Activity time of male Euglossina and preference for artificial fragrances in forest and dunes in the Environmental Protection Area of the Mamanguape River Bar, Rio Tinto, Paraíba, Brazil

Euglossina bees form a group with about 200 species known, widespread in Neotropical Region. Males collect aromatic compounds on flowers and by using synthesized analogs it is possible to accomplish faunistic inventories and study several ecological aspects of these bees. In this work we studied the activity hours and the preference of aromatic compounds by Euglossina males in forest and dunes at Environmental Protection Area of the Mamanguape River Bar, Rio Tinto, Paraíba State, between August 2002 and July 2004. Six artificial compounds were used as attractive: benzyl acetate, ionone beta, skatole, eucalyptol, eugenol and vanillin. Nine species were sampled, being two of them exclusive of the forest. Euglossa cordata (L.) and Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier were the most abundant species as in the forest as on dunes. Males were more active between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in both areas, with no variation throughout the year. Eucalyptol and eugenol attracted most number of species. E. cordata demonstrated preference by ionone beta and eucalyptol and E. nigrita by skatole and eucalyptol.     

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in restinga and dunes areas in Brazilian Northeast

Strong anthropogenic pressure, mainly mineral extraction, is one of the main factors leading to degradation of the Brazilian coastal environment. Strategies to recover these areas include replanting native plant species, and symbiotic fungi from the neighboring area might be important for the establishment of the new vegetation. Species richness, diversity and community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were investigated in NE Brazil in two natural areas, ‘restinga’ forest and seaside ‘restinga’, and in two areas of revegetated dunes after mining activity 20 and 8?years ago. Soil samples were collected during the dry (March) and wet (September) seasons of 2009 in Mataraca, Paraíba State, Brazil. Based on glomerospore morphology, 34 species of AMF were recorded, of which 29 were identified in field samples and five after trap culturing, with the greatest diversity and richness found in the dune revegetated 8?years ago. The sampling effort allowed an assessment of between 70 and 80?% of the species estimated for the areas by the first-order Jackknife index. Among the generalist species Gigaspora margarita was the only one found in all areas and during both collection periods. The similarity of AMF species between the revegetated areas and the seaside ‘restinga’ was >60?%, supporting the hypothesis that this area represents a source of propagules, but the substrate used for seedling production may also bring other species, enabling the recovery of the AMF community in the mined and revegetated dunes.     

Composition and structure of reef fish communities in Paraíba State,north‐eastern Brazil

The composition and trophic structure of reef fish communities in two natural and two artificial reefs along the coast of Paraíba State in north‐eastern Brazil were investigated. A total of 114 species of fish belonging to 47 families were recorded during 120 stationary visual surveys, slightly less than half (46·55%) of which were recorded at all four surveyed localities. Most species are widely distributed on the western Atlantic coast, but several are endemic to Brazil. The greatest diversity and equitability indexes were recorded at the reefs of Sapatas and Cabeço dos Cangulos, whereas the greatest richness and abundance were found at the Queimado shipwreck. The Alvarenga shipwreck reef had the least richness, diversity and equitability. The four localities studied had very similar ichthyofaunas, especially in relation to species composition. The reefs along the Paraíba coast are considered priority conservation areas by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, and the information generated by this study will be useful for comparison with other reefs in the region and can be directly applied to programmes seeking to protect and manage these environments.     

Response of a dung beetle assemblage along a reforestation gradient in Restinga forest

Scarabaeinae dung beetles are indicator insects used in the evaluation of the ecological effects caused by changes in habitat structure and ecosystem integrity resulting from environmental degradation. We compared dung beetle diversity in conserved restinga forests (coastal tropical moist broadleaf forest) and in reforested areas of various ages during the rainy and dry seasons, on the coast of Paraíba State, Brazil. A total of 3,634 individuals comprising 14 species were collected. In the reforested areas there was a gradual increase in species abundance relative to the area’s age, but in the conserved restinga the abundance of individuals was 10–20 times higher than that recorded in areas of recent reforestation. The highest species richness was found in the conserved restinga and in the oldest reforested area (16 years old) during the rainy season. During the dry season, when environmental conditions do not seem to favor adult survival, most of the species were found in the conserved restinga forest. The dung beetle community structure was related to the increases in habitat heterogeneity in the successional processes of the reforested areas. Our results suggest that reforested areas act as a source of and refuge for dung beetle species.     

The communities of Euglossina bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in remnants of lowland forest on tertiary Tabuleiro in the Rio de Janeiro state

This work aimed at describing and analyzing structural and temporal parameters of communities of Euglossina in remnants of lowland forest on tertiary tabuleiro in the north Rio de Janeiro state in areas with different conservation status and anthropic influences. Chemical bait traps were installed from November/04 to November/05, from 8 am to 3 pm, in two sub-areas (burned and preserved) of Mata do Carv?o (1053 ha) and Mata do Funil (135 ha). We collected 2,060 individuals of 11 species distributed in three genera in the burned sub-area, 894 individuals of nine species and three genera in the preserved sub-area and 1,115 individuals of 10 species distributed in four genera in Mata do Funil. The composition of species did not differ among the areas (MRPP, A = -0.015; P = 0.71). The diversity (H) obtained in the sub-area burned (H = 1.14) and preserved (H = 1.12) was significantly higher than that described for Mata do Funil (H = 0.98). Two peaks of abundance were observed, the larger one in the dry season. Great dominance of Euglosssa cordata (L.) (d = 0, 54) was observed in the sub-area burned and of Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier (d = 0, 55) in Mata do Funil; both species were favored for open or disturbed environments. The smaller fragment presented the lowest value of diversity, suggesting the effect of the lost of area on the community of Euglossina. Moreover, disturbed areas (burned) can be benefited if in connection with areas in better preservation condition.     

Evolvulus flavus sp. nov. (Convolvulaceae) from the Brazilian Caatinga

Evolvulus flavus is a new species of Convolvulaceae found in the semiarid region of Paraíba State, Brazil. It is characterized by flowers with a yellow corolla and 4‐locular ovary. Illustrations and taxonomic notes are presented. Only four individuals of this new species have been located, resulting in its classification as ‘Endangered’ (EN) in accordance with the IUCN criteria.     

Blowflies (Diptera,Calliphoridae) Associated with Pig Carcasses in a Caatinga Area,Northeastern Brazil

Studies that focused on Calliphoridae associated with pig carcasses are abundant in southern and southeastern Brazil; however, there are few in northeast. Here, we present an inventory of the blowfly species associated with the stages of decomposition of pig carcasses in a caatinga area during dry and rainy seasons. The study took place at the Private Reserve for the Environmental Inheritance “Fazenda Almas,” state of Paraíba, Brazil. Using a modified version of the Shannon trap, 32,909 adult specimens belonging to eight species were captured. During the dry season, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (52.2%) and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) (39.9%) were the most abundant species. In the rainy season, when the majority of individuals were captured (93.7%), Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy) (71.1%) was the most abundant. Five decomposition stages were recognized, being the active decay the most attractive to colonization by blowflies, except for Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann), which was more abundant in the bloated stage.     

Floristic similarities between lowland and montane areas of Atlantic Coastal Forest in Northeastern Brazil

Studies undertaken in the Atlantic Coastal Forest have revealed a notable floristic heterogeneity within this vegetation type in NE Brazil. However, there is still a great need for detailed comparisons of the floristic relationships between the various forest types found there. This work presents an analysis of the floristic similarity (at the species level) of these forest as revealed by floristic surveys, with the aim of better understanding and defining this vegetation. Using a binary matrix, grouping, ordering, and TWINSPAN analysis were performed on 742 tree/shrub species listed in 35 different plant surveys. These tree/shrub species were divided by these analysis into two large floristic groups – ombrophilous and semideciduous. The semideciduous group was formed, in general, by forest areas located at altitudes above 700 m (montane forests), and could itself be divided into two subgroups. The first subgroup was located more inland (Pernambuco), while the second subgroup was located nearer the coast (within the states of Pernambuco and Ceará). The ombrophilous group was quite heterogeneous, but could also be divided into two floristic subgroups: i) lowland forests (below 100 m a.s.l) in the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, and in two areas of Bahia, as well as some montane forests (in Pernambuco, between 640 and 900 m a.s.l.); ii) lowlands forests in the states of Alagoas and Bahia. This latter subgroup is the largest and best defined, and has the highest degree of internal similarity. Nonetheless, it can be further subdivided into two smaller classes, one in Alagoas and the other in Bahia State. The results of this study demonstrate that the concept of the Atlantic Coastal Forest could also include montane ombrophilous forests in Pernambuco State, as these forests form a single floristic unit together with lowland forests in that state. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Private forest reserves can aid in preserving the community of medium and large-sized vertebrates in the Amazon arc of deforestation

Due to the advancing agricultural frontier in the Brazilian Amazon, the present rate of deforestation engenders a pessimistic scenario for vertebrate diversity in the area. Protected areas are an essential conservation tool to limit biodiversity loss, but their efficiency have yet to be proven. Here, we used camera-trap data on the presence of medium and large-size vertebrates in a protected area (Cantão State Park) and a neighbouring private forest reserve (Santa Fé Ranch) to evaluate their effectiveness in protecting biodiversity. We also gathered information on seasonality and activity patterns. A total sampling effort of 7929 trap-nights revealed a diverse vertebrate fauna in the region. A total of 34 mammal species, belonging to 8 different orders was detected in the study area, some of which have a high level of conservation interest and value. The photographic index showed that diversity was more abundant outside the protected area of Cantão State Park, where seasonality could play a major role in vertebrate occurrence. Overall, the influence of seasonality on distribution appears to be species-specific. During the wet season around 40% of the common species were not detected inside the park, whereas in Santa Fé Ranch most species (62.5%) suffered only a slight decrease in relative abundance probably due to changes in the availability of food resources. Our results highlight the importance of private land for vertebrate conservation in the Amazon and alert to the need for increased law enforcement in these areas to secure biodiversity preservation.     

Feeding of Oligosarcus hepsetus (Cuvier, 1829) (Characiformes) in the Serra do Mar State Park--Santa Virgínia Unit, S?o Paulo, Brazil.

We describe the diet of Oligosarcus hepsetus, in the Santa Virgínia Unit of the Serra do Mar State Park. The Paraibuna and Grande rivers in the basin of the Paraíba do Sul River were sampled monthly from January to December 2004. The Alimentary Preference Degree and the frequency of occurrence indices were used to analyze the food items. The diets of Oligosarcus hepsetus in the two localities sampled were very similar, and reinforced the importance of the streamside forests in establishing and maintaining biotic and abiotic conditions in these environments. The species had a carnivorous diet that differed with ontogeny: smaller individuals were principally insectivorous and larger ones ichthyophagous.     

Length–weight relationships of 18 fish species from Paraíba do Sul basin,Minas Gerais,Brazil

The present study established the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for 18 species of freshwater fish from Paraíba do Sul River basin, southeastern Brazil. LWR parameters are estimated for the first time for seven of these species. The allometric coefficient b varied from 2.81 to 3.32. These data complement the effort to understand the biology of one of the most threatened Brazilian basins.     

Weight–length relationships of 22 fish species from Paraíba do Sul River in Rio de Janeiro State,southeastern Brazil

The present study reports the weight–length relationships of 22 fish species from middle stretches of the Paraíba do Sul River, a riverine system located in the most important economic regions of Brazil and which is under great pressure due to damming and others ventures. Data were collected quarterly in 2010 and 2011 from three reservoirs and the adjoining downstream by using three different mesh sizes of gill nets. Of the 22 species, eight had no records in the FishBase WLR database; new maximum lengths are given for eight species.     

The role of canopy gaps in the regeneration of coastal dune forest

In regenerating coastal dune forest, the canopy consists almost exclusively of a single species, Acacia karroo. When these trees die, they create large canopy gaps. If this promotes the persistence of pioneer species to the detriment of other forest species, then the end goal of a restored coastal dune forest may be unobtainable. We wished to ascertain whether tree species composition and richness differed significantly between canopy gaps and intact canopy, and across a gradient of gap sizes. In three known‐age regenerating coastal dune forest sites, we measured 146 gaps, the species responsible for gap creation, the species most likely to reach the canopy and the composition of adults, seedlings and saplings. We paired each gap with an adjacent plot of the same area that was entirely under intact canopy and sampled in the same way. Most species (15 of 23) had higher abundance in canopy gaps. The probability of self‐replacement was low for A. karroo even in the largest gaps. Despite this predominance of shade‐intolerant species, regenerating dune forest appears to be in the first phase of succession with ‘forest pioneers’ replacing the dominant canopy species. The nature of these species should lead to successful regeneration of dune forest.     

Observations on the sandfly (Diptera: Psychodidae) fauna of Além Paraíba, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the isolation of a parasite of the Leishmania braziliensis complex from Psychodopygus hirsuta hirsuta

Dissection of 765 sandflies captured in Além Paraíba (the type locality of Leishmania braziliensis) resulted in the isolation, from Psychodopygus hirsuta hirsuta, of a parasite of the Le. braziliensis complex.     

Proposte Per La Tutela Di Alcune Aree,Di Particolare Interesse Geobotanico,Nel Parco Nazionale Del Circeo

Abstract

Proposals for the protection of some areas, of particular geobotanical interest, in the Circeo National Park. — The Circeo National Park is located south of Rome in the province of Latina. Its area is about 7.445 hectares. It is characterised by three neatly differentiated environments: the calcareous massive of Mt. Circeo, the State Forest of Sabaudia and the littoral dune. The Park's vegetation is threatened by numerous dangers. These are caused by the progressive building expansion in act on Mt. Circeo as well as on the littoral dune; by the introduction of various alien species, particularly in parks and gardens, which contaminate the local flora; by the afflux of picnickers who converge mainly on the dune; by pasture allowed in the State Forest; by the building of a road which cuts in half the southern slope of Mt. Circeo; by the exploitation of a stone-mine on Mt. Circeo. In order to preserve, at least partially, the vegetation from such threats, the Author proposes that five areas should be fenced and declared « Integral protected area ». Three areas are included in the State Forest, one on Mt. Circeo and the other on the dune. The total area is about 583 hectares. These areas comprise the most interesting aspects of the natural vegetation of the Park and groups of introduced arboreal plants (Pinus and Eucalyptus) of particular technical interest. The establishment of these reserves will have a scientific as well as an experimental aim. In such reserves all human activities should be prohibited with the exception of some cultural interventions on the introduced species. The areas of the State Forest include a nucleus of forest of Quercus cerris; a mesohygrophilous cenosis in which Quercus pedunculata predominate, with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus oxycarpa; a scrubby heath with Erica arborea, Erica scoparia and Myrtus communis, with specimen of Quercus pseudo-suber; a small prairie abundant with annual species; a plot of Eucaliptus grandis. The area of Mt. Circeo include large patches of maquis and wood-maquis (macchia and macchia-foresta), alophilous cenosis, rocky plant communities, and other facies of Mediterranean vegetation with specimen of Chamaerops humilis. The area of the dune is variegated with patches of maquis on sandy soil, swamp cenosis, fragments of mesohygrophilous vegetation, and small nuclei of introduced species. The Author suggests some executive norms in order to provide full protection of the proposed areas as well as the environment of the Park. He favours a solution by which the State should acquire both areas of the dune and of the Mt. Circeo, and also suggests particular bonds for the defense of the natural vegetation of the State Forest. In the forest, in fact, no plants of Quercus pedunculata, Quercus suber, Quercus ilex, Quercus pseudo-suber, Cytisus laburnum, Acer campestre and Tilia europaea should be utilised. Finally the Author advises against the introduction in the forest of species alien to the local flora and the destruction, except in particular cases, of the underwood.     

Interspecific primate associations in Amazonian flooded and unflooded forests

Stable associations between two or more primate species are a prominent feature of neotropical forest vertebrate communities and many studies have addressed their prevalence, and their costs and benefits. However, little is known about the influence of different habitat types on the frequency, seasonality, and composition of mixed-species groups in Amazonian forest primates. Here we examine the features of interspecific primate groups in a large mosaic of flooded (várzea and igapó) and unflooded (terra firme) forest in central Amazonia. In total, 12 primate species occurred in the study area, nine of which were observed in mixed-species associations. Primates were more than twice as likely to form associations in várzea forest than in terra firme forest. Squirrel monkeys were most frequently found in mixed-species groups in all forest types, most commonly in association with brown capuchins. Another frequent member of interspecific associations was the buffy saki, which often formed mixed-species groups with tamarins or brown capuchins. There was no seasonality in the frequency of associations in terra firme forest whereas associations in várzea forest were twice as frequent during the late-dry and early-wet seasons than in the late-wet and early-dry seasons. Interspecific primate associations were common in all forest types, but the degrees to which different species associate varied between these environments. We suggest that the temporal variation of várzea forest associations is connected with seasonal changes in habitat structure and resource abundance. However, more work is needed to pinpoint the underlying causes of mixed-species associations in all forest types and their strong seasonality in várzea forest.     

Cloud Forest Bird Responses to Unusually Severe Storm Damage1

In 1998, storms related to Hurricane Isis caused extensive gaps in the cloud forest of El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico, where severe storms are infrequent. We examined how this disturbance affected bird species composition. Species richness and composition were similar both between pre‐ and post‐disturbance forest and between newly created gaps and plots that remained forested after the hurricane. However, differences in response guilds were greater between pre‐ and post‐disturbance plots than between forest plots with gaps after disturbance. Granivorous, omnivorous, and terrestrial species were more abundant before the hurricane, whereas insectivorous, midstory, and generalist foragers were more abundant after the hurricane. In addition, species with high sensitivity to disturbance were more abundant in the pre‐disturbance forest, while low sensitivity species were more abundant after disturbance. In the post‐disturbance forest, insectivorous species were most abundant in gaps and terrestrial‐canopy foragers were most abundant in forest plots. Permanently open areas had significantly lower species richness, but had lowland generalist and second‐growth species not present in the cloud forest. Results suggest that changes in species composition were not limited to the newly created gaps, but also affected the whole forest. The decline of high sensitivity species after disturbance supports the hypothesis that disturbance negatively affects specialists and benefits generalist species. Although there is evidence that natural communities tend to return to pre‐disturbance conditions, changes in community structure could be aggravated if recurrent hurricanes occur before succession takes place.     

Seasonality and landscape use by Tabanidae species (Diptera) in the Central Amazon, Brazil

Adults of Tabanidae may become serious pests wherever they occur due to their attack to humans and others animals. Tabanids were captured near ground, water surface and at 25 m high on primary forests and forest gaps of anthropogenic origin, to understand their abundance, seasonality, diversity and similarity on such environments. Collections were carried out in the Base II of the War Instruction Center in the Jungle (CIGS) located at 54 km from Manaus municipality, Amazonas state. Two Malaise flight interception traps and four attraction traps (two suspended at 25 m high and two above the water surface of igarapé) were installed in forest gap and primary forest, areas for 10 consecutive days, during 15 months. A total of 2,643 specimens of 66 species were captured. Diachlorini (35 species /11 genera) was the most abundant tribe, followed by Tabanini (19 species /three genera), Chrysopsini (seven species /one genus) and Scionini (five species /two genera). Seventeen species were captured only in the primary forest, 11 in the anthropic clearing, and 38 species were common to both environments. The most abundant species were Phorcotabanus cinereus (Wiedemann), Tabanus occidentalis L, Chrysops laetus Fabricius and Tabanus angustifrons Macquart. The greatest richness was found in drier months (September/October) in both areas. Theforest gap showed higher abundance of specimens (1,827) than the primary forest (816). Traps suspended above the water surface were the most efficient (1,723 specimens) probably due to the dispersion of horseflies over small streams.     

Seasonal and Spatial Patterns in Ground Foraging Ants in a Rain Forest in the Western Ghats,India1

Seasonal variation and spatial distribution in ground foraging rain forest ants were studied in South Kannada–Kodagu District in Karnataka (India) between 1990 and 1991 by pit-fall trap sampling. All ant species showed marked seasonality. A total of 31 species were recorded from the primary forest over a period of two years. More species were recorded from the closed canopy forest than from tree fall gaps in primary forest. All ant species showed marked seasonality with fewer species and individuals sampled/plot during the wetter seasons. The numerically dominant species, Pheidole sp., was markedly lower in abundance during the wet seasons. Spatial patterns were also studied during a dry season both in the primary forest and an adjacent logged forest. More species were recorded from the logged forest than the primary forest. Community composition in primary forest was different from that in logged forest. Common species were more ubiquitous than rarer species. Species were distributed bimodally across sampling plots. Probable underlying processes behind these seasonal and spatial patterns have been discussed.