Studies of Brazilian birds along altitudinal gradients: a critical review

Brazil is home to many mountain ranges which harbor diverse avifauna. However, studies on the altitudinal distribution of Brazilian birds are still few and many have never been published, hampering both the dissemination of basic information and conservation actions. Here we present a critical review of ornithological studies undertaken in Brazilian mountain ranges, and propose a classification of geographic scope, altitudinal gradient, and methodology. Since 1922, 184 ornithological studies included altitude in some way in Brazil, encompassing a variety of research topics and species. About a quarter of these studies were never published in peer-reviewed journals, and 39% do not provide basic data on elevation nor link the bird species with sampling plots, thus limiting their applicability. The majority of studies are concentrated (83%) in southern and southeastern Brazil, especially in the Serra do Mar range, and so most data are associated with the Atlantic Forest. Gaps remain in other regions, such as Amazonia (Pantepui region). Most studies either did not sample the entire elevation gradient, were not standardized, lacked explicit hypothesis, or did not account for a seasonal sampling embracing the four seasons of the year, so interpretation of the observed patterns remains difficult. With this compilation, we organize the available information and point to future altitudinal research on birds, in addition to highlighting the importance of preserving habitats along altitudinal gradients in the mountainous regions in Brazil.(AU)

Studies of Brazilian birds along altitudinal gradients: a critical review

Brazil is home to many mountain ranges which harbor diverse avifauna. However, studies on the altitudinal distribution of Brazilian birds are still few and many have never been published, hampering both the dissemination of basic information and conservation actions. Here we present a critical review of ornithological studies undertaken in Brazilian mountain ranges, and propose a classification of geographic scope, altitudinal gradient, and methodology. Since 1922, 184 ornithological studies included altitude in some way in Brazil, encompassing a variety of research topics and species. About a quarter of these studies were never published in peer-reviewed journals, and 39% do not provide basic data on elevation nor link the bird species with sampling plots, thus limiting their applicability. The majority of studies are concentrated (83%) in southern and southeastern Brazil, especially in the Serra do Mar range, and so most data are associated with the Atlantic Forest. Gaps remain in other regions, such as Amazonia (Pantepui region). Most studies either did not sample the entire elevation gradient, were not standardized, lacked explicit hypothesis, or did not account for a seasonal sampling embracing the four seasons of the year, so interpretation of the observed patterns remains difficult. With this compilation, we organize the available information and point to future altitudinal research on birds, in addition to highlighting the importance of preserving habitats along altitudinal gradients in the mountainous regions in Brazil.(AU)

Bird diversity in the Serra do Aracá region, northwestern Brazilian Amazon: preliminary check-list with considerations on biogeography and conservation

We inventoried the birds from Serra do Aracá region, state of Amazonas. The region encompasses a high diversity of vegetation types, including white sand forests and campinas, terra firme and flooded forests, montane forests and tepuis. We recorded 416 bird taxa in 69 families through captures with mist nets, tape recording of bird voices, and collection of voucher specimens. A large proportion of them (61%) were recorded in a single vegetation type. Qualitative estimates suggest that approximately 580 bird species occur in the region. The avifauna of the Aracá region has a mixed biogeographic composition, with species typical of both margins of the Rio Negro occurring sympatrically. Additionally, species whose distributions are restricted to three areas of endemism for Amazonian birds (Imeri, Guiana and Pantepui) were recorded in the region. Rare landscapes in the Brazilian Amazon are found in the Serra do Aracá region. Additionally, we recorded endemic and rare birds, highlighting the value of the region for conservation. The Serra do Aracá State Park officially protects montane forests, terra firme forests and tepuis. We suggest that the large extension of white sand campinas and igapó forests at the southern portion of Serra do Aracá should be also preserved in order to improve the representation of the rich natural heritage of the region.(AU)

Bird diversity in the Serra do Aracá region, northwestern Brazilian Amazon: preliminary check-list with considerations on biogeography and conservation

We inventoried the birds from Serra do Aracá region, state of Amazonas. The region encompasses a high diversity of vegetation types, including white sand forests and campinas, terra firme and flooded forests, montane forests and tepuis. We recorded 416 bird taxa in 69 families through captures with mist nets, tape recording of bird voices, and collection of voucher specimens. A large proportion of them (61%) were recorded in a single vegetation type. Qualitative estimates suggest that approximately 580 bird species occur in the region. The avifauna of the Aracá region has a mixed biogeographic composition, with species typical of both margins of the Rio Negro occurring sympatrically. Additionally, species whose distributions are restricted to three areas of endemism for Amazonian birds (Imeri, Guiana and Pantepui) were recorded in the region. Rare landscapes in the Brazilian Amazon are found in the Serra do Aracá region. Additionally, we recorded endemic and rare birds, highlighting the value of the region for conservation. The Serra do Aracá State Park officially protects montane forests, terra firme forests and tepuis. We suggest that the large extension of white sand campinas and igapó forests at the southern portion of Serra do Aracá should be also preserved in order to improve the representation of the rich natural heritage of the region.

A redescription of Anomaloglossus praderioi (La Marca, 1998) (Anura: Aromobatidae: Anomaloglossinae), with description of its tadpole and call

Anomaloglossus praderioi fue originalmente descrito como Colostethus praderioi por E. La Marca en 1998 con dos ejemplares machos. El presente artículo ofrece una redescripción detallada de la especie basada en nuevos ejemplares de Maringma Tepui, en Guyana y ejemplares adicionales de la Sierra de Lema, en Venezuela. La redescripción incluye la vocalización y descripción del renacuajo. Anomaloglossus praderioi es de tamaño mediano y se distingue principalmente de sus congéneres por los siguientes caracteres: los dedos I, II y IV con igual longitud; punta del dedo IV apenas llega a la base del tubérculo subarticular distal del dedo III, cuando estos son colocados juntos; dedos II y III con la quilla preaxial y pliegues laterales; dedos de los pies palmeados basalmente, excepto en los dedos IV-V; simétricos tubérculos cloacales presentes; franja delgada dorsolateral de color pálido, la cual va desde la punta del hocico hasta la punta de urostilo; banda ventrolateral inconspicua, nunca recta; banda lateral oblicua ausente. Macho con garganta de color gris a gris muy oscuro, casi negro uniforme. En hembras la garganta es de color naranja brillante, casi inmaculada. La larva es castaño oscuro a negro, de hábitos exotróficos y bentónicos, LTRF 2 (2)/3. La llamada de advertencia consiste de largas series de una nota sencilla repetida a un ritmo de 61-76 notes/min con una frecuencia dominante que va desde 3,562 a 3,856 Hz. La especie queda registrada para el sureste de Venezuela y oeste de Guyana, habitando bosques montanos con cobertura media en elevaciones entre los 1,310-1,950 m s.n.m.

Anomaloglossus praderioi was originally described as Colostethus praderioi by E. La Marca in 1998 on the basis of two male specimens. The present paper provides a redescription of the species on the basis of new material from Maringma Tepui in Guyana and an additional specimen from Sierra de Lema in Venezuela. The redescription includes descriptions of the tadpole and vocalisation. Anomaloglossus praderioi is a medium-sized species mainly distinguished from its known congeners in having Fingers I, II and IV equal in length, the tip of Finger IV barely reaching the base of the distal subarticular tubercle on Finger III when fingers are adpressed, Fingers II and III with preaxial keel-like lateral folds, toes basally webbed with folded flaplike fringing except on Toes IV-V, symmetrical cloacal tubercles present, thin pale dorsolateral stripe present from tip of snout to tip of urostyle, ventrolateral stripe inconspicuous, never straight, oblique lateral stripe absent, throat in male grey to very dark grey, almost solid black, with black blotches, throat in female bright orange, almost immaculate. The tadpole is dark brown to black, exotrophic, benthic, LTRF 2(2)/3. The advertisement call consists of long trains of a single note repeated at a rate of 61-76 notes/min with a dominant frequency ranging from 3,562 to 3,856 Hz. The species is reported from eastern Venezuela and western Guyana and inhabits montane medium-canopy forest at elevations between 1,310-1,950 m above sea level.

A redescription of Anomaloglossus praderioi (La Marca, 1998) (Anura: Aromobatidae: Anomaloglossinae), with description of its tadpole and call

Anomaloglossus praderioi fue originalmente descrito como Colostethus praderioi por E. La Marca en 1998 con dos ejemplares machos. El presente artículo ofrece una redescripción detallada de la especie basada en nuevos ejemplares de Maringma Tepui, en Guyana y ejemplares adicionales de la Sierra de Lema, en Venezuela. La redescripción incluye la vocalización y descripción del renacuajo. Anomaloglossus praderioi es de tamaño mediano y se distingue principalmente de sus congéneres por los siguientes caracteres: los dedos I, II y IV con igual longitud; punta del dedo IV apenas llega a la base del tubérculo subarticular distal del dedo III, cuando estos son colocados juntos; dedos II y III con la quilla preaxial y pliegues laterales; dedos de los pies palmeados basalmente, excepto en los dedos IV-V; simétricos tubérculos cloacales presentes; franja delgada dorsolateral de color pálido, la cual va desde la punta del hocico hasta la punta de urostilo; banda ventrolateral inconspicua, nunca recta; banda lateral oblicua ausente. Macho con garganta de color gris a gris muy oscuro, casi negro uniforme. En hembras la garganta es de color naranja brillante, casi inmaculada. La larva es castaño oscuro a negro, de hábitos exotróficos y bentónicos, LTRF 2 (2)/3. La llamada de advertencia consiste de largas series de una nota sencilla repetida a un ritmo de 61-76 notes/min con una frecuencia dominante que va desde 3,562 a 3,856 Hz. La especie queda registrada para el sureste de Venezuela y oeste de Guyana, habitando bosques montanos con cobertura media en elevaciones entre los 1,310-1,950 m s.n.m.

Anomaloglossus praderioi was originally described as Colostethus praderioi by E. La Marca in 1998 on the basis of two male specimens. The present paper provides a redescription of the species on the basis of new material from Maringma Tepui in Guyana and an additional specimen from Sierra de Lema in Venezuela. The redescription includes descriptions of the tadpole and vocalisation. Anomaloglossus praderioi is a medium-sized species mainly distinguished from its known congeners in having Fingers I, II and IV equal in length, the tip of Finger IV barely reaching the base of the distal subarticular tubercle on Finger III when fingers are adpressed, Fingers II and III with preaxial keel-like lateral folds, toes basally webbed with folded flaplike fringing except on Toes IV-V, symmetrical cloacal tubercles present, thin pale dorsolateral stripe present from tip of snout to tip of urostyle, ventrolateral stripe inconspicuous, never straight, oblique lateral stripe absent, throat in male grey to very dark grey, almost solid black, with black blotches, throat in female bright orange, almost immaculate. The tadpole is dark brown to black, exotrophic, benthic, LTRF 2(2)/3. The advertisement call consists of long trains of a single note repeated at a rate of 61-76 notes/min with a dominant frequency ranging from 3,562 to 3,856 Hz. The species is reported from eastern Venezuela and western Guyana and inhabits montane medium-canopy forest at elevations between 1,310-1,950 m above sea level.

A new species of the genus Oreophrynella (Anura; Bufonidae) from the Guiana highlands

Oreophrynella weiassipuensis sp. nov. is described from Wei-Assipu-tepui on the Guyana-Brazil border. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus by the presence of well developed post-orbital crests, toe webbing, dorsal skin minutely granular with scattered large tubercles, and reddish brown dorsal and ventral coloration.

Descreve-se Oreophrynella weiassipuensis sp. nov. proveniente de Wei-Assipu-tepui, na fronteira da Guyana com o Brasil. A nova espécie distingue-se das outras espécies do gênero pela presence de cristas pós-orbitais bem desenvolvidas, membrane entre os artelhos, pele no dorso coberta por grânulos e ornamentada por grandes tubérculos esparsos, coloração do dorso e do ventre marrom avermelhada.

A new species of the genus Oreophrynella (Anura; Bufonidae) from the Guiana highlands

Oreophrynella weiassipuensis sp. nov. is described from Wei-Assipu-tepui on the Guyana-Brazil border. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus by the presence of well developed post-orbital crests, toe webbing, dorsal skin minutely granular with scattered large tubercles, and reddish brown dorsal and ventral coloration.

Descreve-se Oreophrynella weiassipuensis sp. nov. proveniente de Wei-Assipu-tepui, na fronteira da Guyana com o Brasil. A nova espécie distingue-se das outras espécies do gênero pela presence de cristas pós-orbitais bem desenvolvidas, membrane entre os artelhos, pele no dorso coberta por grânulos e ornamentada por grandes tubérculos esparsos, coloração do dorso e do ventre marrom avermelhada.