State-of-knowledge on Amburana cearensis (Fr. Allem.) A.C. Smith (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) for genetic conservation in Brazil

This study explores the basis for conservation action on Amburana cearensis (Fr. Allem.) A.C. Smith (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae), a wide-ranging forest species occurring in Brazil, notably in the Caatinga and Cerrado regions, and other South American countries. It offers insight into the taxon through structured reviews of knowledge of its biology, ecology, silviculture and management. Widely scattered published reports are critically considered and efforts made to highlight and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies therein. Information about this species is scanty and scattered, particularly in respect to its biology and ecology. Because little effort has been applied to its domestication and improvement, knowledge of its silviculture and management is meagre. The taxon is typical of open and deciduous forest in the Caatinga and Cerrado. Gaps in current knowledge relevant for conservation are identified and steps to fill them proposed. Where in situ conservation proved to be more appropriate, recommendations are made for the location of additional protected areas. Ex situ and enrichment conservation action is highly recommended for specific parts of the range where resource losses are already so extensive that in situ measures alone are inadvisable. Provision for refining the limited management and conservation knowledge is made through highlighting priorities for study of the taxon. Finally, future action is discussed in the context of the infrastructure of the national conservation sector.     

State-of-knowledge on Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allemão (Anacardiaceae) for genetic conservation in Brazil

This study explores the basis for conservation action on Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allemão (Anacardiaceae). This is a wide-ranging forest species occurring in Brazil and other South American countries, notably in the Cerrado region. This paper aims to provide a structured review of available knowledge of its biology, ecology, silviculture and management. Widely-scattered published reports have been critically considered and efforts made to highlight and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies. Information about this species is scanty and scattered, particularly in respect to its biology and ecology. Some effort has been applied to its domestication and improvement, but opinion on its silviculture and management is still controversial. The taxon is typical of open and deciduous forest in the Cerrado. Gaps in current knowledge relevant for conservation are identified and steps to fill them proposed. Where in situ conservation proved to be more appropriate, recommendations are made for the location of additional protected areas. Complementary ex situ and enrichment conservation actions are suggested for specific parts of the range where resource losses are already so extensive that in situ measures alone are inadvisable. Opportunities for refining the limited management and conservation knowledge are proposed by highlighting priorities for study of the taxon. Finally, future action is discussed in the context of the infrastructure of the national conservation sector.     

巴西植物遗传资源保护与对外交流管理

巴西拥有高等植物55000种,居世界第一。植被分为6个区系,即亚马逊雨林、塞拉多(Cerrado)稀树草原、卡廷加(Caatinga)旱生植被、大西洋雨林、南方森林草原和潘塔纳尔(Pantanal)湿地植被。已建立554个原生境保护区和126个基因库,保存植物遗传资源25万份。对外交流由巴西农业科学院(EMBRAPA)遗传资源与生物技术中心(CENARGEN)统一管理。     

Resprouting Ability of Dry Forest Tree Species after Disturbance Does Not Relate to Propagation Possibility by Stem and Root Cuttings

Tropical dry forest tree species are recognized for their high resprouting ability after disturbance. We tested whether species that commonly produce root and stem suckers can be propagated by large stem and root cuttings, a useful method for landscape restoration programs. We performed four experiments: (1) In a greenhouse, we tested the propagation of six species using large stem cuttings collected from early successional sites. We used the following treatments: (i) dry season collection and planting; (ii) dry season collection, storage in humid soil, and wet season planting; (iii) wet season collection and planting; and (iv) wet season collection and planting after treatment with commercial NAA auxin. (2) Stem cuttings of Myracrodruon urundeuva were planted in a pasture during the rainy season after either NAA, IBA, or no auxin treatment. (3) As a control experiment, we also planted cuttings of Spondias mombin, a species known for successfully regenerating from cuttings. (4) Root cuttings of six species were collected in recently plowed pastures and planted in the greenhouse with and without treatment with NAA auxin. No root cuttings rooted. Only M. urundeuva and Astronium fraxinifolium stem cuttings rooted. Maximum success was obtained for stem cuttings collected and planted in the dry season (23%). Only 13% of M. urundeuva had sprouted by the 15th month of the field experiment. As a result, large cuttings are not recommended for propagation of the studied species. Future studies should include development of suitable methods of root harvesting and prospection of traditional knowledge for species selection.     

Genetic diversity in Atlantic Forest trees: fragmentation effects on Astronium graveolens (Anacardiaceae) and Metrodorea nigra (Rutaceae), species with distinct seed dispersal strategies

We explore the genetic structure and variability in autochorous Metrodorea nigra (Rutaceae) and anemochorous Astronium graveolens (Anacardiaceae), two species affected by deforestation in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The effects of deforestation and the depletion of the habitat within the remaining patches of forest are evaluated by comparing the variability between saplings and adults of each of these two species. The results indicate that the depletion of forest land and the deteriorating condition of the remaining fragments of forest may reduce the level of endogamous breeding in wind‐dispersed species. In autochorous species, the fragmentation of forest land has less notable effects on genetic attributes, but pollen flow could be decreased as a result of the reduced number of insects flying between the forest remnants. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 164 , 326–336.     

Biodiversity conservation and systemic silviculture: Concepts and applications

Abstract

Classic silviculture and management, with the aim of predicting regeneration rate and producing a constant yield of merchantable wood, have simplified many forests, often transforming natural forests into plantations or coppices. To conserve forest complexity and biodiversity, silviculture and forest management should change the reference paradigm and consider forest ecosystems as complex biological systems characterized by the inherent unpredictability of their trajectories in a continuously changing environment. The new Management Plan for the Vallombrosa Forest (Florence, Italy), a State Nature Reserve and a Natura 2000 Site, is based on this approach. The aim is the gradual evolution of the pure silver fir stands toward mixed stands with a complex structure. Most of the species considered by Natura 2000 depend on an increase of structural diversity at different space and time scales. The management approach proposed by the new plan is coherent with this aim and thus biodiversity conservation is not in conflict with forest management but is, instead, a direct consequence of the systemic approach.     

Comparing forest structure and biodiversity on private and public land: secondary tropical dry forests in Costa Rica

Secondary forests constitute a substantial proportion of tropical forestlands. These forests occur on both public and private lands and different underlying environmental variables and management regimes may affect post‐abandonment successional processes and resultant forest structure and biodiversity. We examined whether differences in ownership led to differences in forest structure, tree diversity, and tree species composition across a gradient of soil fertility and forest age. We collected soil samples and surveyed all trees in 82 public and 66 private 0.1‐ha forest plots arrayed across forest age and soil gradients in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We found that soil fertility appeared to drive the spatial structure of public vs. private ownership; public conservation lands appeared to be non‐randomly located on areas of lower soil fertility. On private lands, areas of crops/pasture appeared to be non‐randomly located on higher soil fertility areas while forests occupied areas of lower soil fertility. We found that forest structure and tree species diversity did not differ significantly between public and private ownership. However, public and private forests differed in tree species composition: 11 percent were more prevalent in public forest and 7 percent were more prevalent in private forest. Swietenia macrophylla, Cedrela odorata, and Astronium graveolens were more prevalent in public forests likely because public forests provide stronger protection for these highly prized timber species. Guazuma ulmifolia was the most abundant tree in private forests likely because this species is widely consumed and dispersed by cattle. Furthermore, some compositional differences appear to result from soil fertility differences due to non‐random placement of public and private land holdings with respect to soil fertility. Land ownership creates a distinctive species composition signature that is likely the result of differences in soil fertility and management between the ownership types. Both biophysical and social variables should be considered to advance understanding of tropical secondary forest structure and biodiversity.     

Ecosystem Disturbances and Diversity Increase: Implications for Invertebrate Conservation

The Pantanal is one of the faunistic provinces considered as a priority area for invertebrate conservation. However, it is one of the areas in Brazil where the local fauna is less assessed, thus needing more scientific information that could allow political decisions to be made regarding conservation. The continuous pressure for new pasture areas leads to improper habitat occupation and destruction, like fragmentation of forest areas in the region. Such alterations can cause different impacts on the local fauna, including the soil arthropods. The main objective of this work was to compare the morphospecies composition, diversity and density of the soil arthropod fauna between a secondary single species forest (Cambarazal) and a cultivated pasture with exotic and native grass species, using only pitfall traps as sampling method. We found a great variation on the vegetal cover among environments. A higher humidity in the forest soil was observed, as well as a greater compaction of the soil in the cultivated pasture. A total of 3635 individuals were collected, belonging to 214 different morphospecies. 139 morphospecies were collected in the forest (37% exclusive to this environment), while 134 morphospecies were collected in the cultivated pasture (35% exclusive). The diversity was higher in the forest (H′ = 1.634) than in the cultivated pasture (H′ = 1.253). However, considering the area as a whole (forest and pasture) the global diversity was increased. In this paper we discuss about the effects of environmental changes on soil arthropod diversity and propose a hypothetical model for invertebrate management in mosaic ecosystems.     

Mapuche perceptions and conservation of Andean <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nothofagus</Emphasis> forests and their medicinal plants: a case study from a rural community in Patagonia,Argentina

In a Mapuche community situated in the sub-antarctic forest of the northwest of Argentine Patagonia, analysis was carried out on forest environmental perception and its relation to the resilience of the body of traditional botanical knowledge regarding medicinal plants. Data was obtained on the ethno-classification and differential use of the forest gathering environment with respect to its practical and cultural value. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 30 randomly chosen inhabitants, and the data were analysed using qualitative methods and non-parametric statistics. Most citations (64.5%) were of species gathered in Nothofagus antarctica forest, 26.2% were of species from N. pumilio forest, and 20.3% referred to species from a mixed forest, with N. dombeyi. The forests studied have low values for similarity in terms of medicinal species richness, indicating a unique offer of therapeutic resources in each one. The use of the different forest types seems to be associated with the search for therapeutic resources for specific ailments. However, the redundancy of functions of species in each forest type can offer alternative remedies, which provides plant conservation, security and the possibility of reorganisation of their traditional medicinal knowledge. This case study showed the importance of considering folk systems and the role that this knowledge has played in plant resource management and forest protection. Different forests are used and valued differentially, not only with regard to usefulness but also in symbolic-religious terms, and together they fulfil a cushioning function, protecting holistically traditional botanical knowledge, people’s health and forests. It is of great importance, therefore, that conservation policies favouring environmental heterogeneity are implemented, and that local inhabitants participate in the development of management plans.     

Brazil's neglected biome: The South Brazilian Campos

The South Brazilian grasslands occupy some 13.7 million ha and support very high levels of biodiversity. This paper reviews the current state of ecological knowledge on South Brazilian Campos and of threats and challenges associated with their conservation. The principal factors shaping grassland physiognomy and diversity are discussed, and information is presented on diversity of plant species; best estimates suggest that 3000–4000 phanerophytes occur in the South Brazilian grasslands.It is argued that, despite their high species richness, Campos vegetation is not adequately protected under current conservation policies. In the past three decades, approximately 25% of the grassland area has been lost due to land use changes, and this trend continues. However, representation of Campos grasslands in conservation units is extremely low (less than 0.5%), and the management in most of these is inadequate to preserve the grasslands, as grazing and fire are important factors for their persistence. In conclusion, the following urgent needs are identified: (1) to create more conservation units in different regions, including different grassland types throughout southern Brazil, (2) to develop proper management strategies where grasslands are subject to shrub encroachment and forest expansion, (3) to conduct research on biodiversity and ecological processes in the Campos region and (4) to raise public awareness of the value and vulnerability of this vegetation type.     

Expression of stress-related genes in zebrawood (Astronium fraxinifolium,Anacardiaceae) seedlings following germination in microgravity

Seeds of a tropical tree species from Brazil, Astronium fraxinifolium, or zebrawood, were germinated, for the first time in microgravity, aboard the International Space Station for nine days. Following three days of subsequent growth under normal terrestrial gravitational conditions, greater root length and numbers of secondary roots was observed in the microgravity-treated seedlings compared to terrestrially germinated controls. Suppression subtractive hybridization of cDNA and EST analysis were used to detect differential gene expression in the microgravity-treated seedlings in comparison to those initially grown in normal gravity (forward subtraction). Despite their return to, and growth in normal gravity, the subtracted library derived from microgravity-treated seedlings was enriched in known microgravity stress-related ESTs, corresponding to large and small heat shock proteins, 14-3-3-like protein, polyubiquitin, and proteins involved in glutathione metabolism. In contrast, the reverse-subtracted library contained a comparatively greater variety of general metabolism-related ESTs, but was also enriched for peroxidase, possibly indicating the suppression of this protein in the microgravity-treated seedlings. Following continued growth for 30 days, higher concentrations of total chlorophyll were detected in the microgravity-exposed seedlings.     

Length–weight relationship of Rhinobatos horkelii Müller & Henle, 1841 and Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) off Brazil,southwestern Atlantic Ocean

This study reports the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for two elasmobranch species, Rhinobatos horkelii Müller & Henle, 1841 and Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller & Henle, 1841) collected from the southwestern Atlantic, off Brazil. Both are considered endangered species. The LWR data can be taken into consideration for further management and conservation plans.     

Traditional Knowledge and Management of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Feijoa (Acca sellowiana)</Emphasis> in Southern Brazil

Traditional Knowledge and Management of Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) in Southern Brazil. This paper investigates traditional knowledge of the use and management of Acca sellowiana in southern Brazil. Fifty-six informants from three rural communities were assigned to one of four subgroups (“maintainers,” “managers,” “cultivators,” or “users”) based on their responses regarding management and use of A. sellowiana. Traditional knowledge related to use of this species is widespread among rural residents, but traditional knowledge related to management is fragmented depending on whether one uses, manages, or cultivates the species. Knowledge held in rural communities suggests that A. sellowiana could play an expanded role in local economies as well as biodiversity conservation. We suggest that participatory research could stimulate greater local use as well as on-farm conservation of A. sellowiana.     

Can Biospecimen Science Expedite the Ex Situ Conservation of Plants in Megadiverse Countries? A Focus on the Flora of Brazil

Increasing the number of species conserved ex situ in Megadiverse countries is a major task exacerbated by many intricate factors including: biome complexity, wide range of biodiversity and an incomplete knowledge of life cycles, reproductive strategies, adaptations and species interactions. Although, establishing safe reserves is a crucial conservation measure their security and effective maintenance can be unfavourably compromised by climate change and the risks incurred by socioeconomic instability and changes in land use. Anthropogenic impacts, non-sustainable practices and habitat erosion have motivated current international efforts which focused on Brazil as host of ‘Rio+20’ the United Nation's twentieth anniversary conference on sustainable development. The revised targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) are responses to species decline and realizing Target 8, which concerns ex situ conservation, places the heaviest burdens on countries that are custodians of the highest levels of global biodiversity. At the scientific level, ex situ conservation of endemic species in genebanks is often hindered by a lack of information about molecular genetics and problematic (recalcitrant) storage behaviors that restrict the preservation of flora native to Megadiverse countries. The potential for applying the ‘Biospecimen Science’ paradigm in expediting conservation in biodiversity-rich biomes is considered using Brazil as an exemplar of a Megadiverse country. The impacts of process chains on the quality of preserved plant germplasm and using evidence-based research to improve conservation outcomes, risk and quality management systems are appraised. The Biospecimen Science approach is not intended to displace conventional conservation practices but rather, to enhance their effectiveness in terms of the scale and efficiency of their scientific and technical operations.     

Forest biodiversity in a changing climate: which logic for conservation strategies?

Climate change has direct and indirect impacts on forest ecosystems worldwide. In this context, changing site conditions and altered disturbance regimes as well as forest management responses are challenging the conservation of biodiversity in forests. Climate-induced dynamics and uncertainties related to future forest ecosystem development are calling into question current conservation strategies and concepts. Given the longevity of trees, slow development rates of forest ecosystems and slow migration rates of many forest species, the planning of adaptation measures in response to climate change are especially difficult though highly important for forest biodiversity conservation. This paper introduces a special issue with eight contributions which deal with a variety of aspects of forest biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change. More specifically, the papers address direct impacts of climate change on forest biodiversity, adaptation measures for forest and conservation management, as well as resulting challenges for conservation strategies and concepts. In conclusion, adaptation measures that enhance diversity and provide different options for future action, thereby maintaining ecosystems’ resilience, as well as conservation management operating on a landscape level, are promoted as being beneficial for coping with uncertainties related to climate change. Adaptive management, which constantly reviews conservation goals and measures, and which takes into account both science-based and local ecological knowledge on climate change can be a valuable tool to inform decisions for forest biodiversity conservation.     

Overexploitation and anthropogenic disturbances threaten the genetic diversity of an economically important neotropical palm

The Caatinga biome is one of the largest areas of the South American seasonally dry tropical forest that has been severely affected by unsustainable natural resource use. Furthermore, the biome has been identified as an ecologically sensitive region that is particularly susceptible to climate changes. One of the most economically important native palm tree for traditional communities from the semi-arid Caatinga is the carnauba palm, Copernicia prunifera, which offers diverse natural resources, yet its natural populations suffer intense exploitation. To inform conservation and population management strategies, we sought to determine if remaining natural populations of this species in an intensively exploited area in Northeast Brazil displayed evidence of negative genetic impacts because of exploitation and how this might interact with expected environmental changes. Mantel’s test revealed a positive and significant correlation between geographic and genetic distances, suggesting natural populations are structured by isolation by distance, while also experiencing genetic barriers as identified through Monmonier's algorithm. The studied populations showed evidence of genetic bottlenecks, while future climate scenarios suggest that potentially suitable habitats for C. prunifera within its native range will be reduced. Significant genetic differentiation among populations resulted in three distinct genetic groups which are consistent with ecological niche modelling. In addition to the need for in situ conservation of C. prunifera populations to minimize the loss of important alleles, the creation of germplasm banks for ex situ conservation and strategies for developing planted productive forests are urgently required to maintain natural populations and ensure sustainability resources for traditional communities.

     

Indigenous Knowledge and Management of Araucaria Araucana Forest in the Chilean Andes: Implications for Native Forest Conservation

Southern Chile experienced serious deforestation during the past century and it is projected that by the year 2025 Chile will be devoid of native forests. One of the most important endemic tree species of the country and at the same time one of the most endangered ones is Araucaria araucana (Mol.) C. Koch, the monkey-puzzle tree. It grows in the Andes Mountains, homeland of the indigenous Mapuche Pewenche people who depend on this tree. This paper is based on participatory field research with a Mapuche Pewenche community in the southern Chilean Andes on their ecological knowledge, values, use and management of the Araucaria araucana forest. It attempts to reveal how indigenous people and their knowledge contribute to the sustainable management of these forests. The paper (1) illustrates the complexity of indigenous ecological knowledge of Araucaria araucana and its efficacy in native forest management, (2) explores the link between the conservation and use of biodiversity by the indigenous people, and (3) provides answers relevant to native forest management and conservation strategies ex-situ and in-situ incorporating indigenous and scientific knowledge, thus providing a contribution towards integrated natural resource management.     

Length‐weight relationships for 15 fish species from Atlantic rain forest streams,southeastern Brazil

Length‐weight relationships were determined for 15 fish species from the tributary Atlantic rain forest steams that drain into Sepetiba Bay, southeastern Brazil. This is the first record of length‐weight relationships for 12 of these species and new maximum lengths for four species. These results will be useful for management and conservation of this area of the Atlantic rain forest drainages.     

森林遗传资源保护研究进展

森林遗传资源的保护事关现代及后代的利益,已引起全球的极大关注,自70年代以来,就地保护与迁地保护作为主要的战略在森林遗传资源保护实践中使用。一般来说森林遗传资源的就地保护可以通过建立自然保护区来实现。迁地保护主要包括种子库、田间基因库、种子园及细胞或组织培养等技术。就地保护和迁地保护应当相互补充,两者结合使用是保存森林遗传多样性的有效方法。对森林遗传资源保护战略的选择以及因贸易而濒危的热带材用树及其保护问题也作了简要评述。