Montane Atlantic Rainforest Research Articles

A New Species of Brachycephalus (Anura, Brachycephalidae) from a Montane Atlantic Rainforest of Southeastern Brazil, with a Reappraisal of the Species Groups in the Genus

Toadlets of the genus Brachycephalus are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, where they inhabit the forest floor leaf litter. These miniaturized frogs are commonly known as flea-toads or pumpkin toadlets depending on their phenotypic characteristics. Herein, we describe a new species of the genus Brachycephalus from montane forests (970–1200 m a.s.l.) in the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. The new species is characterized by having a small body size within the genus (maximum SVL 9.6 mm in males and 10.9 mm in females), a noticeably granular dorsum with an X-shaped mark and a median row of small yellow tubercles, a yellow background color with red blotches on ventral surfaces, a lateral dark brown stripe, and the absence of hyperossification in the skeleton. Morphological features of the new taxon resemble those of both flea-toads and pumpkin toadlets. Based on our molecular phylogenetic hypothesis, the new species is recovered sister to the clade formed by the monophyletic B. ephippium and B. vertebralis species groups (previously considered as lineages of a more inclusive B. ephippium group). We also reinforce the suggestion of not using the name B. didactylus group because it does not represent a monophyletic taxon. The new species probably has an extremely restricted geographic distribution, and its discovery reinforces the importance of the Serra dos Órgãos mountains for the conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest anuran biodiversity.

New records and conservation of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae s.s.) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Passiflora L. belongs to the family Passifloraceaesensu stricto, and comprises 700–750 species. There are approximately 161 known species of the family in Brazil, of which 153 belong to Passiflora, 89 are endemic, 83 occur in the region of the Atlantic Domain; 40 occur in Rio de Janeiro State (RJ). Using field samplings techniques and scientific collection analyses, we present here new geographic records for Passiflora deidamioides Harms, P. imbeana Sacco, P. junqueirae Imig & Cervi, and P. truncata Regel for RJ, principally in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (PARNASO). Geographic distribution data was used to calculate the Extension of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) of the species. Passiflora junqueirae, previously considered endemic to Espírito Santo State, now has new records for RJ. Passiflora imbeana and P. truncata are extended into RJ, being recorded there for the first time in the municipality of Teresópolis. The four species are cited for the first time in PARNASO, occurring between 1,000 and 1,700 m.a.s.l. in Montane and Upper Montane Atlantic Rainforest. We provide taxonomic information, distribution maps, and the conservation status of the species.

Holocene vegetation, climate and fire dynamics in the Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil

We analysed pollen and macro-charcoal from a sediment core representing the last 9840 cal yr BP, collected at 2003 m a.s.l. in a patch of upper montane Atlantic Rain Forest (UMARF) embedded in a campos de altitude (high-elevation grassland) matrix in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, southeastern Brazil. From 9840 to 4480 cal yr BP, campos de altitude (CDA) was the dominant vegetation at the site, indicating that the climate was relatively cool and dry. However, pollen data document that UMARF was near the core site throughout the recorded Holocene. Relatively frequent high-magnitude fires occurred during the Early Holocene but became rarer in the Mid-Holocene after 4480 cal yr BP, when the climate became wetter. In the Mid-Holocene, UMARF and tree fern taxa became slightly more frequent at the site, but CDA vegetation continued to dominate most of the high-mountain landscape. A climatic change to wetter and warmer conditions during the last 1350 cal yr BP is evidenced by an increase in UMARF and even lowland forest taxa in our core, as well as the near complete absence of fire after this date.

Chusquea parviligulata (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae): a new species of C. subg. Chusquea endemic to the Atlantic rainforest of Bahia, Brazil

Chusquea parviligulata, a new species of Neotropical woody bamboo (Bambuseae: Chusqueinae), is herein described and illustrated, and information on its morphology, conservation status and distribution are provided. It is classified within C. subg. Chusquea based on its relatively elongated internodes, differentiated culm leaves, a triangular and vertically oriented central bud, and infravaginal branching. Based on its occurrence in Brazil and the presence of a white waxy band below the nodes and infravaginal branching, C. parviligulata is further assigned to the C. meyeriana informal group. Within this group, C. parviligulata is most similar to C. clemirae and C. longispiculata, sharing the usually evident division of the subsidiary buds/branches into two groups as well as a triangular central bud and little to no fusion of the overlapping margin of the culm leaf sheaths. Chusquea parviligulata is characterized by having 20–42 subsidiary buds per node; foliage leaf blades adaxially scabrous near the margins and otherwise glabrous or sparsely setose and abaxially mostly glabrous, with a tuft of trichomes at the base; foliage leaf blade base attenuate and slightly asymmetric; and an inner ligule 0.05–0.2 mm long, among the shortest recorded for the genus. Chusquea parviligulata is found exclusively in the Serra da Pedra Lascada, a montane Atlantic Rainforest area in southern Bahia, and it has a restricted occurrence within the Serra. We also report a new locality for C. clemirae and confirm that is has infravaginal branching, not extravaginal branching as originally reported.

Lauraceae Along an Altitudinal Gradient in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT We performed a phytosociological study on an altitudinal gradient in Lauraceas State Park (Parque Estadual das Lauraceas/PR), aiming to describe the Montane Atlantic Rain Forest, to verify the importance of Lauraceae, and to evaluate the communities’ successional stage. We distributed survey units (2,000 m2 quadrats) along an altitudinal gradient and surveyed all individuals with DBH ≥ 10 cm, which composed the arboreal component. In smaller quadrats (250 m2), we surveyed regeneration individuals. The community at 800 and 900 m a.s.l. shows typical characteristics of Montane forest in an advanced successional stage, and the abundance of Ocotea catharinensis is its main indicator. At 1,000 and 1,100 m a.s.l., the forest is characterized as Montane with short stature in an advanced successional stage, with the occurrence of typical upper montane species such as O. porosa and O. vaccinioides.

The Role of Environmental Heterogeneity in the Seed Rain Pattern

ABSTRACT We focus on understanding the influence of environmental variables on ecological processes, and such a focus promotes an integrated view of forest ecological patterns. The following questions were made: Do variations in temperature, precipitation, litterfall deposition and light intensity influence the density and composition of seed rain in a stretch of the Montane Atlantic Rainforest? Is there a pattern for dispersal syndrome in Montane Atlantic,? Over a period of 12 months, the deposition patterns of seed rains were evaluated. Seed density and species richness correlated with temperature and precipitation, with species richness decreasing with increasing altitude and seed density increasing as a function of the light incidence. Seed rain followed a seasonal deposition pattern with higher seed density and species richness in the higher rainfall period. Increasing trend in seed density was found in mountainous areas with northern and northeastern aspects (higher light incidences).

Agricultural matrices affect ground ant assemblage composition inside forest fragments.

The establishment of agricultural matrices generally involves deforestation, which leads to fragmentation of the remaining forest. This fragmentation can affect forest dynamics both positively and negatively. Since most animal species are affected, certain groups can be used to measure the impact of such fragmentation. This study aimed to measure the impacts of agricultural crops (matrices) on ant communities of adjacent lower montane Atlantic rainforest fragments. We sampled nine forest fragments at locations surrounded by different agricultural matrices, namely: coffee (3 replicates); sugarcane (3); and pasture (3). At each site we installed pitfall traps along a 500 m transect from the interior of the matrix to the interior of the fragment (20 pitfall traps ~25 m apart). Each transect was partitioned into four categories: interior of the matrix; edge of the matrix; edge of the fragment; and interior of the fragment. For each sample site, we measured ant species richness and ant community composition within each transect category. Ant richness and composition differed between fragments and matrices. Each sample location had a specific composition of ants, probably because of the influence of the nature and management of the agricultural matrices. Species composition in the coffee matrix had the highest similarity to its corresponding fragment. The variability in species composition within forest fragments surrounded by pasture was greatest when compared with forest fragments surrounded by sugarcane or, to a lesser extent, coffee. Functional guild composition differed between locations, but the most representative guild was ‘generalist’ both in the agricultural matrices and forest fragments. Our results are important for understanding how agricultural matrices act on ant communities, and also, how these isolated forest fragments could act as an island of biodiversity in an ‘ocean of crops’.

<I>Chusquea clemirae</I> (Bambusoideae, Poaceae): A New Woody Bamboo from the Montane Atlantic Rainforest of Bahia State, Brazil

Abstract Chusquea Kunth is the most diverse genus of bamboos with about 160 species accepted and an estimate of more than 50 to be described. This is an exclusively American genus with about 40 species recognized in Brazil, these occurring in montane grasslands or more commonly in montane forests. In Bahia State six species are known and a new species ( Chusquea clemirae ) is herein described, illustrated, and compared with sympatric or morphologically similar species. In addition, it is classified as a probable member of C. subg. Chusquea mainly based on internode length, shape and direction of the central bud, type of branching, and length and width of the foliage leaf blades. Its culms are slightly lignified with a spongy medulla and are solid to hollow; a vertically oriented central bud and other vegetative features clearly distinguish it from other Chusquea. This new species was found exclusively in a montane Atlantic Rainforest area in southern Bahia (the Serra Bonita Private Natural Heritage Reserv...

Composição florística e distribuição altitudinal de epífitas vasculares da Floresta Ombrófila Densa na Serra da Prata, Morretes, Paraná, Brasil

O levantamento de epífitas vasculares foi realizado na porção norte da Serra da Prata (48º 41' 59,39" O e 25º 36' 46,39" S), município de Morretes, abrangendo 6,3 ha de encosta situada entre 400 e 1.100 m s.n.m., coberta por Floresta Ombrófila Densa Submontana e Montana. Os objetivos do trabalho foram: 1) caracterizar a flora epifítica vascular; 2) discutir sua distribuição altitudinal e nas categorias ecológicas; 3) avaliar a similaridade florística com outras áreas do sul e sudeste do Brasil. O levantamento foi efetivado entre 2005 e 2010. Cento e vinte forófitos, distribuídos por quatro altitudes (400, 600, 800 e 1.000 m), foram escalados e detalhadamente vasculhados. Foram registradas 278 espécies, 109 gêneros e 30 famílias de epífitas vasculares. Pteridófitas englobaram 74 espécies, 30 gêneros e 10 famílias. Angiospermas totalizaram 204 espécies, 79 gêneros e 20 famílias. A riqueza de epífitas vasculares foi a maior já registrada em estudos de Floresta Ombrófila Densa no sul do Brasil. Sete espécies tiveram seu primeiro registro para o Paraná e seis enquadraram-se como ameaçadas em nível estadual. Orchidaceae foi a mais rica, com 103 (37,2%) espécies e 43 (39,1%) gêneros, seguida de Bromeliaceae (38), Polypodiaceae (28), Hymenophyllaceae (15), Araceae (14) e Piperaceae (14). As holoepífitas características constituíram o grupo dominante, perfazendo 83% do total. Apenas 54 (19,5%) espécies foram registradas em todas as faixas altitudinais, sendo que 131 (47,3%) foram registradas somente abaixo dos 700 m e 54 (19,5%) encontradas somente acima dos 800 m. Detectou-se reduzida similaridade florística entre as extremidades da encosta estudada, o que destaca a importância da altitude na distribuição das espécies. A flora epifítica da Serra da Prata apresentou reduzida similaridade com outras comunidades de Floresta Ombrófila Densa do PR e SP.

Demographic processes in the montane Atlantic rainforest: Molecular and cytogenetic evidence from the endemic frog Proceratophrys boiei

Historical climatic refugia predict genetic diversity in lowland endemics of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. Yet, available data reveal distinct biological responses to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) conditions across species of different altitudinal ranges. We show that species occupying Brazil’s montane forests were significantly less affected by LGM conditions relative to lowland specialists, but that pre-Pleistocene tectonics greatly influenced their geographic variation. Our conclusions are based on palaeoclimatic distribution models, molecular sequences of the cytochrome b, 16S, and RAG-1 genes, and karyotype data for the endemic frog Proceratophrys boiei. DNA and chromosomal data identify in P. boiei at least two broadly divergent phylogroups, which have not been distinguished morphologically. Cytogenetic results also indicate an area of hybridization in southern São Paulo. The location of the phylogeographic break broadly matches the location of a NW–SE fault, which underwent reactivation in the Neogene and led to remarkable landscape changes in southeastern Brazil. Our results point to different mechanisms underpinning diversity patterns in lowland versus montane tropical taxa, and help us to understand the processes responsible for the large number of narrow endemics currently observed in montane areas of the southern Atlantic forest hotspot.

Late‐glacial and Holocene vegetation, climate and fire dynamics in the Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil

AbstractWe present a high‐resolution pollen and charcoal record of a 218 cm long sediment core from the Serra dos Órgãos, a subrange of the coastal Serra do Mar, located at 2130 m altitude in campos de altitude (high elevation grass‐ and shrubland) vegetation near Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil to reconstruct past vegetation, climate and fire dynamics. Based on seven AMS 14C ages, the record represents at least the last 10 450 14C yr bp (12 380 cal years bp), The uppermost region was naturally covered by campos de altitude throughout the recorded period. Diverse montane Atlantic rain forest (ARF) occurred close to the studied peat bog at the end of the Late‐glacial period. There is evidence of small Araucaria angustifolia populations in the study area as late as the early Holocene, after which point the species apparently became locally extinct. Between 10 380 and 10 170 14C yr bp (12 310–11 810 cal yr bp), the extent of campos de altitude was markedly reduced as montane ARF shifted rapidly upward to higher elevations, reflecting a very wet and warm period (temperatures similar to or warmer than present day) at the end of the Younger Dryas (YD) chronozone. This is in opposition to the broadly documented YD cooling in the northern Hemisphere. Reduced cross‐equatorial heat transport and movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over northeastern Brazil may explain the YD warming. Markedly extended campos de altitude vegetation indicates dry climatic conditions until about 4910 14C yr bp (5640 cal yr bp). Later, wetter conditions are indicated by reduced high elevation grassland and the extension of ARF into higher elevation. Fire frequency was high during the early Holocene but decreased markedly after about 7020 14C yr bp (7850 cal yr bp).

The evolution of a tropical rainforest/grassland mosaic in southeastern Brazil since 28,000 14C yr BP based on carbon isotopes and pollen records

The lack of paleoecological records from the montane Atlantic Rainforest of coastal Brazil, a hotspot of biological diversity, has been a major obstacle to our understanding of the vegetational changes since the last glacial cycle. We present carbon isotope and pollen records to assess the impact of the glaciation on the native vegetation of the Serra do Mar rainforest in São Paulo, Brazil. From ca. 28,000 to ∼ 22,000 14C yr BP, a subtropical forest with conifer trees is indicative of cool and humid conditions. In agreement carbon isotopic data on soil organic matter suggest the presence of C 3 plants and perhaps C 4 plants from ∼ 28,000 to ∼ 19,000 14C yr BP. The significant increase in the sedimentation rate and algal spores from ∼ 19,450 to ∼ 19,000 14C yr BP indicates increasing humidity, associated to an erosion process between ∼ 19,000 and ∼ 15,600 14C yr BP. From ∼ 15,600 14C yr BP to present there is a substantial increase in arboreal elements and herbs, indicating more humid and warmer climate. From ∼ 19,000 to ∼ 1000 14C yr BP, δ 13C values indicated the predominance of C 3 plants. These results are in agreement with studies in speleothems of caves, which suggest humid conditions during the last glacial maximum.

Moss diversity in the tropical rainforests of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

Moss diversity at various sites in the Tropical Atlantic Rainforest of southeastern Brazil is high, with 338 taxa distributed among 49 families and 129 genera. Comparisons of species richness in the Tropical Atlantic Rainforest in southeastern Brazil suggest that the moss flora is not uniform, and that lowland, montane, submontane, and upper montane Atlantic rainforests have very different moss floras. Montane Atlantic Rainforest has the largest number of exclusive species and the highest species richness, Sub-Montane Atlantic Rainforest has intermediate species richness, while the Lowland Atlantic Rainforest has fewer species. The high diversity of the Montane Atlantic Rainforest could be explained by the diversity of climatic, edaphic, and physiographic changes of the vegetation. Sematophyllaceae accounted for 19% of the taxa in lowland forest, Meteoriaceae for 10% of the taxa in montane forests, and Dicranaceae for 18% of the taxa in upper montane forests. Taxa with broad Neotropical distributions (40% of the total taxa) are important elements in all the forests, while taxa restricted to Brazil comprise the second most important element in upper montane and montane forests.

Breeding sites of Neotropical Drosophilidae (Diptera): IV. living and fallen flowers of Sessea brasiliensis and Cestrum spp. (Solanaceae)

The flowering phenologies of Sessea brasiliensis and three species of Cestrum (C. amictum, C. schlechtendalii and C. sendtnerianum), all belonging to the Solanaceae, were monitored in a fragment of the montane Atlantic rain forest within São Paulo city from July 1993 through June 1995. A total of 11,021 flies belonging to five species of the flavopilosa group of Drosophila (D. cestri, D. cordeiroi, D. hollisae, D. incompta and D. mariaehelenae), plus 1,244 flies belonging to four species of Zygothrica (Z. dispar, Z. vittimaculosa, Z. vittinubila and Z. aff. vittipunctata) emerged from 33,955 sampled flowers. Cestrum amictum, C. sendtnerianum and Sessea brasiliensis are recorded for the first time as host plants for the species of the Neotropical flavopilosa group ofDrosophila. Additionally, at least ten less abundant taxa belonging also to the Drosophilidae, plus 1,073 microhymenopteran parasitoids (Braconidae, Eucoilidae, and Pteromalidae), emerged from the sampled flowers of S. brasiliensis e Cestrum spp. The present study raised from nine to eleven the number of species of Cestrum previously recorded as breeding sites for these flies. A comprehensive list of species of Solanaceae known to host six species of Drosophila and four species of Zygothrica in southeastern and southern Brazil is included.

Species richness of pteridophytes in a montane Atlantic rain forest plot of Southern Brazil

A floristic survey of pteridophytes (ferns and fern allies) was carried out in a 1ha plot in the Pico do Marumbi State Park, Morretes, State of Paraná, Southern Brazil. The study area is covered with a closed ombrophilous forest (Brazilian Atlantic Forest) and lies approximately 630 m in elevation. All species and life-forms of pteridophytes growing in the plot were registered and most of them were collected for taxonomic identification. A total of 81 species, belonging to 17 families were registered. The richest were Polypodiaceae (12 species), Hymenophyllaceae (11) and Lomariopsidaceae (11). The richest genera were Asplenium (ten species), Elaphoglossum (10) and Trichomanes (six). Life-form composition was: epiphytes (49 species), terrestrials (28), lithophytes (two), epiphytes/terrestrials/lithophytes (one) and epiphytes/lithophytes (one). No hemiepiphytes were found. Terrestrials included herbaceous (22 species), arborescent (four) and climbing (two). Species richness of the plot can be considered as high when compared to other neotropical sites.

Four sites with contrasting environmental stress in southeastern Brazil: relations of species, life form diversity, and geographic distribution to ecophysiological parameters

Some ecophysiological parameters related to plant performance and fitness (carbon and nitrogen isotope composition and total C and N concentrations in situ chlorophyll fluorescence measurements) were determined for over 30 species in four habitats bordering the montane Atlantic rain forest of Brazil, along a gradient of altitude and rainfall: a dry coastal forest, two areas of sandy coastal plain vegetation (restingas), and a high altitude campo. There was a considerable diversity of ecophysiological behaviour within and between the functional groups we created based on plant life-forms. For instance, both crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and C3species were found in most life-forms sampled and throughout all habitats. Despite the variation in rainfall regimes, average overall water-use efficiency was similar between sites, particularly for C3species, while no clear pattern regarding nitrogen-use emerged in this respect. Acute and chronic photoinhibition were found in many species across this gradient, even in CAM plants. However, on average, chronic photoinhibition and lower energy dissipation capacity were more characteristic of plants from the restinga habitats. This suggests that, although plants colonizing these habitats have evolved features to deal with water shortage, adaptation to high light levels has not been fully achieved yet. The ecophysiological performance of some individual species in distinct habitats and in distinct microhabitats within habitats is also discussed.

Four sites with contrasting environmental stress in southeastern Brazil: relations of species, life form diversity, and geographic distribution to ecophysiological parameters

Some ecophysiological parameters related to plant performance and fitness (carbon and nitrogen isotope composition and total C and N concentrations in situ chlorophyll fluorescence measurements) were determined for over 30 species in four habitats bordering the montane Atlantic rain forest of Brazil, along a gradient of altitude and rainfall: a dry coastal forest, two areas of sandy coastal plain vegetation (restingas), and a high altitude campo. There was a considerable diversity of ecophysiological behaviour within and between the functional groups we created based on plant life-forms. For instance, both crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and C3species were found in most life-forms sampled and throughout all habitats. Despite the variation in rainfall regimes, average overall water-use efficiency was similar between sites, particularly for C3species, while no clear pattern regarding nitrogen-use emerged in this respect. Acute and chronic photoinhibition were found in many species across this gradient, even in CAM plants. However, on average, chronic photoinhibition and lower energy dissipation capacity were more characteristic of plants from the restinga habitats. This suggests that, although plants colonizing these habitats have evolved features to deal with water shortage, adaptation to high light levels has not been fully achieved yet. The ecophysiological performance of some individual species in distinct habitats and in distinct microhabitats within habitats is also discussed.

Leaf anatomy plasticity of Alchornea triplinervia (Euphorbiaceae) under distinct light regimes in a Brazilian montane Atlantic rain forest

Alchornea triplinervia trees occur in a montane Atlantic rainforest at the Macae de Cima State Ecological Reserve (Nova Friburgo, RJ, Brazil). They are found in two adjacent secondary forests at distinct successional stages: a late-secondary (shaded and humid) and an early-secondary forest (drier, higher light intensities reaching the understory). Leaf samples collected in these environments were compared in regard to various anatomic parameters. Histochemical tests, anatomic measurements and counting indicated no significant variation for the basic leaf anatomy. Nevertheless, as compared to the late-secondary forest, the leaves of the early-secondary forest individuals showed an increased bulk of sclerenchyma at the main nervation and petiole, gelatinous fibers with hygroscopic walls all along the central vascular system, thicker cuticle, a higher abaxial stomatal density, abundance of tannin in the mesophyll, a significantly thicker palisade and spongy parenchyma, and compactation of the spongy parenchyma. This anatomical variation indicates an increased xeromorphism of leaves under the drier conditions of the early-secondary forest. Leaf anatomy plasticity may contribute to the high ecological plasticity of this widespread neotropical species.

Reproductive Biology of the Distylous Manettia luteo‐rubra (Rubiaceae)

AbstractThe reproductive biology of Manettia luteo‐rubra was studied in the coastal montane Atlantic rain forest of southeastern Brazil. This Rubiaceae is a perennial vine that flowers all the year round, but has a flowering peak during the dry season. It presents reciprocal herkogamy, thus the plants are morphologically distylous. The morphs occur in a 1:1 ratio, and pollen diameter and corolla length vary between short and long‐styled flowers. Manettia luteo‐rubra displays typical heterostylous self‐incompatibility and sets almost no fruits from self‐ or intramorph pollinations. The flowers are tubular, red with yellow lobes, and odourless. Anthesis is asynchronous, and the flowers last about four days. Concentration of sugars in nectar is similar in both morphs, ca. 24%, this concentration being typical for hummingbird flowers. Three species of hummingbirds are the major pollinators of the flowers of M. luteo‐rubra at the study site: the hermits Phaethornis eurynome and P. squalidus, and the trochiline Thalurania glaucopis. Three species of Heliconius butterflies act as minor pollinators. Both morphs of M. luteo‐rubra exhibit natural fruit‐set of about 80%, this reproductive output being maintained throughout the year by the pollinators' constancy to the flowers.