poucos estudos de inventários de opiliões (Arachnida) em muitos ecossistemas e estados brasileiros. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi inventariar a fauna de opiliões em Floresta Estacional no sul de Minas Gerais. O estudo foi conduzido em 14 municípios no sul do estado de Minas Gerais, em fragmentos de floresta estacional semidecidual, no período de março de 2017 a abril de 2019. Foram registradas 34 morfoespécies, incluindo quatro morfoespécies inéditas para a ciência, Tricommatinae sp.1, Anoplogynus sp.1 e sp.2 e Liogonyleptoides sp.1. A similaridade da fauna de Opiliones é baixa entre os estudos comparados, o que reflete em taxas elevadas de endemismo, como já discutido em outros trabalhos. A área estudada é relevante para a fauna de Opiliones no estado de Minas Gerais, o que justifica na criação de unidades de conservação, a fim de garantir proteção desse patrimônio natural.

Occurrence of galls in Microgramma mortoniana (Polypodiopsida: Polypodiaceae) from a subtropical forest, Brazil

The galls are structures formed of plant tissues in response to the activity of different types of organisms, especially by insects. As a consequence of an intimate relationship with their host plants, most of these insects have a very narrow host range. In this study we report the occurrence of galls on Microgramma mortoniana. Morphological characteristics and field observations are presented. The study was carried out in a seasonal semi-deciduous forest fragment, located in the São João do Oeste municipality, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. The galls present a fusiform shape and similar indument to the rhizome, in a higher density. In the region of occurrence of the galls, a widening of the rhizome was observed, reaching an average of 9 mm (±1mm), whereas in a rhizome with normal growth the width is 4 (±1 mm). The gall is unicameral, with the following dimensions: 7 mm (±1 mm) x 2 (±1 mm). The larvae observed into the chamber are about 0,7 mm long, being representative of the family Tortricidae (Lepidoptera). In all cases, the rhizomes with galls do not presented continuous development and, consequently, the rhizome has its limit of growth defined by the occurrence of the gall. The results indicate that a greater sampling effort of fern galls in the Neotropics is needed, contributing to the knowledge about the distribution of the galls on ferns lineages.

City sloths and marmosets in Atlantic forest fragments with contrasting levels of anthropogenic disturbance

Urbanization is a major threat to wildlife with its cohort of environmental stressors. Urban remnant vegetation can help mitigate these impacts, but such remnants are subject to stressors that might be detrimental for some species. Habitat generalists have flexible diets and broader habitat tolerances that could favour their persistence in these remnants. Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and sloths (Bradypus variegatus) differ in their ecological and behavioural plasticity and both occur in urban areas. We predict marmosets to be less affected than sloths, a specialist species, by anthropogenic disturbance. We estimated their densities in urban forest fragments of semi-deciduous Atlantic forest in Paraiba, NE Brazil, with contrasting levels of urbanization. Using the distance sampling methodology, we surveyed 12 trails in a larger and less impacted fragment (515 ha) and 13 trails across nine smaller forest patches (2.1–8.0 ha) with a greater level of anthropogenic disturbance. Density of marmoset’s groups was higher in the area with lower anthropogenic disturbance, whereas sloths’ density was significantly higher in the more urbanized fragments. Marmosets seemed to be more impacted by noise than sloths. The density of both species in forest patches with higher level of anthropogenic disturbance was similar or even higher than densities from non-urban and less disturbed areas. Despite the negative impacts on wildlife, urbanization seems to cause a reduction of predators and an increase in availability of food resources that favour some species. Our results show the importance of small urban forest fragment for the persistence of marmosets and sloths in Neotropical cities.

Seasonal Parasitism of the Leaf-Cutting Ant Atta sexdens Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by Phorid Flies (Diptera: Phoridae) in a Brazilian Cerrado-Atlantic Forest Ecotone

Phorid flies (Diptera: Phoridae) parasitize insects of many orders including leaf-cutting ants, which are pests of several crops. These parasitoids may have a significant impact on ant behavior by altering their foraging rhythm. Seasonal variations in climatic variables, such as temperature and humidity, influence the abundance, activity period, distribution, and reproduction of insects. Therefore, knowledge of parasitoid seasonal patterns is important for biological control success. In this study we evaluate the parasitism of the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by Apocephalus attophilus Borgmeier and Eibesfeldtphora tonhascai Brown (both Diptera: Phoridae) across seasons throughout a yr in a Brazilian Cerrado-Atlantic Forest ecotone, and compare their parasitism in a semi-deciduous seasonal forest fragment and urban area. The number of ants parasitized by A. attophilus and E. tonhascai was higher in the winter and spring, respectively, but similar in summer and fall. Apocephalus attophilus parasitism was negatively correlated with temperature but not with relative humidity, whereas ant parasitism by E. tonhascai presented no correlation with either parameter. The number of ants parasitized by A. attophilus and E. tonhascai in the semi-deciduous seasonal forest fragment was higher than in urban areas. Knowledge of biotic and abiotic factors influencing the population dynamics of phorid flies is important for rearing and releasing protocols for these parasitoids.

HYDRO-MICROBIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE SOIL IN EDGE OF SEASONAL SEMIDECIDUOUS FOREST FRAGMENT

Native forests have been suffering changes, such as fragmentation and edge effect, and these have implications for the dynamics of carbon within the same fragment, differentiating vegetation and soil. In this way, the work aimed to evaluate the hydro-microbiological attributes of the soil in rainy and dry periods, as well as to indicate if there is an edge effect in a seasonal semideciduous forest fragment. The study was carried out in a forest fragment in the area of the State University of Goiás, Ipameri Campus, consisting of three transects divided into three blocks from the edge. Sampling was performed in two periods of the year, rainy and dry, to determine the gravimetric soil water content (UG), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), basal respiration (BR), and the metabolic quotient (qCO2). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (F test), and when significant, the means were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Response variations of microorganisms are closely related to the periods studied; the rainy season benefits the carbon incorporation activity, and the dry season stimulates the carbon release. Consequently, metabolic efficiency is more pronounced in the rainy season. The edge of the fragment only influenced the MBC, evidencing that disturbances caused at the extremity of fragment interfere with the C input in the microbial biomass.

Species Richness and Seasonal Abundance of Hawk Moth1 Fauna in a Fragment of Tropical Semi-Deciduous Forest of Veracruz, Mexico

Sphingidae is an important component contributing to ecological functions in the tropics. However, ecological studies and inventories are scarce. The diversity of nocturnal hawk moths in a fragment of tropical semi-deciduous forest (TSDF) at central Veracruz, Mexico were described. A 250-watt mercury-vapor lamp was used nocturnally for collection each month for 1 year. Collection was during 1 night of new moon from 1800 to 0600 hours. Diversity and correlated hawk moth richness and abundance were correlated with mean temperature and rainfall. In total, 178 specimens of 41 species, 18 genera, four tribes, and three subfamilies were recorded. Individual-based rarefaction curves and sample coverage showed satisfactory hawk moth community. The most abundant species were Eumorpha satellitia (Linnaeus), Xylophanes pluto (Fabricius), Nyceryx riscus (Schaus), and X. libya (Druce). Correlation analysis did not indicate a relationship between environmental variables and richness or abundance of hawk moths. PERMANOVA analysis did not show variation in the hawk moth community between rainy (29 species) and dry seasons (31 species). On local and regional scales, the study revealed many hawk moths species in tropical semi-deciduous forest. Increased knowledge of biodiversity is needed on a larger geographical scale.

Soil seed banks in different environments: initial forest, mature forest, Pinus and Eucalyptus abandoned stands

Different environments (initial forest, mature forest, Pinus and Eucalyptus stands) found in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest fragments affect the density of viable seeds, as well as the floristic similarity, diversity, and richness of tree species in soil seed banks. This hypothesis was tested in the current study. Soil seed bank samples were collected in the aforementioned environments during rainy and dry seasons, and taken to a shade house, where they remained under favorable seed germination conditions. Tree seedling emergence was measured, and sample species were identified every 15 days, for six months, in each sampling period. In total, 97 individuals m−2 and 23 species emerged in all environments and periods. The highest density of viable seeds of tree species in the soil seed bank was found in the initial forest stretch, mature forest stretch and abandoned Eucalyptus stand. Only the Pinus stand seed bank in the dry season had different floristic and lower viable seed density than the mature forest seed bank. Thus, all environments, except the abandoned Pinus stand, can preserved Seasonal Semideciduous Forest fragments.

Análisis de la fauna de moscas de la fruta (Diptera: Tephritidae) en un huerto de guayaba y en un fragmento de bosque semideciduo en la región centro-oeste de Brasil

The fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritoidea), are the dipteran with greater economic importance, including pest species of various fruit crops such as guava. For the management of these pests, it is essential to know what species are present in the culture, as well as in the surrounding native vegetation, which may serve as a reservoir for these species. The objective of this research was to characterize and compare through faunistic analysis (frequency, abundance, constancy, equitativity,richness and diversity) populations of Anastrepha Schiner and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and a commercial guava orchard in a fragment of adjacent native semideciduous forest in Central-West Region of Brazil. The fruit flies were collected from January 2008 to March 2009, through McPhail traps containing 5% solution of corn syrup. A total of 4,180 fruit fly specimens were collected in the forest fragment, and 20,108 in the guava orchard. Besides C. capitata, nine species of Anastrepha werefound in the forest, with A. undosa Stone occurring exclusively in this ecosystem. In the orchard, C. capitata and eleven Anastrepha species were collected, three of them exclusively found in this ecosystem: A. amita Zucchi, A. zenildae Zucchi, and A. distincta Greene. The species A. sororcula Zucchi and A. fraterculus (Wiedemann) were classified as superabundant, constant, superdominant and superfrequent in both ecosystems. The species richness and abundance were higher in the guava orchard than in the forest fragment.

Occurrence and infestation rates of Streblidae (Diptera, Hippoboscoidea) on bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in a semideciduous seasonal forest fragment in western Paraná, Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the occurrence and infestation rates of Streblidae species on bats in a semideciduous seasonal forest fragment in western Paraná, South of Brazil. A total of 289 specimens of eight Streblidae species were collected from six species of bats belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. The most frequent Streblidae species were Megistopoda proxima (Séguy, 1926), Aspidoptera falcata Wenzel, 1976 and Paratrichobius longicrus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907). The highest prevalence found was Megistopoda aranea (Coquillet, 1899) on Artibeus planirostris (Spinx, 1823). The highest intensity found was M. aranea on Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818). The highest abundance found was M. proxima on Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810). All recorded species were highly specific to their hosts, except M. aranea. Two infracommunities were recorded: M. aranea and Metelasmus pseudopterus (Coquillett, 1907) on A. planirostris, and M. proxima and A. falcata on S. lilium. The results showed a trend of occurrence of ectoparasites on females, considering the most frequently captured bats, the seasons had no pattern in the prevalence and intensity factors in this sampling area to them. Studies evaluating the life cycle of these parasites, and the behavior and morpho-physiology of these hosts are necessary since the parasitism rate can be affected by other factors that were not evaluated in this study.

Flora and Structure of Mata Santa Elisa: an Environmental Patrimony in Campinas, SP

Abstract Tropical forests include remnants that should be characterized and monitored for long-term conservation. With this in mind, we performed a survey of the floristic composition and structure of the Mata Santa Elisa (Campinas, SP), and compared it to other fragments of semi-deciduous seasonal forest in the municipality. In Mata Santa Elisa, 506 living arboreal specimens were found, belonging to 100 species, 75 genera and 32 families. At the time of this work, the fragment was well-preserved and contained exclusive species and those of economic interest or potential, highlighting its importance in the region.

Impact of temperature on the growth of a Neotropical tree species (Hymenaea courbaril, Fabaceae) at its southern distribution limit.

Widely distributed tree species usually face different growth conditions across gradients of climate variables. Hymenaea courbaril inhabits most of Neotropical lowlands, where its growth is limited by low precipitation under seasonal precipitation regimes. However, it is still unclear what are the drivers of growth variability at its distribution limits, where populations are most vulnerable to climate change. We evaluated the role of precipitation and temperature variability on the growth rate of two populations of H. courbaril at the southern limits of its occurrence. Sampling sites comprise two semi-deciduous forest fragments with weathered and chemically poor soils, similar temperature conditions, only differing in size and in precipitation regime. To achieve that goal, we built two tree-ring chronologies using standard dendrochronological methods, one with 21 trees (37 radii) and the other one with 13 trees (24 radii). First, we evaluated if site conditions would affect average growth patterns, and then, we tested the climate-growth relationships and the teleconnections with the Equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature (SST). The results show that trees display similar average growth rates throughout life without evidence of influence from differing fragment sizes. Nonetheless, precipitation positively influences annual growth in the drier site, while it has a negative effect on growth in the wetter site. In contrast to previous studies, temperature has a stronger influence than precipitation on the growth of these trees. Monthly, seasonal, and annual mean temperatures showed a negative influence on trees growth. The variability of the regional temperature and, consequently, of the growth rate of the trees is partially dependent on the SST of the Equatorial Pacific. In conclusion, this study shows that temperature is a key limiting growth factor for this species at its southern distribution limits and periods with warmer temperature will likely reduce annual growth rate.

Urban forest fragments as unexpected sanctuaries for the rare endemic ghost butterfly from the Atlantic forest.

Anthropogenic land expansion, particularly urbanization, is pervasive, dramatically modifies the environment and is a major threat to wildlife with its associated environmental stressors. Urban remnant vegetation can help mitigate these impacts and could be vital for species unable to survive in harsh urban environments. Although resembling nonurban habitats, urban vegetation remnants are subject to additional environmental stresses. Here, we evaluate the occurrence and density of the endemic ghost butterfly (Morpho epistrophus nikolajewna) that was once common, in the highly fragmented Atlantic forest of NE Brazil. We tested whether this butterfly would be found at lower densities in urban forest fragments of contrasting sizes as opposed to rural ones, given the number of environmental stressors found in urban areas. We surveyed 14 forest fragments (range 2.8 to over 3,000 ha) of semideciduous Atlantic forest in rural and urban locations using transect based distance sampling. The ghost butterflies showed strong seasonality; flying only from April to June. They were only identified in an urban fragment (515 ha), with an estimate of 720 individuals and a density 1.4 ind/ha. All forest fragments had experienced some level of logging in the past, which might have had an effect in the butterfly population. Nevertheless, rural forest fragments were subject to increased particulate matter concentrations, associated to biomass burning that we suggest might have had a more influential role driving the collapse of rural populations. Our findings show the importance of urban forest remnants to sustain population of this endangered species.

Orchid bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) are seasonal in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest fragments, southern Brazil

Seasonal fluctuations in the abundance of orchid bees have already been reported. The variations in population dynamics may be expected to occur in more predictable and pronounced manners in environments with a clear distinction between rainy and dry seasons, where climatic variables are regarded to be good predictors of populational patterns. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the seasonality of males of orchid bees in fragments of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in southern Brazil. Data comprise bait samples from five one-year periods on four forest fragments. The seasonality of species abundance was tested with circular statistics. Results suggest two phenological patterns, one for Eufriesea violacea (Blanchard), Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier and Euglossa cordata (Linnaeus), whose abundances are concentrated in late spring and early-middle summer and another for Euglossa fimbriata Moure with a tendency to be collected in middle-late summer and early autumn. These patterns are discussed, as well the possible driven factors, (i) the species life cycle and nesting behavior, (ii) synchrony with resource, and (iii) climate. We can postulate an important impact of climate change in local euglossine assemblage due to the small populations and marked seasonality.

Forest fire risk indices and zoning of hazardous areas in Sorocaba, São Paulo state, Brazil

This study compares the performance of three fire risk indices for accuracy in predicting fires in semi-deciduous forest fragments, creates a fire risk map by integrating historical fire occurrences in a probabilistic density surface using the Kernel density estimator (KDE) in the municipality of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The logarithmic Telicyn index, Monte Alegre formula (MAF) and enhanced Monte Alegre formula (MAF+) were employed using data for the period 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2016. Meteorological data and numbers of fire occurrences were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) and the Institute for Space Research (INPE), respectively. Two performance measures were calculated: Heidke skill score (SS) and success rate (SR). The MAF+ index was the most accurate, with values of SS and SR of 0.611% and 62.8%, respectively. The fire risk map revealed two most susceptible areas with high (63 km2) and very high (47 km2) risk of fires in the municipality. Identification of the best risk index and the generation of fire risk maps can contribute to better planning and cost reduction in preventing and fighting forest fires.

Medium and large-sized mammals in an Atlantic Forest fragment of Brazil: recording of threatened species

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation affect to a great extent larger wild mammals, which require large areas to establish their populations. These mammals can have important functions in the structure and dynamics of tropical forests, acting as seed dispersers, herbivory regulators, and umbrella species. In the present paper, we characterize the community of medium and large wild mammals in a semi-deciduous seasonal forest fragment, a denominated IB Forest (Institute of Biosciences) in Edgardia Experimental Farm, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. By adopting sand plots on three trails as the main method, we identified the occurrence of nine species, besides the occurrence of one species by direct visualization. Some of these are in national red lists — Leopardus pardalis and Puma concolor are listed as threatened and Sapajus cf. nigritus as Near Threatened in São Paulo State; Puma concolor is also listed as Vulnerable at the national level. Thus, we emphasize the importance of this forest remnant as a wildlife refuge, which makes it necessary to monitor the occurrence of these animals in the area and conserve similar remnants in the region.