Abstract This article reports the first recorded occurrence of a bird in the stomach contents of Serrasalmus maculatus (Kner, 1858) in a reservoir environment in the Ipanema National Forest, São Paulo, Brazil, Upper Paraná River basin. The specimen, a mature female measuring 19.7 cm standard length, contained 12.6 mm³ of Nannopterum brasilianum feathers and 6.48 mm³ of fish fragments in its stomach. Local environmental conditions, slightly alkaline water, muddy substrate, and dense marginal vegetation, promote strong connectivity between aquatic and terrestrial habitats, creating opportunities for occasional trophic interactions. This record highlights the opportunistic feeding behavior of the species and expands knowledge of its trophic ecology in lentic environments.
Diatoms are sensitive bioindicators to environmental changes and can be useful in monitoring disturbances caused by engineering works in the coastal areas. This study examines the occurrence, density, and relative abundance ofAsterionellopsis tropicalis in the semi-arid coast of the SouthwesternAtlantic. Moreover, we analyse the impact of coastal constructions on its population dynamics and potential use as a bioindicator in environmental monitoring. A total of 130 phytoplankton samples from estuaries, surf zones of sand beaches, and the shelf waters were analyzed. The quantification of A. tropicalis was performed using the Uterm & ouml;hl method with optical microscopy. A. tropicalis showed a wide distribution, being found in all studied habitats. Diatom accumulations, a high-biomass phenomenon, formed by this species were recorded at Aquiraz coast (Cear & aacute; state), a second site 30 km from the first previous known location, suggesting it is not a local anomaly, but may be more widespread in equatorial SW Atlantic waters. The average densities ofA. tropicalis were lower in estuaries (1.2 & times; 103 cell/L +/- 2.6 & times; 103), and higher in shelf waters the shelf waters (3.1 & times; 103 cell/L +/- 6 x 103). In the estuarine environment, A. tropicalis occurred exclusively in the intermediate and lower estuarine regions, at salinity equal to or greater than 33. The highest densities (reaching 29.7 & times; 106 cell/L) were observed during diatom accumulation events in the surf zone (mean: 8.6 x 106 cel/L +/- 9.9 & times; 106). The port dredging and the artificial beach nourishment caused a significant and temporary increase in water turbidity, which was concomitantly accompanied by an increase in the diatom density. These results indicate that this species is adapted to high turbulence, where there is a large amount of suspended material and a reduction in Secchi disk depth. Similar environmental conditions were observed in dissipative surf zones, where A. tropicalis can form accumulations and tropical coasts under human interventions that resuspended sediments. Therefore, this species has the potential to be used to monitor and evaluate human impacts caused by coastal engineering works, due to its rapid response to increased suspended material.
The family Ichneumonidae is considered one of the largest groups of parasitoid insects and is known for being a classic example of an exception to the greatest richness in the tropics. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity trend of subfamily Pimplinae (Ichneumonidae) along the latitudinal gradient of the Atlantic Forest (07o06'S-26o19'S); and test hypotheses of anomalous patterns of Ichneumonidae in the two life strategies found in Pimplinae, as well as associate diversity patterns with forest conservation. From the material collected in eighteen points of Dense Ombrophilous Forest, richness and diversity of these parasitoids were analyzed. Twelve genera and 61 morphospecies were found, with the genera Neotheronia, Xanthopimpla, Zatypota, and Pimpla being the most frequent. Idiobionts were more abundant than koinobionts, but morphospecies richness was similar between the two types of strategies. The Southeastern and SouthernAtlantic forest regions showed greater diversity and similarity of morphospecies than the Northeast region. The diversity and richness of morphospecies (Northeast to South regions), as well as idiobionts and koinobionts strategies, increased at higher latitudes. Despite this, there was a trend of decreasing diversity and richness from the Southeast to the South region, and the low diversity/ richness in the Northeast region may be related to habitat destruction. However, we recognize that there should be a greater sampling effort to better understand the factors that influence the distribution of these parasitoids.
The present study presents species richness for the flora in the ferruginous campo rupestre of the Serra do Pires, located south of the Iron Quadrangle in the state of Minas Gerais, a region under strong threat by mining exploration. The area is composed of a complex of submontane semideciduous seasonal forests and ferruginous fields with distinct vegetation types, where campo limpo and campo sujo are predominant, alongside itabirite boulders and cangas. We found 484 vascular plant species, distributed in 309 genera and 98 families. Eighteen species are endemic to the Iron Quadrangle, and 26 have some endangered status. Herbaceous habit is predominant, found in 257 species (49%), reflecting the expressiveness of ferruginous fields in the area. We also compared the floristic composition of the study area with five other areas with similar vegetation located in the Iron Quadrangle. Similarity analysis revealed a reduced sharing of species between the areas compared. The results point to a complex and unique floristic composition of the Serra do Pires, with many endemic species and taxa still unknown to science, spread over unique environments. Our discussion underlines the inadequacy of the current conservation strategies and suggests the urgent need for more robust and specific public policies for the protection of these environments, considering their high biological diversity and the imminent risk imposed by mining.
Abstract Ecological restoration is increasingly used to recover biodiversity in degraded ecosystems, yet its effectiveness for avifauna varies across contexts. We conducted an integrative review of studies assessing the effects of restoration on bird populations and communities worldwide. Search in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar yielded 192 studies, covering forests, savannahs/grasslands, and wetlands across 37 countries. Most studies implemented active restoration, with fewer using passive or mixed approaches. Overall, restoration effects on birds were predominantly positive (81.3%) with neutral outcomes reported in 16.1% of studies and negative outcomes in 2.6%. Positive responses included increases in species richness, abundance, and community resemblance to reference habitats; however, parity with native systems often depended on long-term maintenance and successional development. Time from intervention strongly modulated outcomes, with older plantings consistently supporting higher richness and abundance. Projects relying on native vegetation tended to outperform those dominated by exotic species. Beyond taxonomic metrics, most studies assessing functional and phylogenetic diversity reported convergence toward native reference communities, though some documented losses of evolutionary history and specialization. Geographically, publications were concentrated in the United States and Australia, underscoring gaps in tropical and Global South biomes. Collectively, the evidence indicates that restoration can meaningfully advance avian conservation when actions prioritize native species, structural heterogeneity, and landscape connectivity, and when monitoring spans sufficient temporal scales to capture community assembly and demographic viability. These findings provide actionable guidance for restoration design and evaluation, and highlight priorities for future research on long-term dynamics, edge effects, predation, and specialist taxa.
Abstract This study aims to elaborate the flora of Capparaceae in Maranhão, describing its composition and diversity. The research was based on the analysis of material collected in the state and herbarium specimens. Morphological analyses, taxonomic identification, mapping of species geographic distribution, and floristic similarity analyses with other Brazilian states were conducted. Six species of Capparaceae were recorded in Maranhão, including Cynophalla hastata as a new record for the state. Cynophalla was the most representative genus, with species adapted to anthropized areas. The species recorded in this study occur in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. The results indicate greater similarity among areas of the Caatinga in Northeast, including Maranhão, which also exhibits Amazonian influence. These patterns are associated with vegetation characteristics and the number of recorded species. The paucity of studies in the Amazon leads to gaps and potential biases, underscoring the importance of expanding botanical collections and research in Brazil’s Northern region, which remains underexplored.
The Serra do Divisor National Park (PNSD) is situated in the far western portion of Brazil, in the state of Acre, on the watershed divide between the upper Rio Juru & aacute; basin, in Brazil and the middle Rio Ucayali basin in Peru. The Rio Juru & aacute; is one of the longest tributaries of the Amazon basin, and most of its headwaters originate in the Serra do Divisor, including the Rio Moa, the main tributary of Rio Juru & aacute; in Acre. Surveys of the ichthyofauna of the PNSD were not conducted during the preparation of the management plan, and the fish diversity of this protected area remains largely unknown. Here, we report the results of an expedition to the northern section of the PNSD, aiming to increase knowledge of the ichthyofauna of a poorly known region whose protected status is currently under threat. Seventeen localities in the upper Rio Moa drainage, in the surroundings of the region known as P & eacute; da Serra (between 73 degrees 38'04.7" W and 73 degrees 44'52.7" W, and 07 degrees 26'52.2" S and 07 degrees 32' 14.7" S), were sampled using hand nets and beach seines. Sampling was conducted at sites along the Rio Moa, its tributaries, and adjacent lakes. A total of 3,504 specimens were collected, representing 103 species in 89 genera and 27 families across seven orders. The Characiformes (52 species) and Siluriformes (32 species) were the most diverse orders, followed by the Gymnotiformes (8 species), Cichliformes (8 species), Batrachoidiformes (1 species), Cyprinodontiformes (1 species), and Synbranchiformes (1 species). Species of Characiformes, Siluriformes, and Cichliformes were found in all three sampled environments. Gymnotiformes and Batrachoidiformes were not recorded from lakes, and species of Synbranchiformes and Cyprinodontiformes were found exclusively in tributaries of the Rio Moa. Six species represent new records for Brazilian drainages, 13 for the Rio Juru & aacute; drainage, and 30 for the Rio Moa. The identification of 43 species requires additional, more detailed studies. For most species, information on the variation of diagnostic characters is provided, which, together with images of selected specimens, is intended to serve as a basis for future studies of the ichthyofauna of the PNSD.
Plants belonging to the genus Passiflora (family Passifloraceae) are found in tropical regions and are cultivated worldwide. Among them, the yellow passion fruit (P. edulis f.flavicarpa Deg.) is the most economically important species. This fruit is widely consumed fresh and is used in the juice industry. Additionally, it is employed as a natural ingredient in cosmetic and medicinal products. The yellow passion fruit is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. One of the primary challenges in passion fruit cultivation is the occurrence of viral diseases, which can decrease both fruit production and quality, posing an ongoing threat to growers. Efficient strategies for managing and controlling viruses in these crops, particularly those that focus on developing resistant genotypes, rely on an extensive understanding of the viral diversity affecting the crop. In recent years, advances in technology and the development of new tools for virus detection and identification have led to a significant increase in the number of viruses reported to infect or be associated with Passiflora species and passion fruit hybrids. This review catalogs the known diversity of DNA and RNA viruses affecting the passion fruit crop. To date, this diversity includes 74 species (accepted and proposed) across 17 families and 25 genera of viruses.
This study reports bryophyte species recorded during the 1979 expedition to the Alto Rio Negro region, as part of the CNPq/INPA Flora Program. Brazilian and North American researchers, guided by local residents, collected 760 bryophyte samples from Serra Curicuriari, Serra Jacamim, Morro Ximaio, and Morro dos Seis Lagos, in the municipality of S & atilde;o Gabriel da Cachoeira,Amazonas state. The samples collected by Olga Yano are deposited at the SP Herbarium and have only recently been studied, more than 50 years after collection, revealing 256 species, 101 genera, and 32 families. The species list includes eight endemic species, two of which were previously known only from their type material, while others show restricted distributions, representing unique records from high-altitude environments or along river margins. Studies like this highlight the importance of revising herbarium specimens, revealing the scientific value of historical collections and expanding knowledge of Amazonian flora.
Ochteroidea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) includes the families Gelastocoridae and Ochteridae. Most species inhabit the margins of water bodies, although some members of the genus Nerthra Say, 1832 (Gelastocoridae: Nerthrinae) may be found on epigeus far from aquatic environments. In northern Brazil, Gelastocoridae diversity is better known in the states of Amazonas and Par & aacute;. In turn, three species of Ochteridae have been reported from Amazonas, but none from Par & aacute;. Here, we provide an updated list of Ochteroidea recorded from Par & aacute;, including new records based on fieldwork conducted between November 2019 and February 2025 along the margins of 17 water bodies in the western portion of the state. Our findings include the first records from the state of Gelastocoris amazonensis Melin, 1929, Ochterus aeneifrons surinamensis Nieser, 1975, and O. perbosci (Gu & eacute;rin-M & eacute;neville, 1843). We also expand the known distributions of G. flavus flavus (Gu & eacute;rin-M & eacute;neville, 1835), G. vandamepompanoni Boulard & Jauffret,1984, and Nerthra raptoria (Fabricius,1803) in western Par & aacute;. Notably, G. vandamepompanoni is reported for the first time since its original description more than 40 years ago. These new records contribute to fill the Wallacean gap for Ochteroidea in the Amazon and highlight the importance of continued faunistic surveys in underexplored areas.
Aquatic invertebrate dispersal is crucial for maintaining connectivity among wetlands, yet mechanisms across fragmented landscapes remain poorly understood. Here we analyzed 68 fecal samples from three Neotropical semiaquatic mammals-the capybara, coypu, and Neotropical otter-in southern Brazil to assess their role in dispersing aquatic invertebrate propagules. A total of 5444 propagules from 12 distinct invertebrate taxa were recovered from 68 fecal samples: nine from capybaras, 31 from coypus, and 28 from otters. Nematodes were the most abundant taxon overall (5146 individuals), both across all samples and within each mammal species. Excluding nematodes, a total of 298 propagules from 11 taxa recovered from 48 fecal samples was observed. We identified 298 propagules from 11 taxa, including viable eggs, resting stages, and live individuals. Invertebrate assemblages differed significantly among mammal species, with variation primarily driven by taxa such as Heleobia, Plumatella, and Ephydatia facunda. These findings reveal that semiaquatic mammals may contribute to linking aquatic ecosystems through the terrestrial matrix, suggesting their movements may support invertebrate metacommunity dynamics and wetland biodiversity maintenance more broadly than previously recognized.
Understanding understory bird taxonomic and functional diversity patterns across successional stages can be an essential criterion for conservation and ecological restoration strategies in the humid forests of the tropical Andes. We evaluated understory bird taxonomic and functional diversity in the secondary successional forests of the tropical Andes. Three successional stages were analyzed: young secondary forest (10-15 years old), mid-successional forest (25-30 years old), and mature forest (similar to 100 years old). Birds were captured using mist nets across these successional stages. We defined functional traits for the captured species, including morphological, life history, and behavioral characteristics. The results showed that the alpha taxonomic diversity of understory bird species was similar across the three stages, with a total of 126 species recorded. However, alpha functional diversity varied, being lower in the mature forest. Beta taxonomic and functional diversity revealed that species turnover was the principal cause of the differences between successional stages. Specifically, species turnover between young and mid-secondary forests resulted from the colonization of mid-successional bird species and the local extinction of shrubland species. Functionally, generalist understory birds dominated young forests, while mid-secondary forests exhibited a greater variety of birds with foraging adaptations to different vegetation strata. In mature forests, the presence of understory insectivores, such as ant followers, was characteristic of this stage. These bird functional patterns reflect the environmental filter imposed by vegetation structure and resource availability at each successional stage. The functional diversity of the communities associated with each successional stage would have differential effects on the functioning of tropical Andean ecosystems. Conservation efforts should emphasize functional diversity and the protection of mature forests to maintain ecosystem resilience and support specialized bird species.
Basaltic cliffs in southern Brazil support specialized plant communities shaped by extreme environmental conditions, high habitat heterogeneity, and spatial isolation. Despite their ecological importance, these environments remain poorly documented and are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. Here, we present the first comprehensive floristic inventory of the rupicolous vascular flora of the Serra do Rio do Rastro (SRR), Santa Catarina. A total of 317 species (204 genera and 71 families) were recorded, exceeding the floristic richness previously reported for other areas of the Aparados da Serra Geral region. Asteraceae (56 spp.) and Poaceae (31 spp.) were the most species-rich families, and herbaceous forms predominated (197 spp.). Twenty-one species are endemic to Santa Catarina, including Neocabreria catharinensis, which is documented here after a 64-year gap without herbarium records, and 20 species are officially recognized as threatened with extinction. Remarkably, 69.1% of species had no prior records in digital herbarium databases for the studied area, underscoring the value of targeted fieldwork for documenting biodiversity in understudied habitats. Our results identify the SRR as a biodiversity refuge of both regional and national significance, while exposing critical conservation gaps, particularly the absence of updated threat assessments for narrowly distributed taxa. We recommend the urgent integration of cliff ecosystems in conservation planning, supported by systematic monitoring, invasive species control, and regular updating of threatened species lists.
The present study provides a preliminary Odonata inventory for the Serra do Japi Biological Reserve, an importantAtlantic Forest conservation unit in S & atilde;o Paulo State, Brazil. We recorded 22 species, representing 7.5% of the Odonata fauna previously known for the state. Among them, three are new records for S & atilde;o Paulo, highlighting the potential for further discoveries in unexploredAtlantic Forest remnants. Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae were the most diverse and abundant families, a pattern similar to that observed in other studies ofAtlantic Forest odonate assemblages. Species richness was similar between the lentic and lotic habitats, with some taxa exhibiting clear habitat preferences. The recorded species composition reflects the environmental heterogeneity of the SJBR and the availability of suitable microhabitats for odonates. Additionally, the presence of Brechmorhoga goncalvensis Vilela, Stefani-Santos & & Aacute;vila J & uacute;nior, 2021, and Heteragrion tiradentense Machado & Bed & ecirc;, 2006, both listed as near threatened, underscores the role of the SJBR as an essential refuge for range-restricted and sensitive species. These findings reinforce the importance ofAtlantic Forest reserves in maintaining regional Odonata diversity and contribute to a broader understanding of species distribution patterns.
Humid forest enclaves in mountainous areas of northeastern Brazil harbor a distinct biota from the surrounding dry vegetation, with stronger affinities to Amazonian andAtlantic species, such as the Serra de Baturit & eacute; Environmental Protection Area (SBEPA), in the Cear & aacute; state. Although the region has been the focus of various scientific studies, only a few provided comprehensive data on its biodiversity. Aiming to fill in this gap, Pires & Sobczak (2025) published a broad compilation of species records within the SBEPA, covering multiple biological groups. Despite its relevance, we identified numerous mistakes, inconsistencies, and omissions related to terrestrial vertebrates. Here, we highlight major issues in this article, such as the use of outdated taxonomic frameworks, inflated species lists, the inclusion of species not known to occur in the region, and the omission of species with confirmed presence. We present a corrected list for terrestrial vertebrates of the SBEPA, using the same temporal frame of the original article. We also discuss species conservation status, endemism, exotic species occurrence, and the inappropriate use of bibliographic references.
Human activities significantly threaten wildlife, especially large-bodied vertebrates. As their populations decline and local extinctions occur, active conservation efforts, such as reintroductions into historical ranges, become essential. The Red-billed Curassow (Crax blumenbachii), a large bird from the Cracidae family (Galliformes), has been the focus of multiple reintroduction programs over the past 35 years. Here, we investigate the population density, abundance, and habitat use of a reintroduced population in the Atlantic Forest, a hotspot for tropical biodiversity. Data were collected from April to October 2014 across 15 line transects evenly spread throughout the study area. Density and abundance were estimated using Distance sampling, while habitat use was analyzed through occupancy modeling, dividing transects into 250-meter segments (n = 49). We combined Cracidae species encounter data to fit the detection function and derived estimates for the focal species from this. In occupancy modeling, detection (p) and occupancy (psi) refer to the frequency and probability of use, respectively. The population density was estimated at 2.54 individuals per square kilometer (95% CI = 1.72 to 3.75), and the total abundance was around 36 individuals (95% CI = 24 to 53). The probability of use (psi) declined steadily with increasing distance from the release site (beta =-2.69, CI =-5.13 to-0.26). Our density estimate aligns with data from wild populations of the species and other cracids. However, the higher use of areas near the release site may relate to supplementary food provisions and limited dispersal movements, though other factors could also influence these patterns. Although limited to the reintroduction period from 1991 to 2014, these findings provide valuable insights that could inform future management and deepen our understanding of this endangered cracid species.
Curculionidae are phytophagous beetles and, in the Brazilian Pantanal, are abundant on the ground and in the tree canopy. We studied two seasonal periods (wet period in 2012 and dry period in 2013) and two distinct phytophysiognomies, one monodominant and floodable (Cambarazal) and one nonmonodominant and nonfloodable (Cerrad & atilde;o Cordillera), to analyze the diversity, richness, and trophic guilds associated with the canopies of these vegetation types. The samples were collected via canopy fogging. A total of 4,456 individuals were collected and grouped into 13 subfamilies, 36 tribes, 59 genera, 258 morphospecies. The community structure was influenced by the different vegetation types. The greatest richness and diversity of Curculionidae occurred in the Cerrad & atilde;o Cordillera vegetation during both seasonal periods. The Cambarazal richness did not differ between the dry and wet periods, but the diversity was greater in the dry period. Four guilds, i.e., phyllophagous, spermophagus, xylophagus, and xylomycetophagus, were identified in both phytophysiognomies. The results revealed that the wet and dry periods and the type of phytophysiognomy influenced the community of Curculionidae in the canopies of Cambarazal and Cerrad & atilde;o Cordillera of the Pantanal of Pocon & eacute;, MT, Brazil.
Southern Brazilian highland grasslands harbor a highly diverse and unique flora, a result of millions of years of local adaptations. These grasslands are drastically threatened by land-use conversion, biological invasion, modified disturbance regime and overgrazing. The grasslands of the First Paran & aacute; Plateau are one of the three priority areas for conservation in Southern Brazilian highlands, thanks to their exceptional diversity and endemism. Nevertheless, they remain poorly documented and largely neglected by conservation policies. Seeking to expand knowledge about these grasslands, we carried out a floristic survey, similarity analysis and characterization of vegetation physiognomies, within highland grassland remnants of quartzitic hills, situated in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, State of Paran & aacute;, Southern Brazil. Six grasslands were selected for the similarity analysis: one from Pampa biome, one from Cerrado biome, and the others associated with Atlantic Forest biome. We recorded 493 taxa (478 native) in three physiognomies: herbaceous, shrubby and rocky grassland. Significant records were obtained, including threatened and very rare taxa, in addition to a new species of Iridaceae. Little similarity was found between evaluated sites, and 145 taxa (31%), including five threatened, were recorded exclusively in our study. We hope our study improves the database for further research into highland grasslands, as well as contributes to conservation and management strategies.
The family Polymitarcyidae is widely distributed across the Holarctic, Ethiopian-Oriental, and Neotropical regions. However, studies on this group remain scarce in Northeastern Brazil, where only eight species, all belonging to the genus Campsurus, and three valid species for the state of Maranh & atilde;o have been reported. This study expands the records of Polymitarcyidae in Maranh & atilde;o, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 2, 929 specimens were examined, resulting in the identification of 17 species belonging to four genera: Asthenopus Ulmer (2), Campsurus Eaton (13), Priasthenopus Molineri, Salles & Peters (1), and Tortopus Needham & Murphy (1). Our results add 17 valid species records for the state and report, for the first time in Brazil, the occurrence of Asthenopus hubbardi Molineri, Salles & Peters, 2015, previously known only from Colombia. Therefore, this study provides the first comprehensive information on the distribution of Polymitarcyidae in Maranh & atilde;o, significantly contributing to the knowledge of the Brazilian fauna and reducing the Wallacean shortfall for Ephemeroptera in the region.
