Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrina is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

Resumo As perdas de biodiversidade e os seus serviços ecossistêmicos ocasionadas pelas invasões biológicas, têm despertado o interesse em pesquisas básicas e aplicadas sobre as espécies invasoras com o objetivo de buscar estratégias de manejo. Tradescantia zebrina é uma das herbáceas crescentemente relatadas como uma invasora no sub-bosque florestal de ecossistemas impactados. Neste estudo, nós estudamos o efeito da variação espacial e sazonal sobre atributos biológicos desta espécie na Floresta Atlântica. Assim, nós mensuramos atributos de T. zebrina associados com o crescimento vegetal e o estresse nas quatro estações do ano em borda e interior da floresta de locais invadidos no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Sul do Brasil. A planta invasora apresentou maior crescimento na borda florestal do que no interior. Adicionalmente, assimetria foliar e herbivoria obtidos no inverno foram menores quando comparados ao verão. Nossos achados sugerem que os ambientes de borda florestal favorecem o crescimento de T. zebrina. Esta espécie invasora é altamente competitiva no sub-bosque da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua durante o ano todo. Nosso estudo contribui com o manejo de T. zebrina mostrando que o verão é a melhor estação para o controle desta espécie.

Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest / Sazonalidade e efeito de borda florestal como direcionadores da invasão de Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse na Mata Atlântica

As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrine is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

As perdas de biodiversidade e os seus serviços ecossistêmicos ocasionadas pelas invasões biológicas, têm despertado o interesse em pesquisas básicas e aplicadas sobre as espécies invasoras com o objetivo de buscar estratégias de manejo. Tradescantia zebrina é uma das herbáceas crescentemente relatadas como uma invasora no sub-bosque florestal de ecossistemas impactados. Neste estudo, nós estudamos o efeito da variação espacial e sazonal sobre atributos biológicos desta espécie na Floresta Atlântica. Assim, nós mensuramos atributos de T. zebrina associados com o crescimento vegetal e o estresse nas quatro estações do ano em borda e interior da floresta de locais invadidos no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Sul do Brasil. A planta invasora apresentou maior crescimento na borda florestal do que no interior. Adicionalmente, assimetria foliar e herbivoria obtidos no inverno foram menores quando comparados ao verão. Nossos achados sugerem que os ambientes de borda florestal favorecem o crescimento de T. zebrina. Esta espécie invasora é altamente competitiva no sub-bosque da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua durante o ano todo. Nosso estudo contribui com o manejo de T. zebrina mostrando que o verão é a melhor estação para o controle desta espécie.

Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest / Sazonalidade e efeito de borda florestal como direcionadores da invasão de Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse na Mata Atlântica

As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrina is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.

As perdas de biodiversidade e os seus serviços ecossistêmicos ocasionadas pelas invasões biológicas, têm despertado o interesse em pesquisas básicas e aplicadas sobre as espécies invasoras com o objetivo de buscar estratégias de manejo. Tradescantia zebrina é uma das herbáceas crescentemente relatadas como uma invasora no sub-bosque florestal de ecossistemas impactados. Neste estudo, nós estudamos o efeito da variação espacial e sazonal sobre atributos biológicos desta espécie na Floresta Atlântica. Assim, nós mensuramos atributos de T. zebrina associados com o crescimento vegetal e o estresse nas quatro estações do ano em borda e interior da floresta de locais invadidos no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Sul do Brasil. A planta invasora apresentou maior crescimento na borda florestal do que no interior. Adicionalmente, assimetria foliar e herbivoria obtidos no inverno foram menores quando comparados ao verão. Nossos achados sugerem que os ambientes de borda florestal favorecem o crescimento de T. zebrina. Esta espécie invasora é altamente competitiva no sub-bosque da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua durante o ano todo. Nosso estudo contribui com o manejo de T. zebrina mostrando que o verão é a melhor estação para o controle desta espécie.

Seasonality and forest edge as drivers of Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse invasion in the Atlantic Forest / Sazonalidade e efeito de borda florestal como direcionadores da invasão de Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse na Mata Atlântica

As a result of biodiversity and ecosystem service losses associated with biological invasions, there has been growing interest in basic and applied research on invasive species aiming to improve management strategies. Tradescantia zebrina is a herbaceous species increasingly reported as invasive in the understory of disturbed forest ecosystems. In this study, we assess the effect of spatial and seasonal variation on biological attributes of this species in the Atlantic Forest. To this end, we measured attributes of T. zebrina associated with plant growth and stress in the four seasons at the forest edge and in the forest interior of invaded sites in the Iguaçu National Park, Southern Brazil. The invasive plant had higher growth at the forest edge than in the forest interior and lower leaf asymmetry and herbivory in the winter than in the summer. Our findings suggest that the forest edge environment favours the growth of T. zebrina. This invasive species is highly competitive in the understory of semi-deciduous seasonal forests all over the year. Our study contributes to the management of T. zebrina by showing that the summer is the best season for controlling this species.(AU)

As perdas de biodiversidade e os seus serviços ecossistêmicos ocasionadas pelas invasões biológicas, têm despertado o interesse em pesquisas básicas e aplicadas sobre as espécies invasoras com o objetivo de buscar estratégias de manejo. Tradescantia zebrina é uma das herbáceas crescentemente relatadas como uma invasora no sub-bosque florestal de ecossistemas impactados. Neste estudo, nós estudamos o efeito da variação espacial e sazonal sobre atributos biológicos desta espécie na Floresta Atlântica. Assim, nós mensuramos atributos de T. zebrina associados com o crescimento vegetal e o estresse nas quatro estações do ano em borda e interior da floresta de locais invadidos no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Sul do Brasil. A planta invasora apresentou maior crescimento na borda florestal do que no interior. Adicionalmente, assimetria foliar e herbivoria obtidos no inverno foram menores quando comparados ao verão. Nossos achados sugerem que os ambientes de borda florestal favorecem o crescimento de T. zebrina. Esta espécie invasora é altamente competitiva no sub-bosque da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua durante o ano todo. Nosso estudo contribui com o manejo de T. zebrina mostrando que o verão é a melhor estação para o controle desta espécie.(AU)

Small mammal diversity in Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest of the southernmost Brazilian Pampa: the importance of owl pellets for rapid inventories in human-changing ecosystems

Abstract The Pampa biogeographic province covers a mere 2% of the Brazilian territory (176,496 km²). However, it stands out as a complex and diverse ecosystem, although its mammal communities are still scarcely understood. Human activities are transforming the territory into a mosaic of agroecosystems, native and exotic forest fragments, and grasslands. Here we conducted the first investigation to determine the richness of small mammal assemblages in the region based on extensive analyses of owl pellets (Tyto furcata). Craniodental remains were studied from samples collected from 12 Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest sites in the municipality of São Lourenço do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. A total of 2,617 individuals belonging to 18 taxa were recorded, including 2 marsupials (Didelphidae; 0.42%), 2 chiropterans (Molossidae, Phyllostomidae; 0.12%), and 14 rodents (Cricetidae, Muridae, Caviidae; 99.46%). The rodent genera Oligoryzomys, Mus, Calomys, and Akodon were the most common taxa. Large samples also included poorly known taxa, such as the cricetids Bibimys, Juliomys (recording here its southernmost occurrence), Lundomys, and Wilfredomys. From a biogeographical point of view, the recorded assemblage embraces a mixture of Platan, Pampean, and Atlantic Forest elements, highlighting the role of the southernmost Brazilian hills as a wedge favoring the penetration of forest micromammals to higher latitudes. Our findings testify to the great diversity of the Pampa, but also point to a growing homogeneity and dominance of rodent species that are widespread in agroecosystems. Rapid inventories based on owl pellets emerge as a suitable, economic, non-invasive tool to document these community changes.

Small mammal diversity in Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest of the southernmost Brazilian Pampa: the importance of owl pellets for rapid inventories in human-changing ecosystems

The Pampa biogeographic province covers a mere 2% of the Brazilian territory (176,496 km²). However, it stands out as a complex and diverse ecosystem, although its mammal communities are still scarcely understood. Human activities are transforming the territory into a mosaic of agroecosystems, native and exotic forest fragments, and grasslands. Here we conducted the first investigation to determine the richness of small mammal assemblages in the region based on extensive analyses of owl pellets (Tyto furcata). Craniodental remains were studied from samples collected from 12 Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest sites in the municipality of São Lourenço do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. A total of 2,617 individuals belonging to 18 taxa were recorded, including 2 marsupials (Didelphidae; 0.42%), 2 chiropterans (Molossidae, Phyllostomidae; 0.12%), and 14 rodents (Cricetidae, Muridae, Caviidae; 99.46%). The rodent genera Oligoryzomys, Mus, Calomys, and Akodon were the most common taxa. Large samples also included poorly known taxa, such as the cricetids Bibimys, Juliomys (recording here its southernmost occurrence), Lundomys, and Wilfredomys. From a biogeographical point of view, the recorded assemblage embraces a mixture of Platan, Pampean, and Atlantic Forest elements, highlighting the role of the southernmost Brazilian hills as a wedge favoring the penetration of forest micromammals to higher latitudes. Our findings testify to the great diversity of the Pampa, but also point to a growing homogeneity and dominance of rodent species that are widespread in agroecosystems. Rapid inventories based on owl pellets emerge as a suitable, economic, non-invasive tool to document these community changes.

Small mammal diversity in Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest of the southernmost Brazilian Pampa: the importance of owl pellets for rapid inventories in human-changing ecosystems

The Pampa biogeographic province covers a mere 2% of the Brazilian territory (176,496 km²). However, it stands out as a complex and diverse ecosystem, although its mammal communities are still scarcely understood. Human activities are transforming the territory into a mosaic of agroecosystems, native and exotic forest fragments, and grasslands. Here we conducted the first investigation to determine the richness of small mammal assemblages in the region based on extensive analyses of owl pellets (Tyto furcata). Craniodental remains were studied from samples collected from 12 Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest sites in the municipality of São Lourenço do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. A total of 2,617 individuals belonging to 18 taxa were recorded, including 2 marsupials (Didelphidae; 0.42%), 2 chiropterans (Molossidae, Phyllostomidae; 0.12%), and 14 rodents (Cricetidae, Muridae, Caviidae; 99.46%). The rodent genera Oligoryzomys, Mus, Calomys, and Akodon were the most common taxa. Large samples also included poorly known taxa, such as the cricetids Bibimys, Juliomys (recording here its southernmost occurrence), Lundomys, and Wilfredomys. From a biogeographical point of view, the recorded assemblage embraces a mixture of Platan, Pampean, and Atlantic Forest elements, highlighting the role of the southernmost Brazilian hills as a wedge favoring the penetration of forest micromammals to higher latitudes. Our findings testify to the great diversity of the Pampa, but also point to a growing homogeneity and dominance of rodent species that are widespread in agroecosystems. Rapid inventories based on owl pellets emerge as a suitable, economic, non-invasive tool to document these community changes.(AU)

Intestinal parasites in free-living Puma concolor

Background: Studies on intestinal parasites in cougars Puma concolor are scarce, and most of the available information on the species has been derived from individuals in captivity. One of the greatest threats to the survival of wild cats is habitat loss caused by urban sprawl, agricultural matrix, and linear developments such as highways and railways, which expose animals to direct contact with humans and to a high risk of death. Given the lack of scientific data the objective of this study was to report on the occurrence of intestinal parasites in a cougar (P. concolor) specimen from the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil. Case: The carcass of a free-living cougar (P. concolor) individual was sent to the Interdisciplinary Science Museum (Museu Interdisciplinar de Ciências - MIC) of Paranaense University (Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR); an individual was killed during a collision with an unidentified vehicle on highway PR-486, in the municipality of Mariluz (PR, Brazil). The geographical coordinates of the location where the animal was found are: 23°59′29″S, 53°8′47″W. This region is characterized by semi-deciduous seasonal forest remnants. After being identified on site and collected by the inspectors of the Paraná Environmental Institute (Instituto Ambiental do Paraná - IAP), the cadaver was donated to the MIC (by the IAP) for a necropsy to elucidate the cause of death. In this context, the cadaver was sent to the Animal Pathology section of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at UNIPAR. The animal was necropsied by performing the standard necropsy technique for carnivores: opening the intestine through the mesentery and exposing the mucosa from the duodenum to the colon...

Intestinal parasites in free-living Puma concolor

Background: Studies on intestinal parasites in cougars Puma concolor are scarce, and most of the available information on the species has been derived from individuals in captivity. One of the greatest threats to the survival of wild cats is habitat loss caused by urban sprawl, agricultural matrix, and linear developments such as highways and railways, which expose animals to direct contact with humans and to a high risk of death. Given the lack of scientific data the objective of this study was to report on the occurrence of intestinal parasites in a cougar (P. concolor) specimen from the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil. Case: The carcass of a free-living cougar (P. concolor) individual was sent to the Interdisciplinary Science Museum (Museu Interdisciplinar de Ciências - MIC) of Paranaense University (Universidade Paranaense - UNIPAR); an individual was killed during a collision with an unidentified vehicle on highway PR-486, in the municipality of Mariluz (PR, Brazil). The geographical coordinates of the location where the animal was found are: 23°59′29″S, 53°8′47″W. This region is characterized by semi-deciduous seasonal forest remnants. After being identified on site and collected by the inspectors of the Paraná Environmental Institute (Instituto Ambiental do Paraná - IAP), the cadaver was donated to the MIC (by the IAP) for a necropsy to elucidate the cause of death. In this context, the cadaver was sent to the Animal Pathology section of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at UNIPAR. The animal was necropsied by performing the standard necropsy technique for carnivores: opening the intestine through the mesentery and exposing the mucosa from the duodenum to the colon...(AU)

Spatiotemporal ecology of two Neotropical herbivorous mammals

On this study, we used camera traps in a Semi deciduous Seasonal Forest, northeast of Brazil, to estimate the frequencies of occurrence of two Neotropical herbivorous mammals: the spotted paca (Cuniculus paca) and the tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), analyzing their seasonal variations of spatial distribution. We also characterized the activity pattern of the species and their seasonal variation. The herbivorous frequencies of occurrence were constant during all the seasons. In general, both species were mostly active at night. However, between the rainy and dry season, we identified differences in spotted paca activity peaks. Here we present one of the first studies on the tapeti, whose ecology is understudied. Our results also show a general view of the spotted paca and tapeti behavior strategies to seasonal variations. Due to the scarce food resource in the dry season, possibly these herbivorous need to search for different kinds of food available IFS around.

Spatiotemporal ecology of two Neotropical herbivorous mammals

On this study, we used camera traps in a Semi deciduous Seasonal Forest, northeast of Brazil, to estimate the frequencies of occurrence of two Neotropical herbivorous mammals: the spotted paca (Cuniculus paca) and the tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), analyzing their seasonal variations of spatial distribution. We also characterized the activity pattern of the species and their seasonal variation. The herbivorous frequencies of occurrence were constant during all the seasons. In general, both species were mostly active at night. However, between the rainy and dry season, we identified differences in spotted paca activity peaks. Here we present one of the first studies on the tapeti, whose ecology is understudied. Our results also show a general view of the spotted paca and tapeti behavior strategies to seasonal variations. Due to the scarce food resource in the dry season, possibly these herbivorous need to search for different kinds of food available IFS around.(AU)

Herpetofauna of Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco: one of the last remnants of seasonal forest in the core region of the Brazilian Cerrado

Studies in remnants of semi-deciduous seasonal forest of the Cerrado are needed to fill sampling gaps and improve basic knowledge of biodiversity. This study presents data on the herpetofauna of Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco, one of the last protected areas of seasonal forest in the core region of the Brazilian Cerrado. Fourteen sites were sampled between March 2007 and April 2008 using pitfall traps and active searches. A total of 35 anuran species were recorded, most of which were found in hygrophilous environments near forest fragments, open areas and riparian or gallery forest. A total of 29 reptile species were recorded, most of which were found in semi-deciduous forest and riparian or gallery forest. Fourteen of the amphibians and five of the reptiles are endemic to the Cerrado. The richness of amphibians and reptiles found in Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco is regionally representative, with communities typical of forest environments.

Herpetofauna of Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco: one of the last remnants of seasonal forest in the core region of the Brazilian Cerrado

Studies in remnants of semi-deciduous seasonal forest of the Cerrado are needed to fill sampling gaps and improve basic knowledge of biodiversity. This study presents data on the herpetofauna of Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco, one of the last protected areas of seasonal forest in the core region of the Brazilian Cerrado. Fourteen sites were sampled between March 2007 and April 2008 using pitfall traps and active searches. A total of 35 anuran species were recorded, most of which were found in hygrophilous environments near forest fragments, open areas and riparian or gallery forest. A total of 29 reptile species were recorded, most of which were found in semi-deciduous forest and riparian or gallery forest. Fourteen of the amphibians and five of the reptiles are endemic to the Cerrado. The richness of amphibians and reptiles found in Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco is regionally representative, with communities typical of forest environments.(AU)

Gall-inducing insects of deciduous and semideciduous forests in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

ABSTRACT Galls are specific changes induced by insects on plant organs mainly through increases in plant cell number and/or size. Gall diversity is easy to recognize in the field because gallers are mostly species-specific, and thus each gall morphotype can be a proxy for a galling species. Insect galls are virtually unknown in Seasonal Deciduous and Semi-Deciduous forests of southern Brazil. Here, galls and host plants were surveyed between 2015 and 2017 in four forest fragments of Rio Grande do Sul State in these two vegetation types, in secondary-growth and areas under restoration. We recorded 89 gall morphotypes, with gallers belonging to Lepidoptera and Diptera, with the latter represented mainly by Cecidomyiidae. Galls were associated to 46 plant species in 27 families. Asteraceae, Piperaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Lauraceae were the richest families in terms of galls, whilst Piper aduncum and Mikania glomerata were superhosts. Most galls occurred in leaves and shoots. The most common shapes were fusiform, globoid and lenticular. Forty-eight gall morphotype records are new for both Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil, an expressive number considering only two seasonal forest types sampled and few sampling points, showing how important surveys still are for these little know fauna both in taxonomic and ecological terms.

RESUMO Galhas são alterações específicas induzidas por insetos sobre órgãos das plantas principalmente através de aumento no número e/ou tamanho das células vegetais. A diversidade de galhas é reconhecível em campo porque os galhadores são na sua vasta maioria espécie-específicos e assim cada morfotipo de galha serve como proxy para uma espécie de galhador. Insetos galhadores são virtualmente desconhecidos nas florestas estacionais deciduais e semideciduais do sul do Brasil. Galhas e plantas hospedeiras foram inventariadas entre 2015 e 2017 em quarto fragmentos florestais do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul nestas duas formações vegetacionais, em áreas com sucessão secundária e sob restauração. Foram encontrados 89 morfotipos de galhas, com galhadores pertencentes a Lepidoptera e Diptera, com os últimos representados principalmente por Cecidomyiidae. As galhas estiveram associadas a 46 espécies de plantas em 27 famílias. Asteraceae, Piperaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae e Lauraceae foram as famílias mais ricas em termos de galhas, sendo Piper aduncum e Mikania glomerata considerados super-hospedeiras. A maioria das galhas ocorreu em folhas e ramos. As formas mais comuns foram fusiforme, globoide e lenticular. Dos morfotipos de galhas registrados, 48 são novos para o Rio Grande do Sul e o Brasil, um número expressivo considerando que somente dois tipos de florestas foram amostradas em um número restrito de pontos amostrais, demonstrando a importância de levantamentos para esta fauna quase desconhecida tanto em termos taxonômicos quanto ecológicos.

Gall-inducing insects of deciduous and semideciduous forests in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Galls are specific changes induced by insects on plant organs mainly through increases in plant cell number and/or size. Gall diversity is easy to recognize in the field because gallers are mostly species-specific, and thus each gall morphotype can be a proxy for a galling species. Insect galls are virtually unknown in Seasonal Deciduous and Semi-Deciduous forests of southern Brazil. Here, galls and host plants were surveyed between 2015 and 2017 in four forest fragments of Rio Grande do Sul State in these two vegetation types, in secondary-growth and areas under restoration. We recorded 89 gall morphotypes, with gallers belonging to Lepidoptera and Diptera, with the latter represented mainly by Cecidomyiidae. Galls were associated to 46 plant species in 27 families. Asteraceae, Piperaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Lauraceae were the richest families in terms of galls, whilst Piper aduncum and Mikania glomerata were superhosts. Most galls occurred in leaves and shoots. The most common shapes were fusiform, globoid and lenticular. Forty-eight gall morphotype records are new for both Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil, an expressive number considering only two seasonal forest types sampled and few sampling points, showing how important surveys still are for these little know fauna both in taxonomic and ecological terms.(AU)

Galhas são alterações específicas induzidas por insetos sobre órgãos das plantas principalmente através de aumento no número e/ou tamanho das células vegetais. A diversidade de galhas é reconhecível em campo porque os galhadores são na sua vasta maioria espécie-específicos e assim cada morfotipo de galha serve como proxy para uma espécie de galhador. Insetos galhadores são virtualmente desconhecidos nas florestas estacionais deciduais e semideciduais do sul do Brasil. Galhas e plantas hospedeiras foram inventariadas entre 2015 e 2017 em quarto fragmentos florestais do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul nestas duas formações vegetacionais, em áreas com sucessão secundária e sob restauração. Foram encontrados 89 morfotipos de galhas, com galhadores pertencentes a Lepidoptera e Diptera, com os últimos representados principalmente por Cecidomyiidae. As galhas estiveram associadas a 46 espécies de plantas em 27 famílias. Asteraceae, Piperaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae e Lauraceae foram as famílias mais ricas em termos de galhas, sendo Piper aduncum e Mikania glomerata considerados super-hospedeiras. A maioria das galhas ocorreu em folhas e ramos. As formas mais comuns foram fusiforme, globoide e lenticular. Dos morfotipos de galhas registrados, 48 são novos para o Rio Grande do Sul e o Brasil, um número expressivo considerando que somente dois tipos de florestas foram amostradas em um número restrito de pontos amostrais, demonstrando a importância de levantamentos para esta fauna quase desconhecida tanto em termos taxonômicos quanto ecológicos.(AU)

Gall-inducing insects of deciduous and semideciduous forests in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Galls are specific changes induced by insects on plant organs mainly through increases in plant cell number and/or size. Gall diversity is easy to recognize in the field because gallers are mostly species-specific, and thus each gall morphotype can be a proxy for a galling species. Insect galls are virtually unknown in Seasonal Deciduous and Semi-Deciduous forests of southern Brazil. Here, galls and host plants were surveyed between 2015 and 2017 in four forest fragments of Rio Grande do Sul State in these two vegetation types, in secondary-growth and areas under restoration. We recorded 89 gall morphotypes, with gallers belonging to Lepidoptera and Diptera, with the latter represented mainly by Cecidomyiidae. Galls were associated to 46 plant species in 27 families. Asteraceae, Piperaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Lauraceae were the richest families in terms of galls, whilst Piper aduncum and Mikania glomerata were superhosts. Most galls occurred in leaves and shoots. The most common shapes were fusiform, globoid and lenticular. Forty-eight gall morphotype records are new for both Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil, an expressive number considering only two seasonal forest types sampled and few sampling points, showing how important surveys still are for these little know fauna both in taxonomic and ecological terms.

Galhas são alterações específicas induzidas por insetos sobre órgãos das plantas principalmente através de aumento no número e/ou tamanho das células vegetais. A diversidade de galhas é reconhecível em campo porque os galhadores são na sua vasta maioria espécie-específicos e assim cada morfotipo de galha serve como proxy para uma espécie de galhador. Insetos galhadores são virtualmente desconhecidos nas florestas estacionais deciduais e semideciduais do sul do Brasil. Galhas e plantas hospedeiras foram inventariadas entre 2015 e 2017 em quarto fragmentos florestais do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul nestas duas formações vegetacionais, em áreas com sucessão secundária e sob restauração. Foram encontrados 89 morfotipos de galhas, com galhadores pertencentes a Lepidoptera e Diptera, com os últimos representados principalmente por Cecidomyiidae. As galhas estiveram associadas a 46 espécies de plantas em 27 famílias. Asteraceae, Piperaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae e Lauraceae foram as famílias mais ricas em termos de galhas, sendo Piper aduncum e Mikania glomerata considerados super-hospedeiras. A maioria das galhas ocorreu em folhas e ramos. As formas mais comuns foram fusiforme, globoide e lenticular. Dos morfotipos de galhas registrados, 48 são novos para o Rio Grande do Sul e o Brasil, um número expressivo considerando que somente dois tipos de florestas foram amostradas em um número restrito de pontos amostrais, demonstrando a importância de levantamentos para esta fauna quase desconhecida tanto em termos taxonômicos quanto ecológicos.

Habitat selection by owls in a seasonal semi-deciduous forest in southern Brazil

Abstract This paper tested the hypothesis that the structural components of vegetation have impact over the distribution of owl species in a fragment of a semi-deciduous seasonal forest. This paper also determined which vegetation variables contributed to the spatial distribution of owl species. It was developed in the Perobas Biological Reserve (PBR) between September and December 2011. To conduct the owl census, a playback technique was applied at hearing points distributed to cover different vegetation types in the study area. A total of 56 individual owls of six species were recorded: Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba), Black-capped Screech-Owl (Megascops atricapilla), Tawny-browed Owl (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), Mottled Owl (Strix virgata) and Stygian Owl (Asio stygius). The results suggest that the variables of vegetation structure have impact on the occurrence of owls. The canopy height, the presence of hollow trees, fallen trees and glades are the most important structural components influencing owl distribution in the sampled area.

Resumo Este estudo testou a hipótese de que os componentes estruturais da vegetação de uma floresta influenciam a distribuição das espécies de corujas de um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual. O estudo também determinou quais variáveis da vegetação contribuem na distribuição espacial das espécies. O estudo foi desenvolvido na Reserva Biológica das Perobas, entre os meses de setembro e dezembro de 2011. Para realizar o censo das corujas foi utilizada a técnica de playback em pontos de escuta dispostos de modo a abranger os diferentes tipos de vegetação na área de estudo. Foi encontrado um total de 56 indivíduos de seis espécies de corujas: corujinha-do-mato (Megascops choliba), corujinha-sapo (Megascops atricapilla), murucututu-de-barriga-marela (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana), caburé (Glaucidium brasilianum), coruja-do-mato (Strix virgata) e mocho-diabo (Asio stygius). Os resultados sugerem que as variáveis da estrutura da vegetação e composição influenciam na ocorrência de corujas. A altura do dossel, a presença de árvores ocas, árvores caídas e clareiras, demonstram que são os componentes estruturais mais influentes na distribuição de corujas na área amostrada.

Phenology of two Ficus species in seasonal semi-deciduous forest in Southern Brazil

Abstract We analyzed the phenology of Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng. (23 fig tree) and F. eximia Schott (12 fig tree) for 74 months in a remnant of seasonal semi-deciduous forest (23°27S and 51°15W), Southern Brazil and discussed their importance to frugivorous. Leaf drop, leaf flush, syconia production and dispersal were recorded. These phenophases occurred year-round, but seasonal peaks were recorded in both leaf phenophases for F. eximia and leaf flushing for F. adhatodifolia. Climatic variables analyzed were positively correlated with reproductive phenophases of F. adhatodifolia and negatively correlated with the vegetative phenophases of F. eximia. In despite of environmental seasonality, little seasonality in the phenology of two species was observed, especially in the reproductive phenology. Both species were important to frugivorous, but F. adhatodifolia can play a relevant role in the remnant.

Resumo Foi analisada a fenologia de Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng. (23 indivíduos) e F. eximia Schott (12 indivíduos), por 74 meses em um remanescente de floresta estacional semidecidual (23°27S e 51°15W, centro de visitantes) no sul do Brasil e discutido sua importância para os frugívoros. Foram registradas as fenofases: queda e brotamento de folhas, produção e dispersão de siconios. Estas fenofases ocorreram ao longo do ano, porém picos sazonais foram registrados em abscisão e brotamento foliares para F. eximia e brotamento foliar para F. adhatodifolia. As variáveis climáticas analisadas foram positivamente correlacionadas com as fenofases reprodutivas de F. adhatodifolia e negativamente correlacionadas com as fenofases vegetativas de F. eximia. Apesar da sazonalidade ambiental, foi observada baixa variação sazonal na fenologia das duas espécies, especialmente na fenologia reprodutiva. Ambas as espécies foram consideradas importantes para os frugivoros, porém F. adhatodifolia pode desempenhar papel de destaque no fragmento florestal.

Habitat selection by owls in a seasonal semi-deciduous forest in southern Brazil / Seleção de habitat por corujas em uma floresta estacional semidecidual no sul do Brasil

This paper tested the hypothesis that the structural components of vegetation have impact over the distribution of owl species in a fragment of a semi-deciduous seasonal forest. This paper also determined which vegetation variables contributed to the spatial distribution of owl species. It was developed in the Perobas Biological Reserve (PBR) between September and December 2011. To conduct the owl census, a playback technique was applied at hearing points distributed to cover different vegetation types in the study area. A total of 56 individual owls of six species were recorded: Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba), Black-capped Screech-Owl (Megascops atricapilla), Tawny-browed Owl (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), Mottled Owl (Strix virgata) and Stygian Owl (Asio stygius). The results suggest that the variables of vegetation structure have impact on the occurrence of owls. The canopy height, the presence of hollow trees, fallen trees and glades are the most important structural components influencing owl distribution in the sampled area.(AU)

Este estudo testou a hipótese de que os componentes estruturais da vegetação de uma floresta influenciam a distribuição das espécies de corujas de um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual. O estudo também determinou quais variáveis da vegetação contribuem na distribuição espacial das espécies. O estudo foi desenvolvido na Reserva Biológica das Perobas, entre os meses de setembro e dezembro de 2011. Para realizar o censo das corujas foi utilizada a técnica de playback em pontos de escuta dispostos de modo a abranger os diferentes tipos de vegetação na área de estudo. Foi encontrado um total de 56 indivíduos de seis espécies de corujas: corujinha-do-mato (Megascops choliba), corujinha-sapo (Megascops atricapilla), murucututu-de-barriga-marela (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana), caburé (Glaucidium brasilianum), coruja-do-mato (Strix virgata) e mocho-diabo (Asio stygius). Os resultados sugerem que as variáveis ​​da estrutura da vegetação e composição influenciam na ocorrência de corujas. A altura do dossel, a presença de árvores ocas, árvores caídas e clareiras, demonstram que são os componentes estruturais mais influentes na distribuição de corujas na área amostrada.(AU)

Phenology of two Ficus species in seasonal semi-deciduous forest in Southern Brazil / Fenologia de duas espécies de Ficus em floresta estacional semidecidual no sul do Brasil

We analyzed the phenology of Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng. (23 fig tree) and F. eximia Schott (12 fig tree) for 74 months in a remnant of seasonal semi-deciduous forest (23°27S and 51°15W), Southern Brazil and discussed their importance to frugivorous. Leaf drop, leaf flush, syconia production and dispersal were recorded. These phenophases occurred year-round, but seasonal peaks were recorded in both leaf phenophases for F. eximia and leaf flushing for F. adhatodifolia. Climatic variables analyzed were positively correlated with reproductive phenophases of F. adhatodifolia and negatively correlated with the vegetative phenophases of F. eximia. In despite of environmental seasonality, little seasonality in the phenology of two species was observed, especially in the reproductive phenology. Both species were important to frugivorous, but F. adhatodifolia can play a relevant role in the remnant.(AU)

Foi analisada a fenologia de Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng. (23 indivíduos) e F. eximia Schott (12 indivíduos), por 74 meses em um remanescente de floresta estacional semidecidual (23°27S e 51°15W, centro de visitantes) no sul do Brasil e discutido sua importância para os frugívoros. Foram registradas as fenofases: queda e brotamento de folhas, produção e dispersão de siconios. Estas fenofases ocorreram ao longo do ano, porém picos sazonais foram registrados em abscisão e brotamento foliares para F. eximia e brotamento foliar para F. adhatodifolia. As variáveis climáticas analisadas foram positivamente correlacionadas com as fenofases reprodutivas de F. adhatodifolia e negativamente correlacionadas com as fenofases vegetativas de F. eximia. Apesar da sazonalidade ambiental, foi observada baixa variação sazonal na fenologia das duas espécies, especialmente na fenologia reprodutiva. Ambas as espécies foram consideradas importantes para os frugivoros, porém F. adhatodifolia pode desempenhar papel de destaque no fragmento florestal.(AU)