Vila Velha State Park Research Articles

Fruit Features in Some Species of Astereae and Helinatheae Alliance

Theoretical framework: Astereae is the second largest tribe of Asteraceae, with 170 genera with a worldwide distribution. The Alliance Heliantheae clade consists of about 160 genera from various tribes, including Eupatorieae and Heliantheae. Both taxa, especially Alliance Heliantheae, have taxonomic problems, and the structure of the fruits can reveal useful characters in their taxonomy. Objective: The fruits of Baccharis uncinella DC., Inulopsis scaposa (DC.) O. Hoffm. (Tribe Astereae), Campovassouria cruciata (Vell.) R. M. King & H. Rob. (Tribe Eupatorieae) and Ichthyothere mollis Baker (Tribe Heliantheae) were ontogenically analyzed and compared with results obtained in studies of species from these three tribes. Method: Flowers and fruits at different stages of development were collected in Vila Velha State Park, Paraná, Brazil. The botanical material was investigated according to usual techniques in plant anatomy. Results: The fruits of the two species of Astereae are structurally very similar, being devoid of mesocarp and phytomelanin, unlike the species of Eupatorieae and Heliantheae, which have parenchymatic and sclerenchymatic mesocarp and phytomelanin. Conclusion: Characters that may be relevant in the taxonomy of both groups of Asteraceae are the absence or presence of mesocarp; presence or absence of phytomelanin, laminar or filamentous pappus, and occurrence/type of twin hairs.

Aspectos reprodutivos em uma população isolada de Psalidodon aff. fasciatus (Teleostei: Characidae) do sul do Brasil

Abstract: Aim To investigate reproductive characteristics in a small population of Psalidodon aff. fasciatus living in isolation in an environment with a unique geological configuration, a doline-shaped depression (known as Furna 2), with a mean diameter of 80 m and water depth of 50 m, a natural heritage of the Vila Velha State Park (VVSP). Methods The fish were collected between February 2019 and January 2020 using nets and pots; standard length and total weight were measured. The gonads were also removed for histological analysis. Estimates were made for the weight-length ratio, the relative condition factor, the sex ratio, and the size at first maturity (L50 and L95) for males and females. Results The five gonadal stages that were characterized (resting, early mature, mature, partially empty, and totally empty) were consistent with what was expected for the species. The results obtained here indicate that these lambaris have an opportunistic (r) life strategy. Compared to previous studies, we discovered that fish of this population start maturing at smaller sizes. Indicating negative allometric growth, the length-weight ratio was WT = 0.0002 * LT2.3039, and the condition index (Kn = 0.95) showed no significant gender differences. When compared to other non-isolated populations of the same species, the population's sex ratio showed an unexpectedly significant male predominance (1M: 0.6 F). Conclusions Our results show an imbalance in the sex ratio, contrary to what would be expected for non-isolated populations. This imbalance may be related to the complete isolation of this environment, suggesting that females may be affected by some evolutionary force, such as inbreeding. However, other factors cannot be ruled out, as the underlying genetic mechanisms remain unknown, and only future investigations can reveal a more complete understanding of reproduction in isolated populations.

Spinal malformations in a naturally isolated Neotropical fish population.

Fish populations that reside in completely isolated freshwater ecosystems are rare worldwide. The Vila Velha State Park (VVSP), located in southern Brazil, is recognized for its arenitic formations called sinkholes (furnas), which are completely isolated. Fish populations within, such as those of Psalidodon aff. fasciatus, often develop vertebral malformations due to this isolation from other conspecifics and other species. In this study, we analyzed geometric morphology in digital radiographs to identify congenital deformations of Psalidodon aff. fasciatus in Furna 2 of VVSP. We found many fish with spinal deformities, including wide variation in the number of caudal vertebrae and corporal deformations related to a flattened body and spinal curvature. Females were more affected than males. We also demonstrated that these deformations reflect inbreeding and an absence of gene flow in the population. In conclusion, isolated populations such as fish species in furnas are potential models for evo-devo research.

Habitat size and anthropic threatens: the role of conservation areas on macroinvertebrates from tank bromeliads

Tank bromeliads may act enhancing local biodiversity providing an important habitat for varied species. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a conservation unit and anthropic threatens on the macroinvertebrate communities associated with Aechmea distichantha (Bromeliaceae) as a model to access local ecosystems studies. The survey was conducted in the Vila Velha State Park, without severe anthropic influences and at Vila Velha Farm with the presence of Pinus spp. (an exotic/invasive species), crop plantations and a road (Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil). The living organisms and bromeliad parameters were evaluated from 20 bromeliads. Total abundance was higher at anthropized area and driven by the larger size of those bromeliads. Species richness also tended to be higher at the anthropized area, although the conservation unit presented higher values when rare species were excluded. The results pointed out that bromeliads from conservation unit were under minor anthropic influences, being the presence of pines considered the main disturb in the anthropized site, which may have influenced the quality and amount of detritus resulting in distinct species composition and dominance of more tolerant taxa (Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae). So, bromeliad mesocosm may be well suited for surveys considering anthropic influences on local ecosystems.

Towards quantifying changes in forest cover in the Araucaria forest-grassland mosaic in southern Brazil

Quantitative estimates of past vegetation cover are needed both regionally so human-landscape interactions can be better understood, and globally to evaluate the effects of changing vegetation cover on the climate system. Models reducing the bias in the pollen representation of vegetation cover have been developed in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, while experience applying them in other parts of the world is limited. The Araucaria forest-grassland mosaic of southern Brazil is an area where open and forested plant communities exist naturally and have changed their cover over time due to changing climate and human activities. Therefore, this area is of particular interest for such studies. Modern pollen and vegetation comparisons were carried out in two protected areas: Vila Velha State Park in Paraná state and Aparados da Serra National Park in Rio Grande do Sul. Vegetation mapping and analysis focused on Araucaria angustifolia as the characteristic tree of this vegetation type. In the Araucaria forest-grassland mosaic open vegetation and woodland change at a scale of hundreds of metres. These changes are difficult to capture based on pollen proportions in surface samples. While the abundance of Poaceae pollen is not a good indicator of locally open conditions, several pollen taxa can be used as indicators of the local vegetation cover. Pollen vegetation ratios (R-values) compare well between the two study regions, indicating that pollen production of individual species within the large plant families of Poaceae and Asteraceae are similar within the overall region. Araucaria angustifolia pollen is underrepresented with regards to its vegetation cover, while Poaceae are among the highest pollen producers in the region. Diverse woodland species other than A. angustifolia were grouped as one forest taxon and as the species composition of woodlands differed between the two study areas, so did the estimated pollen productivity of this group. It would be rewarding in future investigations to estimate pollen productivity for groups of trees with the same pollen dispersal syndrome. The application of pollen dispersal models designed for closed canopy in the protected areas was challenging. Further model development is required to deal with pollen released at different levels in semi-open vegetation types.

FOREST FIRE RISK ZONING FOR THE VILA VELHA STATE PARK AND ITS SURROUNDINGS (PONTA GROSSA, PARANÁ)

Forest fire hazard and risk mapping is an essential tool for planning and decision making regarding the prevention and suppression of forest fires,as well as fire management in general, as it allows the spatial visualization of areas with higher and lower ignition probability. This study aimed to develop a forest fire risk zoning map for the Vila Velha State Park and its surroundings (Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil), for the period of higher incidence of forest fires (from April to September) and for the period of lower incidence (from October to March). The following risk and hazard variables were identified: human presence, usage zones, topographical features, soil coverage and land use and meteorological conditions. Coefficients (0 to 5) reflecting the fire risk or hazard degree were allocated to each variable in order to construct the maps. The integration of these maps, through a weighting model, resulted in the final risk mapping. The very high and extreme risk classes represented about 38% of the area for both periods. The forest fire risk mapping spatially represented the levels of fire risk in the area, allowing the managers to identify the priority sectors for preventive actions in both fire seasons.

Insect survey in the Vila Velha State Park, Brazil, in areas subject to fire action

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Nas trilhas do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, (Paraná-Brasil): entre formas e grafias da paisagem

Esta pesquisa discute o potencial pedagógico dos patrimônios geomorfológicos como espaços de formação cidadã, por se constituírem como locais acessíveis à construção e a difusão de conhecimentos nas diferentes fases educacionais. Neste sentido, como forma de usufruir das potencialidades formativas dos patrimônios geomorfológicos, propôs-se por meio de uma prática interdisciplinar entre Geografia e Arte, um estudo, in loco, no Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, no município de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brasil. O objetivo foi aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre formas de relevo e estrutura geológica da Terra, bem como, estimular o potencial artístico e criador dos estudantes, do sexto ano do ensino fundamental de um colégio em Londrina/Paraná, por meio da realização de vídeos e fotos. O Parque Estadual Vila Velha é constantemente visitado para este fim, visto que se trata de um sítio geológico, tombado como Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Estadual em 1966. Como resultados, verificou-se como o parque, enquanto patrimônio geomorfológico, apresenta potencial para o desenvolvimento de atividades de educação ambiental. O trabalho proporcionou uma percepção frente aos problemas ambientais da contemporaneidade, assim como, a sensibilização dos sujeitos para a temática ambiental. Conclui-se que a realização de trabalhos de campo com escolares em locais de geoconservação reverbera em aprendizado para a vida, uma vez que coloca os estudantes numa experiência direta com os locais visitados.

Tourism Management in South American Geological Areas: Comparing Two Cases from Peru and Brazil

There are many areas of high geological relevance in South America receiving visitors every year. However, most of these sites have not exploited their geotourism potential yet. This paper shows a comparison of the tourism management models of two geosites: Marcahuasi Stone Forest (MSF), in Peru, and Vila Velha State Park (VVSP), in Brazil. The aim of this work is to find out if the models applied in each area foster the socioeconomic development of the local population and conservation of geological heritage. Management structure, public actions, and the relationships between the stakeholders were observed and analyzed utilizing mixed data collection techniques and comparative analysis, finding out positive and negative aspects. Results show that MSF is managed exclusively by the local community and has not properly developed tourism because of a lack of planning and professional training. In VVSP, despite having a management plan and professionally prepared team, there is still a decoupling between the goal of conservation and social responsibility. In general, geoconservation is found not to be driving both forms of tourism management, and there is a lack of contribution to local socioeconomic development, mainly due to political reasons.

<p><strong><em>Eunotia itacueretabaensis</em></strong><strong> sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae, Eunotiaceae) from the Campos Gerais region, Southern Brazil</strong></p>

We describe a new periphytic eunotioid species, Eunotia itacueretabaensis sp. nov., found in a second order stream in Vila Velha State Park in Southern Brazil. We analyzed both size variation and external and internal morphological features under light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species is mainly characterized by large size and morphology variation, and by the presence of three slight undulations in the dorsal margin of the valve in larger individuals, while smaller ones feature a single undulation, making it distinct from other known species. Its morphology is compared with similar species, as Eunotia pectinalis and Eunotia silvae. Eunotia itacueretabaensis was found attached to submerged tree trunks and forming macroscopic colonies in a fast flow acidic stream. Besides representing a new addition to the present database of Brazilian diatom flora, our study highlights the important role of environmental conservation areas, which serve as important repositories for unexplored species.

Spontaneous recovery and the structure of plant community after agriculture use and fire in grasslands in the Vila Velha state park, South Brazil

Spontaneous recovery and the structure of plant community after agriculture use and fire in grasslands in the Vila Velha state park, South Brazil

Molecular taxonomy and evolutionary hypothesis concerning Astyanax fasciatus (Characiformes, Characidae) from Vila Velha State Park and Tibagi and Iguaçu Rivers

A species complex hypothesis involving Astyanax fasciatus from southern Brazil was tested using 12S mtDNA sequences. Phylogenetic inferences were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian as phylogenetic methods and Hemigrammus bleheri as the outgroup. Besides 11 sequences from A. fasciatus, the data set was comprised of other partial 12S sequences including material from Astyanax altiparanae (two sequences) and Astyanax sp (four sequences), both from the Iguaçu River. The hypothesis of an A. fasciatus species complex was reinforced given the close relationship between A. altiparanae and Astyanax sp observed in the Bayesian tree. Consequently, a taxonomic revision is necessary for these species.

Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera, Hesperioidea) from Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil: 70 years of records with special reference to faunal composition of Vila Velha State Park

Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera, Hesperioidea) de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil: 70 anos de registros com especial referência à composição faunística do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha. O município de Ponta Grossa se destaca por apresentar originalmente uma paisagem peculiar onde capões isolados de Floresta Ombrófila Mista são interligados por grandes extensões de fitofisionomias estépicas, também denominadas campos. No entanto, ambos os ecossistemas atualmente se encontram altamente ameaçados pela ocupação humana, restando na região o Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, cuja composição florística tem sido recentemente relacionada com o bioma Cerrado. Poucos trabalhos são dedicados à caracterização da fauna dos campos e sua relação com outras fitofisionomias estépicas brasileiras, motivo que suscitou a realização deste estudo. Após reunir informações de coletas realizadas por mais de 70 anos, são listadas 225 espécies de Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera, Hesperioidea) presentes no município, entre elas 162 indicadoras de ambientes florestais e 53 de áreas abertas. O Parque Estadual de Vila Velha contribui para a conservação de 65% delas enquanto sua composição se mostra intimamente relacionada tanto aos Pampas como ao Cerrado, em detrimento de hábitats florestais. Tal relação é dada provavelmente pela localização geográfica de Vila Velha, visto que a similaridade da fauna de Hesperiidae se encontrou influenciada pelas distâncias geográficas das amostras no presente estudo. A flora de Vila Velha também deve afetar diretamente a composição observada de Hesperiidae, uma vez que uma grande parte de suas espécies são também encontradas em áreas de Cerrado. No entanto, estudos em ambientes campestres brasileiros ainda se fazem necessários, especialmente em enclaves de Cerrado no Paraná e em São Paulo, para que se adquira um melhor entendimento da dinâmica de suas comunidades.

Preliminary qualitative analysis on mtDNA in Astyanax fasciatus populations Cuvier, 1819 (Teleostei; Characidae) indicate population distinctiveness

A preliminary qualitative analysis of genetic variability status in Astyanax fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) from upper Tibagi River headwaters and Vila Velha State Park (VVSP) was carried out by enzymatic digestion (RFLP) of D-Loop region from mtDNA. The results showed that Tibagi and VVSP populations were genetically different.

A assembléia de abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apidae) de uma área restrita de campos naturais do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Paraná e comparações com áreas de campos e cerrado

A assembléia de abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apidae) de uma área restrita de campos naturais do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Paraná e comparações com áreas de campos e cerrado. Foram realizadas coletas sistemáticas de abelhas em uma área restrita no Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Paraná, no período de outubro de 2003 a setembro de 2004. Essa amostragem visou gerar subsídios para comparações entre áreas de campo dentro do Parque e com outras áreas de vegetação aberta brasileiras. A área de estudo possui cerca de quatro hectares e foi subdividida em quatro subáreas contínuas e com o mesmo perímetro. As abelhas em flores e em vôo foram capturadas com auxílio de rede entomológica. Foram coletados 1.459 espécimes pertencentes a 122 espécies de abelhas. Estas espécies estão distribuídas em 51 gêneros, 20 tribos e cinco subfamílias. As plantas visitadas correspondem a 93 espécies, pertencentes a 62 gêneros e 29 famílias. Neste estudo e em outro estudo realizado anteriormente em outra área do Parque foram coletadas 222 espécies sendo 74 espécies em comum as duas áreas e uma soma de 148 espécies restritas a uma ou outra área. Ainda, registros históricos de abelhas para Vila Velha elevam a riqueza conhecida para 261 espécies. O índice de similaridade de Morisita entre as áreas foi de 0,50 quando utilizadas as plantas como variáveis e 0,88 quando utilizados gêneros e espécies de abelhas, revelando uma notável heterogeneidade. Comparações entre as áreas do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha e áreas de campos e cerrado foram realizadas através do índice de similaridade e da análise de correspondência. Foram observados dois agrupamentos fortemente evidentes, referentes aos campos e ao cerrado. A análise de correspondência sugere que alguns gêneros podem ser relacionados a determinadas formações vegetais. Esse estudo indica que a fauna de abelhas de Vila Velha é composta principalmente por gêneros relacionados às áreas de campos, porém com presença de elementos de cerrado.

Caracterização de manejos das principais culturas agrícolas na área de entorno do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Paraná, Brasil

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the implementation of less-impacting farming practices in environmentally sensitive areas. Vila Velha State Park is located in Campos Gerais, a region of high-technology agriculture. Typical farming systems in the park’s buffer zone were identified in visits, and characterized in consultations with experts, agronomists, retailers and stakeholders. Three major systems (A, B and C) were described, considering the most common practices in crop rotation, choice of products and machinery operations for soybean and corn production. Systems A and B are characterized by high investment and technology level, though System A has more capital for investment. System C is typified by the use of service packages offered by commissioned retailers. Alternatives to mitigate environmental impact could potentially arise in experiments conducted in association with Farmers A and B, and through economic studies with Farmer C

Seasonality and temporal structuration of Alticini community (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) in the Araucaria Forest of Parana, Brazil

Seasonality was studied for Alticini trapped with malaise over a period of two years in the Vila Velha State Park, Parana, Brazil. Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae and Alticini showed seasonal distribution, with the highest abundance during spring and summer months. The abundance peaks of these groups were not synchronized. Of all environmental variables tested, photoperiod had the larger effect on the distributional patterns of Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae and Alticini. Also, Chrysomelidae and Alticini probably are related to the quality and availability of host-plants. When richness was high there was a greater similarity among seasons of different years. However, when richness was not pronounced, seasons showed more similarity within the same year than between years. The Alticini community was seasonally structured and a possible mechanism underlying this pattern is asymmetric competition. Nevertheless, it is necessary to account for indirect interactions (plant-enemy mediated) to better understand how Alticini community is structured.

Diversidade de Syrphidae (Diptera) em cinco áreas com situações florísticas distintas no Parque Estadual Vila Velha em Ponta Grossa, Paraná

Um inventariamento dos sifídeos foi realizado em cinco áreas com situações florísticas diferentes dentro do Parque Estadual Vila Velha, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, sul do Brasil. As áreas foram classificadas como Borda, Araucária, estágio inicial de sucessão (Fase 1), estágio intermediário de sucessão (Fase 2) e estágio avançado de sucessão (Fase 3). As coletas foram semanais durante o período de Setembro/1999 a Agosto/2000 utilizando-se armadilha Malaise. Aproximadamente 300.000 dípteros foram capturados nas áreas (apresentadas em ordem de abundância): Araucária (n=74.331 indivíduos, 25% do total), Fase 1 (73.782; 25%), Fase 3 (59.339; 20%), Fase 2 (53.623; 18%) e borda (38.796; 13%). Um total de 1.345 indivíduos de Syrphidae, de 97 espécies, foram identificados. As maiores abundância e riqueza de espécies foram encontradas na Borda (n=684 espécimes em 54 espécies), seguida pela Fase 1 (250; 51), Araucária (162; 34), Fase 3 (146; 31) e Fase 2 (103; 27). A abundância de Syrphidae não se correlacionou à de Diptera em nenhuma área. Syrphidae foi mais abundante na Borda e Diptera na área de Araucária. Syrphinae (82% de todos os sirfídeos coletados), Microdontinae e Eristalinae foram registrados nas cinco áreas. Dos três estágios de sucessão vegetal, a subfamília Syrphinae foi mais representativa na Fase 1, ocorrendo de forma similar nas outras duas áreas. As maiores abundância e riqueza de espécies ocorreram nas áreas mais perturbadas antropicamente (Borda e Fase 1), enquanto que as menos perturbadas apresentaram menores abundância e riqueza (Fase 2 e Fase 3). A análise de agrupamento mostrou que as áreas em sucessão vegetal avançadas são mais similares e a de borda a mais diferenciada.

Pteridófitas do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brasil

Este trabalho apresenta o levantamento das espécies de Pteridófitas do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Ponta Grossa, Paraná. O Parque possui uma área de 3.803,28 ha, com altitudes de 800-1.100 m, com predomínio de Campos Gerais entremeados por Capões de Floresta com Araucária, além de afloramentos rochosos areníticos. Foram identificadas 152 espécies distribuídas em 54 gêneros, sendo os mais representativos Asplenium (11 spp.), Blechnum e Thelypteris (10 spp. cada), Pecluma, Polypodium e Trichomanes (7 spp. cada). Cem espécies foram registradas nas florestas, 47 nos campos e 60 nas formações areníticas. Vinte e sete espécies apresentam distribuição restrita ao Brasil, das quais 14 são endêmicas ao Sul e Sudeste. Menção especial para Ctenitis bigarellae Schwartsburd et al., Elaphoglossum langsdorffii (Hook. & Grev.) T. Moore, Alsophila capensis subsp. polypodioides (Sw.) Conant e Blechnum australe subsp. auriculatum (Cav.) de la Sota. São apresentados chaves de identificação, comentários e materiais selecionados.

A diversidade diferencial beta de Coleoptera (Insecta) em uma paisagem antropizada do Bioma Araucária

This study is part of an ongoing project on factors affecting abundance of coleopterans in the Vila Velha State Park, Ponta Grossa, Parana (PROVIVE). We assessed beta diversity changes as a function of anthropogenic disturbance levels for insects in a forest fragment of the Bioma Araucaria (Floresta Ombrofila Mista). We stratified the study area into five disturbance regions: 1. a managed transitional forest-grass area; 2. an Araucaria angustifolia forest plantation without any management; 3. an early/middle vegetational succession area; 4. a middle/late vegetational succession area, and 5. a late vegetational succession area in advanced stage. We collected insects weekly using malaise traps for a period of 52 weeks from September 1999 to August 2000. We collected 10,822 beetles from 1,659 species. Beta diversity indices indicated high turnover rates among sampling areas. Highest beta diversity was observed between transitional forest-grass area and forested areas. The successional areas were the most similar. Among successional areas, beta diversity was highest between advanced succession and the early succession areas. We show that high insect diversity can be maintained by preserving biodiversity hotspots within the study area, as well as maintaining a mosaic of sites with different vegetational successions and native flora plantation. Additionally, coleopteran diversity was sensitive to habitat alteration, which may make this taxon a good indicator for disturbance of forested regions.