Semideciduous Seasonal Forest Fragment Research Articles

Avifauna of São Camilo State Park: the importance of this semideciduous seasonal forest fragment for bird conservation

The São Camilo State Park is a protected area of an important remnant of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest in western Paraná, a region highly threatened by deforestation. Although conservation areas such as the São Camilo State Park are important for preserving biodiversity, knowledge about the local avifauna is limited, with the only available study conducted 17 years ago. Thus, this study presents an inventory of the avifauna of the São Camilo State Park through point counts, mist nets, naturalistic observations, and citizen science data. We recorded 222 birds species (25 Orders and 56 Families), representing approximately 29% of the bird fauna of Paraná state. Five regionally threatened species were found in the area. Twelve species are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, nine are classified as migratory, and 26 are partially migratory, 21 taxa are forest-dependent, while 83 are semi-dependent. There is a predominance of insectivorous, omnivorous, and frugivorous birds. A total of 179 species were added to the original species list of the area. Our results highlight the importance of the São Camilo State Park for the conservation of birds in the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest in western Paraná.

Selective logging that occurred decades ago is still impacting aboveground biomass and tree assemblage structure in Brazilian semi-deciduous seasonal Atlantic forest fragments

The majority of tropical forests in the world have undergone or are still undergoing selective logging. This human disturbance is among the actions that most affect the dynamics of the carbon stocks of tropical forests and also the vegetation structure, richness, and species composition. One of the most widely used approaches to understand forest responses to this disturbance has been to compare them with other undisturbed forests in the given region. Here, we measure the effects of the selective logging history on the aboveground biomass, tree abundance, basal area, and wood density in four Brazilian Atlantic Forest fragments logged once, 35–45 years before the current sampling. We used two unlogged forest fragments as reference ecosystems. We found 40% less aboveground biomass (AGB) and 31% lower basal area in logged than in unlogged forest fragments. Large trees (trees with a diameter greater than 50 cm) were strongly affected by selective logging, showing AGB, basal area, mean wood density and tree abundance values 59%, 52%, and 46%, respectively, lower in logged forest fragments. We found an increase in the abundance of softwood, early-successional species in logged forests, where 45% of the AGB accumulated was due to only two species (Astronium graveolens Jacq and Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng.) Harms). The opposite was observed in unlogged forest fragments, where two late successional hardwood species (Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll.Arg and Holocalyx balansae Micheli) accumulated 38% of the AGB. Our findings indicate that even decades after the last logging event semi-deciduous seasonal Atlantic Forest fragments with a selective logging history may present different AGB, structure, and functional composition from the expected pattern for old-growth forests in the given region.

Soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on semideciduous seasonal forest fragments, with a list of species for São Paulo State, Brazil, and two new records of species for the country

Soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on semideciduous seasonal forest fragments, with a list of species for São Paulo State, Brazil, and two new records of species for the country

MODELAGEM DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DIAMÉTRICA DE ESPÉCIES ARBÓREAS EM FRAGMENTO DE FLORESTAS ESTACIONAL SEMIDECIDUAL

ABSTRACT Modeling diameter distribution in natural forests is an important tool for understanding the native woody species dynamics, supporting decision-making for degraded lands management and restoration. Therefore, this work aimed to fit probabilistic density functions to evaluate the diameter structure of three tree species with economic interest, such as Campomansesia xanthocarpa Marl. Ex. O. Berg, Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr. and Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell.) Bureau ex Verl., in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment at São Paulo State, Brazil. The data came from 83 temporary plots of 10 m x 20 m systematically distributed along 164 ha. Log-normal, Gamma, and Weibull functions were fitted to the three species using the fitdistrplus-package in the R program. Kolmogorov-Smirnov's adherence test was used to evaluate the fits at a 5% probability level. The functions were selected employing Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwarz's Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), in addition to a graphical analysis of the fitted functions. The results indicated that the three species diameter structure is positively asymmetric, representing the exponential pattern, representing continuous natural regeneration. AIC and BIC statistics indicated the Log-normal function to describe the diameter distribution of C. xanthocarpa and Z. tuberculosa, while the Gamma function was the most appropriate for P. gonoacantha. For the three species, the graphical analysis showed the Gamma function results in the best fit without tendency for estimating frequency density per diameter class.

Reproduction of Artibeus lituratus and Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment in southern Brazil

Here we evaluate the reproduction and changes in abundance among different reproductive stages for Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) and Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810) in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment at southern Brazil. Bats were identified according with sex and reproductive stages based on secondary characters, as follows: young bats (1); males with descending testes (2); males with abdominal testes (3); non-pregnant females (4); lactating females (5); pregnant females (6); pregnant-lactating females (7); post-lactation females (8). Abundance was explored monthly in each reproductive stage considering rainy (October to March) and dry (April to September) season. Bat abundance changed over the months and between species, with August and June with highest abundance for A. lituratus and February, June and September for S. lilium. Both species showed a pattern of bimodal polyestry, with first pregnancy occurring at the end of dry season and second in the middle of rainy season. The data here presented contribute to understand reproductive biology and abundance changes over one year for A. lituratus and S. lilium in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment, reducing knowledge gap about reproduction patterns of these species.

Flower structure of Serjania fuscifolia (Sapindaceae) and its relationship with visiting insect

Serjania fuscifolia is a species that occurs often in edges of forest fragments, it flowers in the autumn-winter period and is visited by insects. This species constitutes an interesting model of floral biology, especially for its potential to provide food resources to the entomofauna. Its floral structure was investigated, and its relationship with visiting insects was also verified. Five specimens of this species were analyzed in a seasonal semideciduous forest fragment surrounded by agricultural fields in the years 2019 and 2020. Flowers were embedded in historesin and sectioned in a microtome; collections and observations of insects followed a floral biology protocol. Four individuals showed monoecy, with temporal variations in floral types, and only one individual was male unisexual. Both types of flowers showed non-glandular and glandular trichomes, lipid-secreting cells and nectar in abundance. Pollen grains were exposed only on male flowers, while indehiscent anthers on female flowers showed pollen with 35% viability. Flowers consist of perianth with homogeneous mesophyll, anther wall with five cell-layers, style with a trilobed strand of transmitting tissue, and ovary wall with adaxial meristem. The plant was visited by 50 species of insects, with emphasis on Hymenoptera (21 sp.), Lepidoptera (15 sp.) and Diptera (10 sp.)

The avifauna of a semideciduous seasonal forest fragment in the countryside of Barra Mansa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Atlantic Forest is one of the richest and most threatened biomes in the world, a fact that configures it as a global hotspot. We provide here a list of bird species recorded in the municipality of Barra Mansa (RJ), during ten years of ad libitum observations in a fragment of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest, one of the most devastated phytophysiognomies of this biome. We recorded 192 species, of which 107 present some degree of forest dependency, 22 that present migratory activity, 24 that are endemic in the biome or in Brazil and 5 that are relevant to conservation as they are almost threatened or vulnerable at some level (global, national or state). Regarding the trophic guild, there was a predominance of insectivorous (n=67) and omnivorous (n=58) species, which denotes some environmental quality, but pressured by an imminent anthropization. Given the obtained results, the importance of the analyzed fragment for the maintenance of the local biodiversity becomes evident.

Leaf litterfall, decomposition and nutrients release in a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in Southern Brazil

Biogeochemical cycling study of ecosystems and their functioning are fundamental for planning conservation practices and management of forest remnants in Brazil. The objective of the study was to characterize the leaf litterfall production rate and the nutrients release via decomposition in a fragment of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, in Southern Brazil, in advanced stage of regeneration. For two years, evaluations of litterfall and leaf litter decomposition (using the mass loss method with litterbags) were performed monthly, as well as their nutrient content analysis. Annual input of leaf litterfall was 4,532.7 kg ha-1 of dry matter, which promoted, for the two-year period, a supply of 195.5, 9.2 and 55.3 kg ha-1 of N, P and K, respectively. The litter nutrients use efficiency followed the decreasing order P > K > N. The annual decomposition constant for leaf litter was 1.16, reaching a half-life at 215 days, making 84.4% N, 72.7% P and 92.9% K available at the decomposition end of two years. In the two years of collection, the largest deposition rate of litter occurred in the spring, with the highest peak in October, indicating a seasonal deposition behavior. The forest fragment presents high production of leaf litter (66% leaves) and input of N. The rapid decomposition of leaf litter contributes to the release of nutrients over time, N and K initially, and P in the long run. P is limited due to the high efficiency of its use.

New records and a significant range extension of the recently described Pelexia vinosa A.W.C. Ferreira, M.I.S. Lima & Pansarin (Orchidaceae) in southernmost Brazil

We present new records for Pelexia vinosa A.W.C. Ferreira, M.I.S. Lima & Pansarin, a Brazilian terricolous orchid described in 2012 and at that moment known only from the type population and considered endemic to the state of São Paulo. We report the occurrence of populations in seasonal semideciduous forest fragments at three locations in the southernmost Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. This would mean that the species distribution is extended by ca. 1,500 km in a straight line from previous records. We also reassess the conservation status of P. vinosa as Endangered.

Selective Logging that Occurred Decades Ago is Still Impacting Aboveground Biomass and Tree Assemblage Structure in Brazilian Semi-Deciduous Seasonal Atlantic Forest Fragments

Selective Logging that Occurred Decades Ago is Still Impacting Aboveground Biomass and Tree Assemblage Structure in Brazilian Semi-Deciduous Seasonal Atlantic Forest Fragments

Reciprocal intercompatibility between Byrsonima Rich. exKunth species (Malpighiaceae), in an urban ecotonal fragment of Semi-Deciduous Seasonal Forest and Cerrado

Byrsonima species present floral monomorphism and sharing visitor/pollinator guild. These traits suggest the hypothesis evaluation of reciprocal inter-incompatibility between two syntopic Byrsonima species: B. pachyphylla and B. crassifolia. Pollen tube growth with similar behavior was observed in the stigmatic surface, pistil canal, ovary and micropylar channel to both species. In addition, partial self-incompatibility in self-pollination with greater fruiting in autogamy was observed. Cross-pollination and self-pollination coexist, and reciprocal intercompatibility occurs. Prezygotic isolation mechanisms are unlikely by the absence of abnormal pollen tubes, higher fruiting production and absence of hybrids in the study site. Las especies de Byrsonima presentan monomorfismo floral y comparten gremio de visitantes/polinizadores. Estos rasgos sugieren la evaluación de hipótesis de interincompatibilidad recíproca entre dos especies sintópicas de Byrsonima: B. pachyphylla y B. crassifolia. Se observó el crecimiento del tubo polínico con comportamiento similar en la superficie estigmática, canal del pistilo, ovario y canal micropilar de ambas especies. Además, se describió la autoincompatibilidad parcial en la autopolinización con mayor fructificación en la autogamia. La polinización cruzada y la autopolinización coexisten y se produce una intercompatibilidad recíproca. Los mecanismos de aislamiento precigóticos son improbables por la ausencia de tubos polínicos anormales, producción de frutos y ausencia de híbridos en la área de estudio.

Population structure of understory, canopy/emergent tree species in Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants with different Conservation status

The size and spatial structures of populations are a synthesis of demographic attributes and indicators of competitive ability, colonization, and survival. In this study, the objective was to analyze the height and spatial pattern of an understory and canopy/emergent tree populations group in two protected fragments of seasonal semideciduous forest, one with a history of selective logging and another without selective logging evidences. Six species with high importance values (IV) from different guilds were selected and height and spatial pattern analysis was realized in both areas. Then, comparison of results was realized in an area with history of selective logging and another without selective logging evidences. Differences in height and spatial pattern were found between the two areas, including species not directly exploited. In Logged Forest the size structure for all species presented a higher coefficient of skewness, showing a greater proportion of young trees. Random distribution was observed for the majority of species in both areas. Some emergent/canopy species had a deficit of individuals in the largest size classes and the majority of understory species showed more individuals in Logged Forest. Selective Logging changed the pattern of populations. Selecting species based on IV together with spatial patterns data contribute to demonstrating the impacts of exploitation. The Logged Forest is surrounded by an agricultural matrix, limiting arrival and dispersion of propagules of shade-tolerant species. Efforts to connect surroundings fragments to Logged Forest will be necessary.

Edaphic attributes indicative of edge effect in Semideciduous tropical forest

Deforestation of native ecosystems causes microclimatic changes at the edge of the remaining forest fragments. This “edge effect” can modify soil attributes, although there is little information on this. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the edge effect on soil microclimate conditions, chemical, microbiological and arthropod community attributes and their relationship with litter attributes in a fragment of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest, in Piraí, RJ, Brazil. In the middle of the dry period (June/2019), four ranges of distances parallel to each other were established from the edge of the forest fragment: Edge: 0 m; Range 1: 50 m; Range 2: 100 m; and Interior: 160 m. In each range, five sampling points were established, spaced 10 m apart, where soil samples were collected in the 0–5 cm layer and litter samples. This material was employed to determine microclimatic, chemical and biological (arthropod community and microbiological attributes) attributes of the soil; and litter stock, concentration and content of nutrients. Forest fragmentation altered litter attributes and consequently soil moisture and nutrients, the communities’ attributes of soil arthropods and microorganisms. These modifications in such aspects of nutrient cycling could compromise the forest functioning and the conservation of local biodiversity. Thus, we suggested the planting of non-pioneer native tree species in distances closest to the forest edge and installing of ecological corridors to connect the forest fragment to other remnants, in order to diminish the edge effect.

How bamboo influences the seed bank and biotic and abiotic factors of a Brazilian tropical forest

There is a knowledge gap regarding the influence of bamboos on natural regeneration. This study evaluated how abundance, richness, dominance, evenness, diversity of the seed bank and biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., canopy opening, herbaceous cover, and litter thickness), differ between bamboo dominated (B) and non-dominated (NB) areas. The study was conducted in a fragment of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest surrounded by an agricultural landscape. Soil samples were taken at 20 points in each area at two time periods, to evaluate the seed bank. The results show that diversity and structural parameters of the seed bank differ between areas and time periods. There was higher abundance and richness of seedlings of herbaceous ruderal species in area B and a greater abundance of seedlings of arboreal species in area NB. Sampling points in the bamboo dominated area had greater canopy openings and greater cover by herbaceous species, facilitating the establishment of individuals belonging to the families Poaceae and Cyperaceae, which could have competitive advantages over other species of the regenerating community. Considering that bamboo can affect the seed bank, long-term studies are needed to understand successional dynamics and evaluate suitable management actions to conserve the diversity in remaining forests.

SOIL FAUNA AND LEAF LITTER DECOMPOSITION IN DIFFERENT SUCCESSIONAL STAGES OF A SUBMOUNTAINOUS SEASONAL SEMIDECIDUOUS FOREST

In tropical forests, the stage of ecological succession influences the nutrient cycling. This study aimed to analyze soil fauna community structure, composition, and leaf litter decomposition in fragments of intermediate-successional and late-successional Submountainous Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (ISF and LSF, respectively). We used a square metal frame to collect 10 samples of the leaf litter layer and surface soil (0.00-0.05 m depth) from each area in the wet and dry seasons. Soil fauna individuals were then extracted using a modified Berlese-Tüllgren funnel. For analysis of leaf litter decomposition, 15 litter bags containing 30 g of senescent leaves were randomly placed on the forest floor of each area in the dry season, and three bags were collected after 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days. LSF presented higher value of richness and was more associated with Diptera and Formicidae. There was no clear pattern in evenness and diversity with successional stage. The dissimilarity between ISF and LSF in terms of soil fauna community was greater in the dry season. Litter decomposition was almost identical in both areas.

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.

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.

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.