Serra Das Research Articles

Using ecological niche modelling to prioritise areas for conservation of the critically endangered Buffy-Headed marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps).

Endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil, the critically endangered Buffy-Headed marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps) is lacking the required attention for effective conservation. We modelled its ecological niche with the main objectives of (1) defining suitable habitat and (2) prioritising areas for conservation and/or restoration. The current geographical range of Callithrix flaviceps in the Atlantic Forest of Southeast Brazil. We used Ensemble Species Distribution Modelling to define current habitat suitability considering four climate and two landscape variables. To identify areas to prioritise for conservation and/or restoration, we predicted future habitat suitability considering the intermediate (RCP4.5) and extreme (RCP8.5) climate change scenarios for the years 2050 and 2070. Among the variables included to predict current species distribution, tree canopy cover, precipitation seasonality and temperature seasonality were the most important whereas digital elevation model and precipitation during the wettest month were the least important. Callithrix flaviceps was most likely to occur in areas with tree canopy cover >80%, high precipitation seasonality and temperature seasonality between 21 and 23°C. From the future suitability prediction maps, the Caparaó National Park stands out as a likely key area for the preservation of the species. Furthermore, high climatic suitability but low landscape suitability suggests that habitat restoration in 'Serra das Torres' (South of the current distribution area) might be a useful strategy. However, creating ecological corridors on the west side of Caparaó would be necessary to improve connectivity. More surveys within and beyond the current geographical range are required to define more precisely the distribution of the species. Our results support the notion that seasonality is important for Callithrix flaviceps and that as a montane species, it prefers colder environments and higher altitudes. Within both climate change scenarios, Caparaó National Park was predicted to be highly suitable, with a high probability of presence.

A new species of the rare Gabritini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae) from Parque Nacional Serra das Confuses, Northeastern Brazil.

A new species of the genus Gabrita Walker, 1858 is described, from Parque Nacional Serra das Confuses, Piau, representing the first record of Gabritini for the Northeastern Region of Brazil. Gabrita confusa sp. nov. is easily recognized by the long process arising on the shaft of the aedeagus, absent in other species of the genus. A distribution map and a key to the six known species of Gabrita are provided.

INTESTINAL PARASITES IN PECARI TAJACU AND SUS SCROFA DOMESTICUS IN THE CAATINGA FROM SOUTHEASTERN PIAUÍ, BRAZIL.

This study identifies gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of Pecari tajacu (caititu) and Sus scrofa domesticus (domestic pig) in southeastern Piauí, Brazil. The region covers 2 protected areas, Serra da Capivara National Park and Serra das Confusões National Park, and surrounding communities. Fecal samples from 64 animals, 42 from domestic swine and 22 from caititu, collected between 1985 and 2013, were analyzed by optical microscopy. Helminths and/or protozoa were found in 64% of the domestic pig samples and 27% of the caititu samples, totaling 18 morphospecies: Nematoda, Spirurida (2 morphospecies), Trichostrongyloidea, Eimeriidae, Aspidodera sp., Bertiella sp., Metastrongylus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Moniezia sp., Gongylonema sp., Trichuris suis, Spirocerca lupi, Macracanthorhyncus hirudinaceus, Globocephalus urosubulatus, Strongyloides cf ransomi, Balantioides coli, and Eimeria cf scabra. The highest parasite diversity was obtained in the pig samples, totaling 15 morphospecies, compared to only 6 in caititus, with S. cf ransomi, G. urosubulatus, and S. lupi present in both hosts. We discuss the presence of parasites associated with domestic animals around the Protected Areas and potentially zoonotic parasites close to human communities, which raise concerns about the conservation of wildlife, human health, and livestock in the region.

New records of semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Gerromorpha) from the Caatinga biome, Brazil

Semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Gerromorpha) are small to mid-sized insects, currently represented by more than 2,100 known species distributed on all continents, except for Antarctica. So far, 244 species have been recorded from Brazil, but only 63 from the Northeast Region of the country. The relatively small number of species in this region is related to the virtual lack of knowledge on the fauna of the Caatinga, a biome that is distributed essentially throughout this region. We present here new records for 28 species based on material collected in four Federal Conservation Units of the Caatinga biome: Aiuaba Ecological Station (Ceará state), Chapada Diamantina National Park (Bahia state), Catimbau National Park (Pernambuco state), and Serra das Confusões National Park (Piauí state). Moreover, several species are recorded for the first time from at least one of these states: 11 from Bahia, ten from Ceará, two from Pernambuco, and eight from Piauí.

Archéologie de l’art rupestre au Mato Grosso (Brésil) : la Chapada dos Guimarães

As part of the research program “Archaeology of rock art in Mato Grosso: the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park (Cuiabá, Brazil)” placed under the coordination of Patrick Paillet and Veronica Wesolowski, an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the territory still largely unpublished rock art of the Chapada dos Guimarães, has been undertaken since 2020 by combining strictly archaeological research (surveys, excavations and prospecting-inventories), rock art studies (analysis and graphic, photographic and photogrammetric recording of representations) and geological analyzes and, to define and characterize the structure of its ornamented landscapes. Our program is an extension of other projects carried out from 1983 to 2013 under the direction of Agueda Vilhena-Vialou, Denis Vialou and Levy Figuti in the region of the Cidade de Pedra near Rondonópolis and at Santa Elina in the Serra das Araras (Jangada). The region of the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park (PNCG) was the subject of exploration and partial studies between 2017 and 2019 under the direction of Caroline Bachelet within the framework of the program “Prehistory and Paleoenvironments in the Pantanal region (Mato Grosso, Brazil)”. The pursuit of archaeological research in the PNCG contributes to better defining the chronology and the dynamics of occupations at local and regional scales, to characterizing chrono-culturally the settlements and their variability in the region, extending from the Rio Vermelho in the south to the Rio Cuiabá in the north, and to understand the processes of settlement and/or mobility of past populations along the firm lands and especially the hydrographic systems that border the floodplains of the Pantanal and which constitute the main routes of population movement.

Herpetofauna das áreas protegidas da Caatinga VIII: Um inventário atualizado para a região da Serra das Confusões com novos dados da Serra Vermelha, Piauí, Brazil

Abstract It is repeatedly stressed the need to characterize the extant biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. However, inventory studies are still progressing slowly in dry ecosystems, leading to the underestimation of their true biodiversity and hindering conservation efforts. In this study, we present primary and secondary data, along with an updated list of amphibians and reptiles from two localities in the São Francisco-Gurguéia region in Piauí. Additionally, we compare the species composition between nine areas within the Caatinga, which were sampled using standardized methods over the past ten years, to examine broader spatial patterns of community composition. To survey reptiles and amphibians, we employed similar methods and sampling efforts in two areas within the Serra das Confusões National Park (SCNP) region. Our surveys recorded a total of 73 species of amphibians and reptiles, of which 24 are new distribution records for the SCNP region. Consequently, our findings increase the known herpetofauna in the region to 94 species. Despite their proximity, the two sites in the SCNP region exhibited only 42% similarity in species composition, and they differed significantly from other areas within the Caatinga. Furthermore, even the closer Caatinga areas presented differences in species composition, highlighting the necessity to evaluate biodiversity across the landscape and contribute to understanding biogeographic patterns.

Seasonal Semideciduous Forest and Cerrado Floristic composition of fragments in Serra das Flores, Ibiapaba Plateau, Ceará, Brazil

Abstract The state of Ceará is located in the Northeast region of Brazil, which has a varied climatic condition, being predominantly formed by Caatinga vegetation, and there may also be remnants of Cerrado and other Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. The objective of this work was to carry out a floristic survey in vegetation fragments of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest and Cerrado found in the part of Serra das Flores located in the municipality of Viçosa do Ceará. Para tal, foram realizadas 12 coletas na área ao longo do ano de 2019. 220 species were recorded, belonging to 154 genera and 62 families. The most representative families in this area were Fabaceae (38 spp.), Rubiaceae (15 spp.) and Myrtaceae (nine spp.). The predominant habit were herbs and shrubs. The richest fragment was the Cerrado with 171 species, with the Typical Cerrado (104 spp.) phytophysiognomy being the most representative. Of the total species, most are native, 16 are new records for Ceará, 12 are endemic to the Caatinga domain and seven are endemic to the Cerrado. Thus, the present site presents a high heterogeneity of species, in addition to varied habits, new records and endemic species of Cerrado and Caatinga.

Identidade negra/quilombola: diálogos intergeracionais de autoafirmação em uma comunidade do sertão nordestino

ABSTRACT This work registers a research carried out with quilombola children, preadolescents and elderly people presenting the following topic: the construction processes of black and quilombola identities and self-affirmation. The research aimed to identify racial- and cultural-defined factors of these individuals’ identities; presenting the relations between racial identity and quilombola identity, in order to comprehend how such social constructions are related to each other and how they are managed by individuals from different generations. The research was conducted at the quilombola community Serra das Viúvas (Alagoas). A qualitative research was carried out with group workshops inspired by focal groups. A group of two elderly people and 37 children and preadolescents participated in the research. The results show generational factors involved in racial self-affirmation, as well as in being a quilombola, factors which were presented differently by young and elder participants.

Nova ocorrência de Mitracarpus frigidus (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.) K.Schum. (Rubiaceae, Spermacoceae) no Estado do Ceará, Brasil

ABSTRACT We report a new occurrence of Micracarpus frigidus (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. K.Schum. in the Brazilian State of Ceará, collected at the Serra das Matas residual massif. We present data on its morphological relationship to a similar species, ecological preferences, photographs, illustration, map and updated information on its distribution. This finding increases our knowledge on the distribution of this species and about the flora of Ceará State, as well as aiding in future biogeographic research.

Flora of Ceará, Brazil: Talinaceae

Abstract The aim of this study was to conduct a floristic inventory and update the geographical distribution of Talinaceae species in Ceará state, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. The study was based on a comparative analysis of morphological characters of specimens deposited in the EAC, ESA, HCDAL, HUEFS, HUVA, HVASF, MOSS and RB herbaria, specialized literature, photos of type collections, and field expeditions conducted between March 2015 and April 2022. For the state, Talinum fruticosum and T. paniculatum have been recorded, which prefer drier vegetations, such as Stepic Savanna (Caatinga and Carrasco) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (Mata Seca), but also grow in areas that are more humid. The species occur in eight conservation units in Ceará: Dunas da Lagoinha and Serra de Meruoca Environmental Protection Areas, Aiuaba Ecological Station, Sobral National Forest, Ubajara National Park, Pedra da Andorinha Wildlife Refuge, Serra das Almas and Fazenda Trussú Private Natural Heritage Reserves. An identification key, descriptions, photographs, and comments about the geographical distribution, taxonomic relationships, and phenology are provided for the species.

Magnetic modelling and physical properties of magnesite deposits and regional sequences of Serra das Éguas, Brumado, Brazil

AbstractThe Serra das Éguas Complex, in Brumado, state of Bahia, located in the northeastern region of Brazil, is a geological structure comprising volcanochemical, siliciclastic and carbonate units that contain layers and lenses of magnesite, important as a refractory in steel, cement, glass and copper and other applications. Considering the importance of such sort of deposit, this work aims to (i) study the physical properties of magnesite deposits via direct measurements of radiometric spectrometry and magnetic susceptibility associated with chemical analysis of the available borehole core samples; (ii) analyse the magnetic and radiometric data acquired by the combined airborne survey over the area with known magnesite deposits; (iii) estimate the magnetic response of the magnesite deposits and surrounding rock formations via 2D forward and 3D inverse magnetic modelling; (iv) evaluate and, if necessary, reconsider the stratigraphic sequences of the identified geological units of the Complex using the results of the 2D and 3D magnetic modelling. Through forward/inverse models, we noted an expressive magnetic signature likely related to the iron formations and metamafic and meta‐ultramafic rocks. The radiometric data analysis on the drill cores showed that the reddish magnesite has a well‐defined U/Th signature. Furthermore, the results show that the carbonate unit, which contains the magnesite deposits, has the lowest amplitude of magnetization values, and both signatures might be helpful for their identification. Additionally, the magnetic models show that the carbonate unit lies in the upper part of the stratigraphic sequence of the Serra das Éguas Complex. This conclusion drives us to propose a new stratigraphy sequence, where the volcanochemical unit that includes the iron formations lies at the bottom of this stratigraphic sequence.

A New South American Freshwater Turtle of the Genus Mesoclemmys from the Brazilian Amazon (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae)

We describe a new species of small chelid turtle from perennial streams in the Araguaia River subbasin near Serra das Andorinhas State Park, São Geraldo do Araguaia, Pará, Brazil. It is morphologically distinct and the smallest known member of the genus Mesoclemmys, with an average straight-line carapace length (CL) of 144 mm and maximum recorded CL of 170 mm. The species has a moderate head width of approximately 20% of CL. The carapace and dorsal soft parts are blackish, the plastron is light brownish yellow with a blackish brown central plastral figure, and the ventral soft parts are pale yellow. It has the largest femoral scutes of any Mesoclemmys and its plastral contact formula is Intergular > Anal > Humeral > Femoral > Abdominal > Pectoral > Gular. We describe the shell and skull morphology of the new species and performed genetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase, subunits I [COI] and 16S) to build a phylogenetic tree for the genus, which placed the new species as sister to M. vanderhaegei.

Gross primary productivity by remote sensing in the Serra das Confusões National Park, Piauí, Brazil

The increase in anthropogenic CO2 emissions has raised the Earth's surface temperature in an anomalous and unprecedented way. Among the activities that contribute most to these increased emissions is the burning of fossil fuels and the change in land use. Part of these emissions are absorbed by terrestrial ecosystems, potentially productive and important carbon sinks (C) among them, we can mention the seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF), which are found mainly in the Caatinga biome. Although little explored, the role they play in the global carbon (C) cycle is not negligible. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the seasonal behavior of biophysical variables and their effect on gross primary productivity (GPP) in a Conservation Unit in the Caatinga biome. The study area is located in the Conservation Unit (UC) of the Serra das Confusões National Park, located in the southwest region of the state of Piauí. Data for the years 2010–2020 were obtained from the MODIS sensor, which is inserted in the Terra satellite. Data on air temperature, precipitation, relative humidity and global solar radiation were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology. According to the results obtained, the dynamics of GPP is modulated by the seasonal distribution of precipitation, presenting an average value of 5.53 gC m−2 day−1 in the months of higher precipitation and 1.43 gC m−2 day−1 in the period of lower precipitation. Additionally, precipitation also exerts a strong influence on vegetation status, as observed from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) the maximum values observed during the rainy season, reflecting directly on the radiative and water components. However, even subjected to adverse environmental conditions, the potential of the area as a sink for C. Thus, in a future scenario of projected climate changes, and considering the vulnerability of these ecosystems, studies that evaluate the seasonal behavior of its structure and functioning is of fundamental importance for the knowledge of its resilience mechanisms and also as a contribution to the implementation of public policies that promote the conservation of the ecosystem.

New Species, New Records, and Updated Key to the Paravelia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from Brazil.

Simple SummaryTrue bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) of the infraorder Gerromorpha are known as semiaquatic bugs due to their ability to walk on the surface of water. Veliidae is the most diverse family of semiaquatic bugs, including six subfamilies, 61 genera, and more than 960 described species. The genus Paravelia Breddin, 1898 (Veliidae: Veliinae), or broad-shouldered water-striders, occurs in a wide variety of lentic and lotic freshwater habitats, and is represented in Brazil by 38 species. Although the diversity of Paravelia in the country is relatively well known, eight states remain with no records of the genus. Aiming to fill these gaps, several expeditions were carried out between 2018 and 2021. As a result, a new species is described from Pernambuco State, three species are recorded for the first time in Ceará, Pernambuco and Piauí states, and an updated key to the Brazilian species of the genus is provided.The broad-shouldered water-strider genus Paravelia Breddin, 1898 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae: Veliinae) is currently represented in Brazil by 38 species. Although the diversity of the genus in the country is relatively well known, eight states remain with no records of any species: Acre, Alagoas, Ceará (CE), Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco (PE), Piauí (PI), and Tocantins. Aiming to fill these gaps, several expeditions were carried out at conservation areas of the Caatinga biome between 2018 and 2021: Aiuaba Ecological Station (CE), Catimbau National Park (PE), and Serra das Confusões National Park (PI). Paravelia luisi sp. nov., a new species from PE, is described and illustrated. In addition, new records of P. bilobata Rodrigues, Moreira, Nieser, Chen & Melo, 2014, P. digitata Rodrigues & Moreira, 2016, and P. nieseri Moreira & Barbosa, 2012, and an updated key to the Brazilian species of Paravelia are provided. This study increases the number of species of Paravelia known in Brazil to 39 and provides the first records of the genus from three states: PE, with two species, and CE and PI, with one species each.

Dietary guilds and traits of the digestive tracts of wild birds from the Ecological Station of Serra das Araras, MT and Pedra do Gavião, AM, Brazil

We present measurements on the digestive tract of wild birds as related to their body mass and their diets at two Brazilian localities: Ecological Station of Serra das Araras, MT and Pedra do Gavião, AM. Data are still scanty in the literature. In addition, we analyzed seven species of birds with differing diets, we measured and illustrated their digestive tract. When we separated birds that eat vegetables (fruits and seeds) from the ones that do not eat vegetables, we found that the first group presented a higher percentage in the length of the gut, in both localities, confirming earlier findings.

A new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) endemic to Serra das Confusões expands the range of the genus to Piauí, Brazil

Microlicia piauiensis is described as a new species from Serra das Confusões, a mountainous region located in a transition zone between the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and the Caatinga (deciduous bushland in semi-arid areas) domains. Microlicia piauiensis can be recognized by its branchlets, leaves and hypanthia that are glandular-punctate and covered with gland-tipped trichomes, leaves on short petioles, revolute leaf margins, oblong calyx lobes, magenta petals that are yellow at the base, and isomorphic stamens with small but discernible appendages at the ventral base of the pedoconnectives. Microlicia piauiensis has a distribution that is more than 400 kms distant from all areas of endemism previously identified for the tribe Lavoisiereae. It is the first species of Melastomataceae reported as endemic to Piauí. Photos of living and dried specimens are provided, as well as a distribution map, and morphological comparisons with putative relatives. A conservation status of Endangered is suggested for M. piauiensis.

Funerary taphonomy in the Serra das Confusões: the processes for the formation of mortuary deposits in Toca do Enoque, Middle Holocene, Northeastern Brazil

Resumo Este artigo apresenta uma interpretação das práticas funerárias e pós-funerárias do sítio arqueológico Toca do Enoque, situado no Parque Nacional Serra das Confusões (Piauí, Brasil). As escavações arqueológicas possibilitaram a descoberta de três sepultamentos no local. Através de uma releitura dos contextos funerários escavados no sítio, foi possível propor a versão presumida dos processos de formação de cada depósito mortuário por meio de uma abordagem tafonômica. Dois sepultamentos eram individuais, o primeiro do tipo primário e não perturbado, enquanto o terceiro apresentou perturbações pós-deposicionais naturais e culturais. Ademais, o segundo sepultamento, uma ‘tumba de uso contínuo’ (ongoing tomb use) continha dez indivíduos e características complexas de formação, uso e reuso do depósito mortuário. As datações indiretas dos sepultamentos situam o uso funerário do abrigo por povos indígenas caçadores-coletores pré-ceramistas durante o Holoceno médio (c. 6.000-5.000 anos antes do presente).

A importância do cão (Canis lupus familiaris) nas fazendas de cacau como portador de helmintos potencialmente transmissíveis ao homem e à vida selvagem no sul da Bahia, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) can be considered an invasive species as they have been introduced by humans in different parts of the world and represent a risk to wildlife conservation. Large extensions of agroforestry systems, where cocoa is grown under the shade of native trees, contribute to wildlife conservation in southern Bahia, Brazil. However, this system can increase contact between species of the native fauna and domestic dogs, which are frequently taken to the fields by rural workers. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of domestic dogs inside cocoa agroforestry systems and the occurrence of helminths in dogs from cocoa farms near two protected areas: the Una Biological Reserve (REBIO-Una) and the Serra das Lontras National Park in Una, Bahia. We also investigated general characteristics of the dogs such as age, sex, breed, feeding frequency, vaccination, deworming and others, and evaluated possible risks of wildlife and human contamination by the domestic dog parasites. Camera traps were set up on eight cocoa agroforestry systems and three adjacent forest fragments. For parasitological investigation, fecal samples were collected from domestic dogs that lived on the eight cocoa farms. A total of 539 photos of 12 mammals were registered, of which 15% were of domestic dogs. The parasitological research was carried out with fecal samples from 32 of the 39 dogs that lived in the cocoa farms. We found one genus of cestode, Dipylidium sp. (7.7%), and five genera of nematodes, Ancylostoma sp. (80.7%), Strongyloides sp. (38.4%), Toxocara sp. (30.7%), Spirocerca sp. (15.4%) and Trichuris sp. (11.5%). Regarding animal care, all dogs were in poor body condition, 49% were fed twice a day, 90% defecated in the forest or cocoa agroforestry systems, only 33% were periodically dewormed, 64% were vaccinated against rabies in less than 12 months, and only one dog was vaccinated against other viruses. The results showed that domestic dogs share the same environment as wild animals yet lack some basic health care, increasing the possibility of parasitic transmission between domestic dogs, wildlife and humans from environmental contamination. We highlight the need for responsible pet ownership and the monitoring the health of wild animals and the human population living in this region.

Two new species of Seira Lubbock, 1870 (Collembola: Entomobryidae: Seirinae) from Brazilian Caatinga.

Two new species of Seira Lubbock are described and illustrated, Seira picoensis sp. nov., from Picos municipality, and Seira trisetosa sp. nov., from Serra das Confuses National Park, Caracol municipality, both in Piau State, Brazil. Seira picoensis sp. nov. resembles other species of the genus with four macrochaetae in abdomen I, but differs by other aspects of the dorsal chaetotaxy and unguiculus shape. Seira trisetosa sp. nov. resembles S. ferruginea Rapoport Izarra, S. frater (Bonet), S. oceanica Yosii and S. tinguira Cipola Bellini by the abdomen I with 3 macrochaetae, but also differs by other features such as the antenna IV morphology, overall dorsal chaetotaxy and unguiculus shape. We also provide a brief discussion on the mucro shape in Seirinae.

Biology and parasites of Pteronotus gymnonotus from the Caatinga shrublands of Ceará (Brazil)

Mormoopid bats are distributed from southern United States of America to Brazil and comprise the genera Mormoops and Pteronotus. Although forms of Mormoops in Bahia, Brazil were described for the Quaternary, only some of the extant species of Pteronotus occur in this country, including P. gymnonotus. The species distribution ranges from southeastern México to northeastern Bolivia and central Brazil. This work presents information about food preference, reproduction, and the ectoparasitological fauna of P. gymnonotus in the state of Ceará. Fieldwork took place over ten consecutive days in the rain and dry seasons, in 2000, 2012, 2013, and 2019, on trails within the Serra das Almas Private Natural Heritage Reserve. A total of 14 P. gymnonotus specimens were caught in the three main phytophysiognomies present in the region. They were inspected for ecto and endoparasites, and fecal material was collected and analyzed under a light microscope. Of the total collected females, four were pregnant and one was lactating in January, during the rain season. No food residues or evidence of endoparasites were observed in the gastric content of the animals. Regarding the fecal samples, fragments of insects were found and identified as belonging to the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Seven individuals were infested with ectoparasites of the subfamily Acari and newly described associations with Diptera genera are presented. Due to the scarcity of data about these bats in the Caatinga biome, data reported here help explain the ecological interactions of P. gymnonotus in this semiarid area in Brazil.