Dynamic organization of two agroforestry systems in the semi-arid region of Paraíba and their contribution to improving the socio-economic conditions of farming families / Caracterização e organização dinâmica de dois sistemas agroflorestais no semiárido paraibano e sua contribuição para melhoria das condições socioeconômicas de famílias agricultoras

ABSTRACT: The socio-economic vulnerability of family farmers in Brazilian semi-arid regions, combined with the intense degradation of the Caatinga biome, entails the use of alternatives that allow people to remain in the countryside while recovering the environment. Are agroforestry systems (AFS), which are based on the ecological, economic, and social interactions existing in a production system, an alternative? The present study described the structure, organization, and floristic composition of two AFS and analyzed the soil fertility of the two AFSimplanted in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. This study revealed that the farmers consider the AFS to be less harmful to the environment as it provides greater protection to the soil and better-qualityfood. Thegreatest challenges wereobtaining water during drought season and the need foran extra workforce. Nevertheless, the produce from these systemswas sufficient to provide for the families. Several varieties of fruit species were found in both the AFS studied, and Malpighia emarginata (acerola) was the most predominant. The soils of the two AFS presented a practically neutral pH the and high percentage of base saturation,thereby falling under the category of eutrophic soil with high fertility, and are ideal for growingany type of crop.

RESUMO: A vulnerabilidade socioeconômica dos agricultores familiares no semiárido brasileiro aliado à intensa degradação do bioma caatinga requer o emprego de alternativas que propiciem a permanência do homem no campo, ao mesmo tempo em que recupere o meio ambiente. Os Sistemas Agroflorestais (SAFs) que estão fundamentados nas interações ecológicas, econômicas e sociais existentes em um sistema de produção, são alternativas? O presente estudo tem como objetivos descrever a estrutura, a composição florística e a organização de dois SAFs implantados no sertão paraibano, bem como analisar a fertilidade dos solos das propriedades sob estes sistemas. Este trabalho verificou que os agricultores consideram que os SAFs proporcionam menos agressão ao meio ambiente, maior proteção ao solo e alimentação de qualidade, além da manutenção das famílias com a produção. As duas maiores dificuldades são a obtenção de água nos períodos de estiagem e mão de obra auxiliar. Nos dois SAFs estudados, há uma maior quantidade de espécies frutíferas, sendo a Malpighia emarginata (acerola) a de maior predominância. Os solos dos dois SAFs apresentam pH praticamente neutro e elevado percentual de saturação por base, sendo considerados eutróficos, com alto nível de fertilidade e ideal para o estabelecimento de agricultura.

Dynamic organization of two agroforestry systems in the semi-arid region of Paraíba and their contribution to improving the socio-economic conditions of farming families / Caracterização e organização dinâmica de dois sistemas agroflorestais no semiárido paraibano e sua contribuição para melhoria das condições socioeconômicas de famílias agricultoras

The socio-economic vulnerability of family farmers in Brazilian semi-arid regions, combined with the intense degradation of the Caatinga biome, entails the use of alternatives that allow people to remain in the countryside while recovering the environment. Are agroforestry systems (AFS), which are based on the ecological, economic, and social interactions existing in a production system, an alternative? The present study described the structure, organization, and floristic composition of two AFS and analyzed the soil fertility of the two AFSimplanted in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. This study revealed that the farmers consider the AFS to be less harmful to the environment as it provides greater protection to the soil and better-qualityfood. Thegreatest challenges wereobtaining water during drought season and the need foran extra workforce. Nevertheless, the produce from these systemswas sufficient to provide for the families. Several varieties of fruit species were found in both the AFS studied, and Malpighia emarginata (acerola) was the most predominant. The soils of the two AFS presented a practically neutral pH the and high percentage of base saturation,thereby falling under the category of eutrophic soil with high fertility, and are ideal for growingany type of crop.

A vulnerabilidade socioeconômica dos agricultores familiares no semiárido brasileiro aliado à intensa degradação do bioma caatinga requer o emprego de alternativas que propiciem a permanência do homem no campo, ao mesmo tempo em que recupere o meio ambiente. Os Sistemas Agroflorestais (SAFs) que estão fundamentados nas interações ecológicas, econômicas e sociais existentes em um sistema de produção, são alternativas? O presente estudo tem como objetivos descrever a estrutura, a composição florística e a organização de dois SAFs implantados no sertão paraibano, bem como analisar a fertilidade dos solos das propriedades sob estes sistemas. Este trabalho verificou que os agricultores consideram que os SAFs proporcionam menos agressão ao meio ambiente, maior proteção ao solo e alimentação de qualidade, além da manutenção das famílias com a produção. As duas maiores dificuldades são a obtenção de água nos períodos de estiagem e mão de obra auxiliar. Nos dois SAFs estudados, há uma maior quantidade de espécies frutíferas, sendo a Malpighia emarginata (acerola) a de maior predominância. Os solos dos dois SAFs apresentam pH praticamente neutro e elevado percentual de saturação por base, sendo considerados eutróficos, com alto nível de fertilidade e ideal para o estabelecimento de agricultura.

Ecomorphology and functional diversity of generalist and specialist bird assemblages in Amazonian whitesand ecosystem habitat patches / Ecomorfologia e diversidade funcional de assembleias de aves generalistas e especialistas em manchas de habitat de ecossistema de areia branca na Amazônia

Birds that inhabit white-sand ecosystems (WSE) in the Amazon are adapted to habitats distributed as isolated patches. These environments occur in sandy soils that are extremely poor in nutrients, have low floristic diversity and support bird assemblages restricted to WSE. We investigated whether bird species specialized in WSE have morphological or ecological traits that distinguish them from generalist birds that share the same habitat but are not restricted to WSE. We collected morphological and ecological data from 22 specialist and 102 generalist bird species from WSE and described their ecomorphological diversity using multivariate analyses and measures of functional diversity. Understory insectivorous species that move alone or in pairs, were the group with the most species among specialist birds from WSE. In contrast, canopy frugivorous species that form mono- or heterospecific groups were more frequent among generalist species. Specialist and generalist birds overlapped extensively in ecomorphological space, with specialists occupying a narrower space compared to generalists. Functional diversity, however, was not different between specialist and generalist species when controlling for the number of species within the communities. Further studies comparing the ecomorphological diversity of bird assemblages of other environments in the Amazon may highlight the ecological pressures leading to the functional diversity of specialist species in WSE observed in this study.(AU)

As aves que habitam os ecossistemas de areia branca (EAB) na Amazônia estão adaptadas a habitats distribuídos em manchas isoladas. Esses ambientes ocorrem em solos arenosos extremamente pobres em nutrientes, possuem baixa diversidade florística e suportam assembleias de aves restritas a EAB. Investigamos se espécies de aves especializadas em EAB possuem características morfológicas ou ecológicas que as distinguem de aves generalistas que compartilham o mesmo habitat, mas não estão restritas a EAB. Coletamos dados morfológicos e ecológicos de 22 espécies de aves especialistas e 102 generalistas de EAB, e descrevemos sua diversidade ecomorfológica usando análises multivariadas e medidas de diversidade funcional. Espécies insetívoras do sub-bosque que se movem solitárias ou em pares foram o grupo com maior número de espécies dentro das aves especialistas da EAB. Em contraste, espécies frugívoras de dossel que formam grupos mono ou heteroespecíficos foram mais frequentes entre as espécies generalistas. Aves especialistas e generalistas sobrepuseram-se extensivamente no espaço ecomorfológico, com especialistas ocupando um espaço mais estreito em comparação com generalistas. A diversidade funcional, no entanto, não foi diferente entre espécies especialistas e generalistas ao controlar o número de espécies dentro das comunidades. Estudos futuros comparando a diversidade ecomorfológica de assembleias de aves de outros ambientes na Amazônia podem destacar as pressões ecológicas que levam à diversidade funcional de espécies especialistas em EAB observadas neste estudo.(AU)

Floristic and functional diversity of ferns and lycophytes at three elevational zones in the eastern slopes of the northern Andes, Ecuador / Diversidad florística y funcional de helechos y licófitos en tres zonas de elevación en la ladera oriental del noreste de los Andes, Ecuador

The northeastern slope of the Andes is an area of high diversity of ferns and lycophytes. In this study we assessed the diversity patterns of ferns and lycophytes in ten 250 m x 2 m plots installed at three elevational zones, from 418 to 3447 m.a.s.l., in the Napo province of Ecuador. Floristic diversity was measured using Hill numbers and by partitioning species diversity. Three functional diversity indices were calculated from a set of five leaf traits and weighted by species abundance: functional richness (FRic), evenness (FEve) and divergence (FDiv). To disentangle functional diversity from species richness, the standardized effect size (SES) of each index was also calculated. We recorded 148 species, Polypodiaceae and Dryopteridaceae being the most representative families. Species richness continuously decreased with elevation. Floristic composition was highly heterogeneous among elevation zones, with total species turnover found between 1500 and 2000 m.a.s.l. SES-FDiv and SES-FEve were higher than the null expectation for plots at mid-elevations, suggesting that deterministic mechanisms, such as biotic or abiotic filters, could explain assemblage composition at these sites. However, SES-FEve, SES-FRic and SES-FDiv did not differ from the null expectations at low and high elevation sites, suggesting the predominance of a stochastic process. By combining floristic and functional diversity, we were able to infer the observed community patterns with the resource-use strategies of fern and lycophytes in a mountain area, an approach that can be used to understand how assemblages might react to changing environmental conditions.(AU)

La vertiente noreste de los Andes del Ecuador tiene alta diversidad de helechos y licófitos. En este estudio describimos patrones de diversidad de estos grupos en diez parcelas de 250 m x 2 m instaladas en tres zonas altitudinales, de 418 a 3447 m.s.n.m., en la provincia de Napo, Ecuador. La diversidad se calculó utilizando los números de Hill y particionando la diversidad de especies. Tres índices de diversidad funcional fueron estimados a partir de cinco atributos de las hojas ponderados por la abundancia de las especies: riqueza (FRic), uniformidad (FEve) y divergencia (FDiv). Para separar la diversidad funcional de la riqueza, se calculó el tamaño del efecto estandarizado (SES) de cada índice. Registramos 148 especies, siendo Polypodiaceae y Dryopteridaceae las familias más representativas. La riqueza disminuyó continuamente en el gradiente altitudinal. La composición de la comunidad tuvo un cambio total de especies entre 1500 y 2000 m.s.n.m. En parcelas intermedias, SES-FDiv y SES-FEve registraron valores más altos de lo esperado por el modelo nulo, lo que sugiere que los mecanismos deterministas, como los filtros bióticos y abióticos, podrían explicar el ensamble en estas comunidades. En parcelas de altitudes bajas y altas los tres índices no difirieron del valor nulo, lo que sugiere que predominan procesos estocásticos. Al combinar composición florística y diversidad funcional, pudimos identificar patrones de diversidad y estrategias de uso de recursos de helechos y licófitos. Este enfoque se puede utilizar para comprender cómo el ensamble de las comunidades es afectado por la variación en las condiciones ambientales.(AU)

The role of topographic-derived hydrological variables in explaining plant species distributions in Amazonia / O papel de variáveis hidrológicas derivadas da topografia em explicar a distribuição de espécies de plantas na Amazônia

In Amazonian terra-firme non inundated forests, local floristic composition and species occurrence are explained by water availability as determined by topographic conditions. Topographic complexity can render these conditions quite variable across the landscape and the effects on plant ecological responses are difficult to document. We used a set of topographically defined hydrological metrics to evaluate community composition and single-species responses of four plant groups [pteridophytes (ferns and lycophytes), Melastomataceae, palms (Arecaceae) and Zingiberales] to topographic conditions in the middle Juruá River region, in western Brazilian Amazonia. The area spans two geological formations (Içá and Solimões) with contrasting topography. River terraces are also found along the main rivers in the area. Local topographic conditions were approximated by height above the nearest drainage (HAND), slope, and Strahler´s drainage order, all obtained from a SRTM digital elevation model (DEM). Data were analyzed using linear and generalized linear mixed models and regression trees. HAND was most successful in explaining floristic composition for all plant groups, except for Melastomataceae, and was more important in the hilly Içá formation than in the Solimões. Individual occurrences of 57% species were predicted by at least one of the topographic variables, suggesting a marked habitat specialization along topographic gradients. For these species, response models using SRTM-DEM-derived variables gave similar results than models using field-measured topography only. Our results suggest that topographical variables estimated from remote sensing can be used to predict local variation in the structure of plant communities in tropical forests.(AU)

Nas florestas de terra firme não inundáveis da Amazônia, a composição florística e a ocorrência de espécies podem ser explicadas pela disponibilidade hídrica relacionada com a topografia. Dada a complexidade topográfica, a disponibilidade de água pode ser bastante variável e seus efeitos na resposta das plantas, difícil de documentar. Neste estudo avaliamos as respostas individuais de espécie de quatro grupos de plantas [pteridófitas (samambaias e licófitas), Melastomataceae, palmeiras (Arecaceae) e Zingiberales] às condições topográficas na região do médio Rio Juruá, no oeste da Amazônia brasileira. A área abrange duas formações geológicas (Içá e Solimões) com topografias contrastantes. Terraços fluviais também são encontrados ao longo dos rios principais. As condições topográficas foram medidas usando a altura acima da drenagem mais próxima (HAND), declividade e ordem de drenagem de Strahler, todas obtidas a partir de um modelo digital de elevação SRTM-DEM. Os dados foram analisados usando modelos lineares generalizados mistos e árvores de regressão. HAND foi a principal variável explicativa da composição florística para todos os grupos de plantas, exceto Melastomataceae, tendo maior efeito na formação Içá do que na Solimões. Ocorrências individuais de 57% das espécies foram explicadas por pelo menos uma das variáveis, sugerindo uma especialização marcada de habitat ao longo de gradientes topográficos. Para essas espécies, modelos usando variáveis derivadas do SRTM-DEM deram resultados semelhantes aos modelos usando apenas a topografia medida em campo, o que indicam que variáveis topográficas derivadas do SRTM-DEM podem ser usadas para prever variações locais na estrutura de comunidades de plantas em florestas tropicais.(AU)

Fire effects on Atlantic Forest sites from a composition, structure and functional perspective / Efeitos do fogo na Mata Atlântica por meio de uma abordagem de composição, estrutura e funcional

Recently, some portions of the Atlantic Forest biome have been suffering an increase in forest fires, possibly changing its vegetation cover, composition, structure and functioning. Understanding these changes is critical to evaluate the present and future response of tropical forests to fire. Thus, the purpose of our study was to evaluate how diversity, structure and functioning of tree communities differed between burned and unburned sites. Two unburned and two burned forest patches were selected for floristic and phytosociological surveys. Then, we calculated species richness, Shannon diversity index, tree density and basal area, Importance Value Index for trees in each site and we assessed community weighted mean of six functional traits (maximum tree height, wood density, leaf length, leaf deciduousness, shade tolerance and dispersal mode). Diversity, species richness, tree density and basal area were similar between sites. We found changes in floristic composition, but did not verified variations in functional traits. Results indicate that recovery may be fast and that pioneer and early secondary species are occupying post burned sites (nine years old). One-time anthropogenic, superficial and low intensity fires might disrupt advanced stages of succession and start again the dynamics of species substitution.

Recentemente, algumas regiões do bioma Mata Atlântica têm sofrido com um aumento de incêndios, possivelmente modificando sua cobertura vegetal, composição, estrutura e funcionalidade. Compreender essas mudanças é imprescindível para avaliar as respostas, no presente e futuro, das florestas tropicais ao fogo. Assim, o objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar como a diversidade, estrutura e funcionamento das comunidades arbóreas diferem entre áreas queimadas e não queimadas. Dois fragmentos queimados e dois fragmentos não queimados foram selecionados para os levantamentos florísticos e fitossociológicos. Depois, foram calculadas a riqueza de espécies, o Índice de diversidade de Shannon, densidade da árvore e área basal, Índice de valor de importância para as espécies em cada uma das áreas e avaliamos a média de seis características funcionais (altura máxima da árvore, densidade da madeira, comprimento da folha, deciduidade foliar, tolerância a sombra e síndrome de dispersão). Diversidade, riqueza, densidade e área basal foram similares entre as áreas analisadas. Nós encontramos mudanças na composição florística, mas não foram verificadas variações nas características funcionais. Os resultados indicam que a recuperação pode ser rápida e que espécies pioneiras e secundárias iniciais estão ocupando as áreas queimadas cerca de nove anos depois. Um único incêndio antrópico, superficial e de baixa intensidade, pode interromper estágios avançados de sucessão e iniciar a nova dinâmica de substituição de espécies.

Forage availability and weight gain of goats on caatinga enriched with Urochloa trichopus (Hochst) Stapf subjected to fallowing and fertilized with phosphate / Disponibilidade de forragem e ganho de peso de caprinos em caatinga enriquecida com Urochloa trichopus (Hochst) Stapf submetida ao diferimento e a adubação fosfatada

The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage availability and performance of goats in thinned Caatinga enriched with Urochloa trichopus subjected to grazing fallowing and levels of phosphorus fertilization. Twenty-four F1 crossbred goats (Boer x Non-descript breed), whole, 15.0 ± 2.6 kg body weight were distributed in four paddocks (n = 6) according to body weight, age and physiological status. Animals grazed on Caatinga, under continuous stocking, and were gathered and kept in individual pens overnight. The experiment to evaluate animal performance was a randomized block design with 4 treatments (0, 11, 33 and 60 days of fallowing) and six replications. To determine dry mass production and floristic composition, phosphate fertilization was used in the doses of x P2O5 in a randomized block design with five treatments, 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg P2O5 with 4 replications. Phosphate fertilization had an effect on the floristic composition of dicots and U. trichopus (P<0.05). There was an effect of pasture fallowing on the final weight of goats, with the lowest weight (20.40 kg) observed after 60 days of fallowing (P<0.05). Fallowing is not suitable for an area of vegetation in the caatinga, because there was a decrease in forage availability and quality in the dry period, resulting in a lower performance of animals.

Objetivou-se avaliar a disponibilidade de forragem e desempenho de caprinos em Caatinga raleada e enriquecida com Urochloa trichopus submetida ao diferimento de pastejo e doses de adubação fosfatada. Foram utilizados 24 caprinos mestiços F1 (Boer x SPRD), inteiros, com peso corporal de 15,0 ± 2,6 kg, distribuídos em quatro piquetes (n = 6) de acordo com o peso vivo, idade e estado fisiológico. Os animais realizaram pastejo na Caatinga, com lotação contínua, sendo recolhidos e colocados em baias individuais permanecendo nesse local durante a noite. No experimento para avaliar desempenho animal foi usado delineamento blocos casualizados com 4 tratamentos (0, 11, 33 e 60 dias de diferimento) e seis repetições. Para determinação produção de massa seca e composição florística foi usado a adubação fosfatada nas dosagens de x P2O5 em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos, 0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 kg de P2O5 com 4 repetições. A adubação fosfatada promoveu efeito para a composição florística de dicotiledôneas e U. trichopus (P<0,05). Houve efeito do diferimento de pastagem para o peso final dos caprinos, com o menor peso (20,40 kg) observado aos 60 dias de diferimento (P<0,05). A adubação fosfatada não aumentou a produtividade de matéria seca. O diferimento não é indicado para uma área de vegetação da caatinga, pois mesmo com a vedação, no período seco ocorreu uma diminuição na disponibilidade e na qualidade da forragem, acarretando um menor aporte dos animais.

Geographic distribution patterns of galling insects in a protected area of Atlantic forest (southeast, Brazil)

The present study aimed to increase knowledge about the diversity and factors that determine the distribution of galling insects in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (PNI), Southeast, Brazil. For this, collections were performed in April, August and November 2015 and March 2016. Seventy gall morphotypes were found in 12 families, 32 genera and 61 species of host plants. The richness of galls did not vary with altitude, but increased with the richness of plants. The families and genera of plants with greater species richness harbored a greater number of galling insects. The number of gall morphotypes was higher in the autumn than in the other seasons. The spatial distribution of galling insects was better explained by factors such as floristic richness and species composition than by ecological effects, represented here by altitude. Regarding seasonality, the results indicate that the way resources are temporarily distributed to galling insects depends on factors such as the active growth of host plants, making some periods of the year more conducive to the development of galls.(AU)

Fast and novel botanical exploration of a 320-km transect in eastern Amazonia using DNA barcoding / Exploração botânica rápida e inovadora de um transecto de 320 km no leste da Amazônia usando código de barras de DNA

We explored a 320-km transect in the Tumucumaque mountain range along the border between southern French Guiana and Brazil, sampling all trees and lianas with DBH ≥ 10 cm in seven 25 x 25-m plots installed near seven boundary milestones. We isolated DNA from cambium tissue and sequenced two DNA barcodes (rbcLa and matK) to aid in species identification. We also collected fertile herbarium specimens from other species (trees/shrubs/herbs) inside and outside the plots. The selected DNA barcodes were useful at the family level but failed to identify specimens at the species level. Based on DNA barcoding identification, the most abundant families in the plots were Burseraceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, Myristicaceae and Sapotaceae. One third of the images of sampled plants posted on the iNaturalist website were identified by the community to species level. New approaches, including the sequencing of the ITS region and fast evolving DNA plastid regions, remain to be tested for their utility in the identification of specimens at lower taxonomic levels in floristic inventories in the Amazon region.(AU)

Um transecto de 320 km foi explorado na Serra do Tumucumaque, ao longo da fronteira entre o sul da Guiana Francesa e o Brasil por meio da amostragem de todas as árvores e lianas com DAP ≥ 10 cm em sete parcelas de 25 x 25 m instaladas perto de sete marcos fronteiriços. Isolamos DNA de tecido cambial e sequenciamos dois códigos de barra de DNA (rbcLa e matK) para auxiliar na identificação das espécies. Também coletamos espécimes de herbário férteis de outras espécies (árvores/arbustos/ervas) dentro e fora das parcelas. Os códigos de barra de DNA selecionados foram úteis em nível de família, mas não conseguiram identificar espécimes em nível de espécie. Com base na identificação de DNA barcoding, as famílias mais abundantes nas parcelas foram Burseraceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, Myristicaceae e Sapotaceae. Um terço das imagens de plantas amostradas postadas no website iNaturalist foram identificadas em nível de espécie. Novas abordagens, incluindo o sequenciamento da região ITS e regiões de DNA plastidial de rápida evolução, ainda precisam ser testadas quanto à sua utilidade na identificação de espécimes até níveis taxonômicos mais baixos em inventários florísticos na região amazônica.(AU)

Composition and structure of plant communities in the Moist Temperate Forest Ecosystem of the Hindukush Mountains, Pakistan / Composição e estrutura de comunidades de plantas no Ecossistema Florestal Temperado Úmido das Montanhas Hindukush, Paquistão

Here, we investigated the relationship between Plant communities and the environment from the moist temperate vegetation of Lakoo mountainous forest District Swat. We sampled data from 162 sampling units (Quadrates) using 1x1m2 for herbs 5x5m2 and shrubs, while 10 x10m2 for trees, systematically considering six elevation gradients between the altitudinal from 1970m to 3095m. We performed statistical analysis like Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and TWINSPAN (two-way indicator species analysis) for ecological assessment and clustering of plant communities. To check upon the correlation of species (CR) with topographic and edaphic variables we used statistical software PC-ORD version 7. We recognized 264 species plants belonging to thirty families. We recorded key sampling measurements of density, frequency, and cover for all these species which are vital for community description. The results showed Shannon-Winner,s, and Simpson diversity values as 19.18 and 3.17 respectively. The importance value indexes (IVI) were used to identify the leading and rare species of plant in each community or cluster group. In total we recognized eleven different communities as: Berberis- Abies- Bergeni, Picea - Indigofera- Poa,Abies- Parrotiopsis- Poa, Quercus- Viburnum- Poa, Picea- Salix- Primula, Abies- Viburnum- Poa, Viburnum- Taxus- Poa, Pinus- Viburnum- Lithospermum, Abies-Berberis- carex, Pinus- Viburnum- Poa and Parrotiopsis- Picea- Poa through hierarchical cluster analysis (TWINSPAN). CCA analysis revealed that of all studied edaphic and topographic variables altitude, silt, calcium carbonate, and organic matter were the strongest factors determining plant community diversity and composition in each microclimate of the eleven communities. Visually the vegetation of the forest was dominated by small-sized trees followed by shrubs, and regenerates indicating the stage of secondary regeneration. We found severe human interference in disturbing the existing biodiversity, which requires immediate conservation to ensure sustainable management and utilization of natural resources of the Lalkoo moist temperate forest.

Aqui, investigamos a relação entre as comunidades vegetais e o meio ambiente da vegetação temperada úmida da floresta montanhosa de Lalkoo, distrito de Swat. Foram amostrados dados de 162 unidades amostrais (quadrados) utilizando 1 x 1 m2 para ervas, 5 x 5 m2 para arbustos e 10 x 10 m2 para árvores, considerando sistematicamente seis gradientes de altitude entre 1.970 m e 3.095 m. Realizamos análises estatísticas, como análise de correspondência canônica (CCA) e TWINSPAN (análise de espécies indicadoras de duas vias), para avaliação ecológica e agrupamento de comunidades de plantas. Para verificar a correlação das espécies (CR) com as variáveis topográficas e edáficas, foi utilizado o software estatístico PC-ORD, versão 7. Foram reconhecidas 264 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 30 famílias. Registramos as principais medições de amostragem de densidade, frequência e cobertura para todas essas espécies que são vitais para a descrição da comunidade. Os resultados mostraram valores de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener e Simpson de 19,18 e 3,17, respectivamente. Os índices de valor de importância (IVI) foram usados para identificar as espécies de plantas principais e raras em cada comunidade ou grupo de cluster. No total, reconhecemos 11 comunidades diferentes, como: Berberis-Abies-Bergeni, Picea-Indigofera-Poa, Abies-Parrotiopsis-Poa, Quercus-Viburnum-Poa, Picea-Salix-Primula, Abies-Viburnum-Poa, Viburnum-Taxus-Poa, Pinus-Viburnum-Lithospermum, Abies-Berberis-Carex, Pinus-Viburnum-Poa e Parrotiopsis-Picea-Poa, por meio de análise de agrupamento hierárquico (TWINSPAN). A análise de CCA revelou que, de todas as variáveis ​​edáficas e topográficas estudadas, altitude, silte, carbonato de cálcio e matéria orgânica foram os fatores mais fortes na determinação da diversidade e composição da comunidade vegetal em cada microclima das 11 comunidades. Visualmente a vegetação da floresta foi dominada por árvores de pequeno porte, seguidas de arbustos, e se regenera, indicando o estágio de regeneração secundária. Encontramos grave interferência humana na biodiversidade existente, o que requer conservação imediata para garantir o manejo sustentável e a utilização dos recursos naturais da floresta temperada úmida de Lalkoo.

Vascular flora of Southern Brazilian outcrops associated with Atlantic Forest: small relict environment that needs to be preserved

The rocky outcrops in the municipality of Campo Mourão (Paraná State) are all surrounded by remaining Atlantic Forest, unlike the typical outcrops associated with river courses, fields, or hilltops. Because it is such specific vegetation, it is essential to record the floristic composition, verifying only species and the conservation status of local populations. This study cataloged the species of vascular plants occurring in four rocky outcrops areas of Campo Mourão: Nishida outcrop (1,808 ha); Bica do Rio do Campo outcrop (0.458 ha); Perdoncini outcrop (0.228 ha), and Lago Azul State Park outcrop (0.021 ha). A total of 203 collections were analyzed, representing 152 species (eight exotic to Brazil), distributed in 66 families and 135 genera. The more richness families were Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, and Bromeliaceae. The predominant life form was herbs and shrubs, and most species are terrestrial and rupicolous. The rocky outcrops of Campo Mourão, despite the small total area (25,150 m2), have 10 % of the exclusive species in the municipality. Also, 14 species are endemic in Brazil, and two are endemic in Paraná, being Portulaca hatschbachii (Portulacaceae) officially threatened to extinction in Brazil. In these areas, several species found have been little collected in Paraná State and Brazil, in addition to the presence of life forms adapted to survival on the exposed rock. This demonstrates that despite being small, these sites are critical environments for preserving biodiversity in the region.(AU)

Floristic diversification of spreading liverseed grass pasture according to different cutting intensities, obtained by grazing simulation

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of different forage cutting intensities, obtained by grazing simulation, on the floristic diversity and productivity of a pasture cultivated with spreading liverseed grass. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design, with four replications and treatments arranged in a 5×2 factorial scheme, with five levels of cutting intensity of the simulated grazing (0, 25, 50, 75, and 95% of the forage canopy) associated with two levels of weed coexistence (presence and absence). The evaluations of floristic diversity, number of individuals, and total dry matter of weeds were obtained at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days after grazing simulation (DAGS). All plots were evaluated at the end of the experimental period (90 DAGS) for the amount of dry biomass produced by the pasture. The results showed that higher forage cutting intensities, obtained by grazing simulation, increased the floristic diversity, the number of individuals, and the dry matter accumulated by weeds in a pasture grown with spreading liverseed grass, reducing by up to 56% theproduction of total dry matter of the forage.(AU)

Floristic diversification of spreading liverseed grass pasture according to different cutting intensities, obtained by grazing simulation

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of different forage cutting intensities, obtained by grazing simulation, on the floristic diversity and productivity of a pasture cultivated with spreading liverseed grass. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design, with four replications and treatments arranged in a 5×2 factorial scheme, with five levels of cutting intensity of the simulated grazing (0, 25, 50, 75, and 95% of the forage canopy) associated with two levels of weed coexistence (presence and absence). The evaluations of floristic diversity, number of individuals, and total dry matter of weeds were obtained at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days after grazing simulation (DAGS). All plots were evaluated at the end of the experimental period (90 DAGS) for the amount of dry biomass produced by the pasture. The results showed that higher forage cutting intensities, obtained by grazing simulation, increased the floristic diversity, the number of individuals, and the dry matter accumulated by weeds in a pasture grown with spreading liverseed grass, reducing by up to 56% theproduction of total dry matter of the forage.

Short-term effects of passive restoration in springs habitats in Southern Brazil / Efeitos de curto prazo da restauração passiva em habitats de nascentes no sul do Brasil

This study analyzed natural regeneration floristic patterns in spring habitats submitted to different ecological restoration actions in the seasonal forest in Atlantic Forest biome, Rio Grande do Sul. We assessed floristic composition in six springs before restoration actions and 12 months later. We identified and counted all regenerating individuals with height greater than or equal to 30 cm and diameter at breast height less than or equal to 5 cm in eight plots in each spring. The richness and abundance of each spring and assessment were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was performed to verify floristic patterns and association between species. Results showed an increase in richness and abundance after ecological restoration implementation. The DCA showed a distinct floristic composition between springs. The springs remaining natural vegetation and the successional stage of these vegetation influenced the natural regeneration floristic composition pattern. Passive restoration, which was effective by enclosure, favored natural regeneration recruitment.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os padrões florísticos da regeneração natural em habitats de nascentes submetidos a diferentes ações de restauração ecológica na floresta estacional do bioma Mata Atlântica, Rio Grande do Sul. A composição florística foi avaliada em seis nascentes antes das ações de restauração e 12 meses depois. Todos os indivíduos regenerantes com altura maior ou igual a 30 cm e diâmetro à altura do peito menor ou igual a 5 cm foram contados e identificados em oito parcelas em cada nascente. A riqueza e abundância de cada nascente em cada avaliação foram comparadas pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (P <0,05). A Análise de Correspondência Retificada (DCA) foi realizada para verificar os padrões florísticos e a associação entre as espécies. Os resultados mostraram um aumento na riqueza e abundância após a implementação da restauração ecológica. A DCA apresentou uma composição florística distinta entre as nascentes. A vegetação natural remanescente nas áreas de nascente e o estágio sucessional da vegetação influenciaram o padrão de composição florística. A restauração passiva, efetivada pelo cercamento, favoreceu o desenvolvimento da regeneração natural.

Short-term effects of passive restoration in springs habitats in Southern Brazil / Efeitos de curto prazo da restauração passiva em habitats de nascentes no sul do Brasil

This study analyzed natural regeneration floristic patterns in spring habitats submitted to different ecological restoration actions in the seasonal forest in Atlantic Forest biome, Rio Grande do Sul. We assessed floristic composition in six springs before restoration actions and 12 months later. We identified and counted all regenerating individuals with height greater than or equal to 30 cm and diameter at breast height less than or equal to 5 cm in eight plots in each spring. The richness and abundance of each spring and assessment were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was performed to verify floristic patterns and association between species. Results showed an increase in richness and abundance after ecological restoration implementation. The DCA showed a distinct floristic composition between springs. The springs remaining natural vegetation and the successional stage of these vegetation influenced the natural regeneration floristic composition pattern. Passive restoration, which was effective by enclosure, favored natural regeneration recruitment.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os padrões florísticos da regeneração natural em habitats de nascentes submetidos a diferentes ações de restauração ecológica na floresta estacional do bioma Mata Atlântica, Rio Grande do Sul. A composição florística foi avaliada em seis nascentes antes das ações de restauração e 12 meses depois. Todos os indivíduos regenerantes com altura maior ou igual a 30 cm e diâmetro à altura do peito menor ou igual a 5 cm foram contados e identificados em oito parcelas em cada nascente. A riqueza e abundância de cada nascente em cada avaliação foram comparadas pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (P <0,05). A Análise de Correspondência Retificada (DCA) foi realizada para verificar os padrões florísticos e a associação entre as espécies. Os resultados mostraram um aumento na riqueza e abundância após a implementação da restauração ecológica. A DCA apresentou uma composição florística distinta entre as nascentes. A vegetação natural remanescente nas áreas de nascente e o estágio sucessional da vegetação influenciaram o padrão de composição florística. A restauração passiva, efetivada pelo cercamento, favoreceu o desenvolvimento da regeneração natural.(AU)

Floral and reproductive biology and pollinators of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., neglected species / Floral and reproductive biology and pollinators of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., neglected species

The aim of the study was to elucidate aspects of floral and reproductive biology and floral visitors of this species. Information was obtained on floral morphology and morphometry, anthesis, nectary, and structures attractive to pollinators, characterization of pollinators, receptiveness of stigma and maturing of the androecium components, and characterization of the reproductive system. Sete-capoteiro tree has hermaphrodite flowers, and the floral opening occurs mainly during the night period, however, it also occurs in the morning. Pollen grains was the main resource offered to pollinators. The flowers had mellow sweet odor, attracting mainly native bees and Apis melifera, which was characterized as effective pollinators. The species presents high reproductive efficiency and could be considered self-compatible; however, fertilization also occurs by cross-pollination.

Studies on the Myrtaceae family are mainly distributed in floristic surveys, reproductive studies of plant communities or related to family taxonomy. Based on this, the objective of the present study was to elucidate aspects of floral and reproductive biology and, of floral visitors from Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., a neglected species. Information was obtained on floral morphology and morphometry, anthesis, nectary, and structures attractive to pollinators, characterization of pollinators, receptiveness of stigma and maturing of the androecium components, and characterization of the reproductive system. Sete-capote tree has hermaphrodite flowers, and the floral opening occurs mainly during the daytime. Pollen grains was the main resource offered to pollinators. The flowers had mellow sweet odor, attracting mainly native bees and Apis melifera, which was characterized as effective pollinators. The species presents high reproductive efficiency and could be considered self-compatible; however, fertilization also occurs by cross-pollination.

Floral and reproductive biology and pollinators of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., neglected species

Studies on the Myrtaceae family are mainly distributed in floristic surveys, reproductive studies of plant communities or related to family taxonomy. Based on this, the objective of the present study was to elucidate aspects of floral and reproductive biology and, of floral visitors from Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., a neglected species. Information was obtained on floral morphology and morphometry, anthesis, nectary, and structures attractive to pollinators, characterization of pollinators, receptiveness of stigma and maturing of the androecium components, and characterization of the reproductive system. Sete-capote tree has hermaphrodite flowers, and the floral opening occurs mainly during the daytime. Pollen grains was the main resource offered to pollinators. The flowers had mellow sweet odor, attracting mainly native bees and Apis melifera, which was characterized as effective pollinators. The species presents high reproductive efficiency and could be considered self-compatible; however, fertilization also occurs by cross-pollination.

Floral and reproductive biology and pollinators of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., neglected species

Studies on the Myrtaceae family are mainly distributed in floristic surveys, reproductive studies of plant communities or related to family taxonomy. Based on this, the objective of the present study was to elucidate aspects of floral and reproductive biology and, of floral visitors from Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., a neglected species. Information was obtained on floral morphology and morphometry, anthesis, nectary, and structures attractive to pollinators, characterization of pollinators, receptiveness of stigma and maturing of the androecium components, and characterization of the reproductive system. Sete-capote tree has hermaphrodite flowers, and the floral opening occurs mainly during the daytime. Pollen grains was the main resource offered to pollinators. The flowers had mellow sweet odor, attracting mainly native bees and Apis melifera, which was characterized as effective pollinators. The species presents high reproductive efficiency and could be considered self-compatible; however, fertilization also occurs by cross-pollination.(AU)

Morcegos urbanos de Guarulhos: alta riqueza de espécies e dominância de espécies ecologicamente flexíveis reveladas a partir de dados de monitoramento da raiva

ABSTRACT Urban bats from Guarulhos city: high species richness and dominance of ecologically bats revealed from the rabies monitoring data. Urbanization has impacted bat communities and their ecosystemic services in various regions of the world. However, this impact has been few studied in the Neotropic. In Brazil, although urban bat inventories are scarce, public health organs (e.g., Zoonoses Control Center) perform passive surveillance of infected bats by the rabies virus. These institutions carry out bat identification and collect biologic data essentials to the environment management, population control, ecology, and bat conservation. The present study analyzed bat data (from 2001 to 2017) recorded in Guarulhos city, which integers São Paulo metropolitan region. We compared bat receivement rate, richness, and dominance with other studies. The health surveillance data demonstrated high species richness (n = 29), represented by the three bat families most commonly recorded in Brazilian cities (Phyllostomidae, Molossidadae and Vespertilionidae). Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1766), Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766) and Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821) represented most bat data (70%) from Guarulhos city. This dominance can be explained by the diet flexibility (insectivores and non-obligate nectarivores) and shelter occupation in buildings of these species, resources highly available in cities. The understood of the urban characteristics associated with urban bat dominance is important by the provide insights on how to mitigate the impacts of urbanization on the richest regional bat community. Thus, it is recommended that cities environmental planning consider urbanistic and floristic guidelines as a tool integrated for wild life and public health management, and implement strategies to increase the conservation potential in urban ecosystems.

RESUMO Urbanização afeta a composição e funções ecossistêmicas das comunidades de morcegos em várias regiões do planeta. Entretanto, este ainda é um tema pouco explorado no Neotrópico. No Brasil, embora poucas cidades apresentem inventários de quirópteros, órgãos municipais de saúde pública (e.g., Centro de Controle de Zoonoses) realizam a vigilância passiva dos morcegos infectados pelo vírus da raiva. Estas instituições fazem a identificação dos espécimes oriundos principalmente de áreas urbanas e coletam dados biológicos importantes para o manejo ambiental, controle populacional, ecologia e conservação das espécies. O presente estudo analisou os dados de recebimento de morcegos, de 2001 a 2017, oriundos da cidade de Guarulhos, comparando as taxas de recebimento, frequência, riqueza e dominância das espécies com estudos prévios conduzidos em cidades brasileiras. Os dados da vigilância em saúde pública demonstraram uma alta riqueza de espécies (n = 29), representadas por três famílias mais comuns em áreas urbanas brasileiras (Phyllostomidae, Molossidae e Vespertilionidae). Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1766), Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766) e Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821) representaram a maioria (70%) dos dados da quiropterofauna de Guarulhos. Esta dominância pode estar relacionada com a flexibilidade da dieta dessas espécies (insetívoras e nectarívoras não obrigatórias) e abrigos diurnos em edificações, recursos estes altamente disponíveis nas cidades brasileiras. Assim, para mitigar os efeitos da urbanização sobre a rica quiropterofauna regional, recomenda-se que o planejamento ambiental das cidades considere suas diretrizes urbanísticas e florísticas como uma ferramenta ao manejo integrado da fauna silvestre e saúde pública, além de implantar estratégias para aumentar o potencial de conservação da biodiversidade nestes ambientes.

A checklist of aquatic macrophytes of the Guaraguaçu river basin reveals a target for conservation in the Atlantic rainforest

Describing and understanding distribution of species in natural ecosystems is the first step to establish conservation efforts. In aquatic habitats, macrophytes play a central role in promoting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study aimed to create the first checklist of aquatic macrophyte species occurring in the Guaraguaçu river, the largest river in Paraná State coast, Brazil. Species herborized, identified and incorporated into the Herbarium collection of the Universidade Federal do Paraná. A total of 47 species were registered corresponding to 37 genera and 29 botanical families; Cyperaceae and Poaceae were the most representative families. In addition, the wide invasion of the non-native species Urochloa arrecta (Hack. ex T. Durand & Schinz) Morrone & Zuloaga was registered and the presence of the floating-leaved non-native species Nymphaea caerulea Savugny was recorded. Even so, the inventory shows a noteworthy richness of aquatic macrophytes species in the Guaraguaçu river, and it is clear macrophyte species reflect a gradient of anthropic impact and salinity in this tidal estuarine river. Our study contributes to the creation of public policies to aid in the protection of this river that represents a central site for biological conservation efforts, yet is constantly threatened by anthropic activities.