Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ivan Braga Campos, Rachel Fewster, Anthony Truskinger, Michael Towsey, Paul Roe, Demival Vasques Filho, William Lee, Anne Gaskett
Summary: Monitoring of protected areas using passive acoustic monitoring and acoustic indices is a useful method for detecting differences in soundscapes between protected and non-protected areas. The study shows that acoustic indices can effectively capture changes in soundscapes and aid in monitoring biodiversity trends in protected areas.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jakub D. Wieczorkowski, Caroline E. R. Lehmann
Summary: Woody encroachment is widespread in grassy ecosystems worldwide and negatively impacts the diversity of herbaceous plants. The extent of encroachment is a key factor affecting plant diversity, with continued encroachment resulting in substantial loss of herbaceous diversity that cannot be replaced.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
An Hu, James Millner, Fujiang Hou
Summary: The introduction of Caragana korshinskii on the Loess Plateau grassland can increase vegetation cover, soil nutrient content, and grassland productivity, while also maintaining species richness and evenness. This suggests that C. korshinskii is the preferred legume species for grassland restoration in the area.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Geraldo W. Fernandes, Flavio S. de Castro, Flavio Camarota, Jessica C. Blum, Renata Maia
Summary: Ants are abundant organisms on Earth adapted to living on different surfaces. In certain habitats where water is a constant obstacle, some ant species have developed swimming capabilities to overcome this challenge. The study reports for the first time ant rafting behavior in tropical mountaintop grasslands in Brazil, an extreme habitat with shallow and sandy soils.
Article
Ecology
Cecilia F. Fiorini, Eduardo Leite Borba, Luciana C. Resende-Moreira, Eric de Camargo Smidt, L. Lacey Knowles
Summary: Mountains are crucial for Neotropical biodiversity, and the diversification of the campos rupestres (CR) vegetation in South America still poses unanswered questions. This study used genomic data and sampling of Bulbophyllum orchids to explore their evolutionary relationships and biogeography. The results suggest a complex history with unrecognized diversity within some previously recognized species, raising questions about species barriers and diversification paths. These findings provide insights into the diversification patterns of Neotropical sky-island communities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francisca Maiara Batista Gomes, Benoit Loeuille
Summary: Three new species, Lychnocephalus cipoensis, L. grazielae, and L. jolyanus, are described from the Cerrado of the Brazilian Central Plateau, characterized by their tomentose branches, heads organized in syncephalia, and twisted setae in the pappus series. These microendemic species from the campos rupestres of Serra do Cipo, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were previously misidentified and are distinguished by their habit, leaf arrangement, and other specific characteristics. A key to all species of Lychnocephalus is provided for further identification.
Article
Plant Sciences
Caroline Oliveira Andrino, Paulo Minatel Gonella
Summary: Recent botanical discoveries have revealed a new species of Paepalanthus subg. Xeractis in the campos rupestres of Serra do Padre Angelo, eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil. This new species has a restricted distribution and is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, highlighting the importance of biodiversity inventories and conservation studies in the region.
PLANT ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Vanessa M. Gomes, Michael Renton, Fiamma Riviera, Richard J. Hobbs, Ramiro Aguilar, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes
Summary: A functional approach was used to study the dynamics of environmental filters and community assembly in natural plant communities. The researchers developed a plant functional type system to investigate the functional structure of plant communities in an old climatically buffered infertile landscape in Brazil. They found distinct functional differences between plant communities of different substrates and physiognomies, with soil factors playing a significant role. The study provides applicable knowledge for the restoration and conservation of the campo rupestre ecosystem, highlighting the importance of habitat heterogeneity.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Leonardo R. Ramirez, Ina Saeumel
Summary: This study explored the impact of land use change on the diversity of native forests in Uruguay. It found that the fragmentation of grasslands led to a decrease in woody species, while large interconnected native forests in a landscape dominated by grasslands harbored a high diversity of species. The history of surrounding landscapes played a crucial role in determining the diversity of native forests.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Evolutionary Biology
Beatriz Lopes Monteiro, Maria Gabriela Gutierrez Camargo, Priscilla De Paula Loiola, Daniel Wisbech Carstensen, Simone Gustafsson, Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato
Summary: The campo rupestre is a unique Neotropical OCBIL with high species richness and endemism, characterized by rocky outcrops surrounded by grasslands. The study showed that long-distance pollinators play a key role in ensuring cross-pollination in this landscape, with bee pollination being dominant. Different pollination systems varied in frequency across elevation and vegetation types. Long-distance pollinators like large bees and hummingbirds were more prevalent in highly isolated rocky outcrops.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marina Reyne, Myles Nolan, Henry McGuiggan, Aurelie Aubry, Mark Emmerson, Ferdia Marnell, Neil Reid
Summary: The study shows that artificial ponds created in agricultural grasslands do not directly replicate natural ponds in adjacent semi-natural habitats, but play a role in preserving high local biodiversity, albeit with a different community of species. The creation of ponds in farmland as well as in adjacent natural habitats can provide a wider range of environmental conditions and richer macroinvertebrate communities, enhancing landscape connectivity and regional biodiversity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ludovic Jean Charles Kollmann, Paulo Minatel Gonella
Summary: Begonia piranga is a new narrowly endemic species from eastern Minas Gerais state in Brazil, considered Critically Endangered due to its restricted occurrence and decline in habitat quality. Another newly reported Critically Endangered species, Begonia vasconcelosiana, emphasizes the importance of conservation actions to protect the endemic flora in the region.
Article
Plant Sciences
Guilherme M. Antar, Carolina M. Siniscalchi, Paulo M. Gonella, Marcelo Monge, Benoit Loeuille
Summary: Recent collection efforts in Minas Gerais have revealed two new species and a range extension of another species in the campos rupestres area. The study sheds light on the unique biogeography of the region and emphasizes the importance of conservation strategies for this biodiverse area.
PLANT ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rafael A. Magris, Ricardo B. Machado, Viviane S. D. Santos, Ana Cristina S. Soares, Rasa R. S. Vieira
Summary: Private-owned protected areas (PPAs) are effective in halting biodiversity decline and are easy to implement. However, their effectiveness may differ between regions. This study found that Serra do Mar has a higher potential for future PPAs compared to Bahia in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The results emphasize the importance of considering natural connectivity and opportunities for new private protected areas in developing a protected area network.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Antonio Jose Creao-Duarte, Aline Lourenco, Rembrandt Romano de Andrade Dantas Rothea, Alessandre Pereira-Colavite
Summary: This paper presents the first list of Aetalionidae and Membracidae species for western Acre and provides detailed descriptions and classifications of some new species. The study reveals that the species diversity in the area may be higher than previously known.
Article
Ecology
Ella Z. Daly, Olivier Chabrerie, Francois Massol, Benoit Facon, Manon C. M. Hess, Aurelie Tasiemski, Frederic Grandjean, Matthieu Chauvat, Frederique Viard, Estelle Forey, Laurent Folcher, Elise Buisson, Thomas Boivin, Sylvie Baltora-Rosset, Romain Ulmer, Patricia Gibert, Gabrielle Thiebaut, Jelena H. Pantel, Tina Heger, David M. Richardson, David Renault
Summary: With the increasing level of biological invasions in the Anthropocene, there is still significant debate and lack of clarity on the determinants of success, impact, and sustaining mechanisms of introduced species. Empirical studies show divergent impacts and effects of biotic and abiotic factors, hindering the creation of a unified theory. The proposed synthesis categorizes invasion hypotheses along a timeline, providing a framework to navigate the theories and select appropriate concepts based on the stage of invasion.
Article
Plant Sciences
Natalia Viveiros Salomao, Leovandes Soares da Silva, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes, Danielle Piuzana, Anne Priscila Dias Gonzaga, Evandro Luiz Mendonca Machado
Summary: The study aims to analyze the potential areas for ecological corridor implementation in a fragmented transition area between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado domains. Geographic Information System was used to determine suitable areas based on ecological and structural potential. Multi-criteria classification and landscape metrics analysis were performed to generate the final ecological map and assess the area's suitability. The results identified ecologically and structurally suitable areas for establishing ecological corridors in the study area.
Article
Plant Sciences
G. Wilson Fernandes, Ana Maria O. Paschoal, Wesley D. Da Rocha, Leandro R. Pires, Nelson A. S. T. Mello, Ana C. S. Amoroso Anastacio, Mauricio Quesada Avendano, Juan Arroyo, Arista Montserrat, Rodrigo L. Massara, Ramiro Aguilar, Lorena Ashworth
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of the holoparasitic species Pilostyles blanchetii on Mimosa maguirei. The holoparasite negatively affected the height of M. maguirei, but had a positive effect on the number of branches and leaves, possibly indicating resource manipulation. In terms of reproductive performance, parasitized individuals showed a reduction in the number of fruits and seeds. Overall, this study highlights significant changes in host plant architecture and reproductive performance caused by the holoparasitic plant.
Article
Ecology
Sandra Rojas-Botero, Leonardo H. H. Teixeira, Paula Prucker, Veronika Kloska, Johannes Kollmann, Soizig Le Stradic
Summary: The current challenges of functional responses in plant communities to climate change require multi-factorial experiments. Moreover, studies on climate change should focus on below-ground responses, especially the traits and biomass allocation of absorptive roots. Therefore, this study aimed to understand how climate change affects absorptive roots in young mesocosm grasslands by manipulating three components.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
G. W. Fernandes, Y. Oki, D. Negreiros, R. Constantino, S. Novais
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of fire on termites in a tropical mountain ecosystem in Brazil. The findings showed that fire did not have a significant impact on termite species richness and bait colonization at different elevations. Despite their sensitivity to environmental changes, termites exhibited high tolerance to fire.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gijs M. Gerrits, Rik Waenink, Asa L. Aradottir, Elise Buisson, Thierry Dutoit, Maxmiller C. Ferreira, Joseph B. Fontaine, Renaud Jaunatre, Paul Kardol, Roos Loeb, Sandra Magro Ruiz, Mia Maltz, Meelis Paertel, Begona Peco, Julien Piqueray, Natasha A. L. Pilon, Ignacio Santa-Regina, Katharina T. Schmidt, Philip Sengl, Rudy van Diggelen, Daniel L. M. Vieira, Wolfgang von Brackel, Pawel Waryszak, Tim J. Wills, Rob H. Marrs, E. R. Jasper Wubs
Summary: Soil translocation is an effective restoration technique for terrestrial ecosystems, promoting the development of plant communities. However, the success of restoration is highly dependent on the restoration context, with greater success observed on loamy soils and when implemented over larger spatial areas.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Julia Leticia Silva, Germano Leao Demolin Leite, David Lopes Teixeira, Reginaldo Arruda Sampaio, Alcinei Mistico Azevedo, Patricia Ferreira Santos Guanabens, Jose Cola Zanuncio, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes, Marcus Alvarenga Soares
Summary: The use of dehydrated sewage sludge as fertilizer for S. saponaria saplings in degraded areas leads to an increase in the abundance and diversity of phytophagous and predatory arthropods, as well as tending ants. This creates a balance between different arthropod groups and is beneficial for biodiversity.
Article
Ecology
Andre J. Arruda, Natalia F. Medeiros, Cecilia F. Fiorini, Carlos A. Ordonez-Parra, Roberta L. C. Dayrell, Joao V. S. Messeder, Marcilio Zanetti, Mariana V. Wardil, Dario C. Paiva, Alessandra R. Kozovits, Elise Buisson, Soizig Le Stradic, Fernando A. O. Silveira
Summary: To achieve the ambitious goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, restoration frameworks should consider the diversity of ecosystems found on Earth, including open-canopy ecosystems. We provide guidelines for restoring the campo rupestre, an open megadiverse grassland in the Neotropics threatened by human activities. The principles proposed aim to improve restoration science and practice for campo rupestre and other similar ecosystems.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Geraldo Wilson Fernandes, Fabio de Oliveira Roqueb, Stephannie Fernandes, Carlos Eduardo de Viveiros Grelle, Jose Manuel Ochoa-Quintero, Tiago Shizen Pacheco Toma, Evaldo Ferreira Vilela, Philip Martin Fearnside
Summary: Divergent political viewpoints in Brazil pose a threat to sustainable agendas. The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda faces numerous challenges and relies on the protection of institutions and democracy itself. Strengthening the connection between democracy and governance is crucial for megadiverse countries like Brazil.
PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Gabriela Gutierrez Camargo, Montserrat Arista, Klaus Lunau, Pedro Luis Ortiz, Soizig Le Stradic, Nathalia Miranda Walter Bretas Rocha, Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato
Summary: Within a community, co-occurring plant species can both diverge and benefit from floral signal standardisation, depending on the flower colour display and flowering phenology. In highly diverse tropical and temperate vegetation types, the visual similarity of rewarding flowers among co-occurring species was investigated. Flower colour was generally not distinguishable within groups by bees, and the flowering periods overlapped in Mediterranean species but tended to be segregated in Brazilian campo rupestre species. The standardisation of floral colour signal within these two species-rich plant communities is advantageous for most of the species studied, despite different flowering phenologies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Flavio Camarota, Wesley Dattilo, Pedro Giovani da Silva, Flavio Siqueira de Castro, Marina do Vale Beirao, Lucas Neves Perillo, Erick Corro, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes, Frederico de Siqueira Neves
Summary: Understanding community assembly in habitat patches requires considering local and regional factors as well as organisms' dispersal abilities. Assessing the degree of species overlap between patches can provide valuable information. In a study conducted in forest patches in southeast Brazil, we collected insects and investigated the potential role of forest island attributes in shaping insect community nestedness. We found that all studied taxa exhibited a significantly nested pattern of species distribution, indicating the potential role of vegetation matrix permeability in shaping organism distribution in the studied forest archipelago.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Catarina Dias De Freitas, Samuel Novais, Jose Eustaquio Dos Santos Junior, Fernando M. Resende, Yumi Oki, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes
Summary: This study examines the distribution and richness of orchid bees in xeric and mesic habitats in Espinhaco mountains, Brazil. It finds that mesic habitats are more favorable for insect maintenance, particularly orchid bees, which are speciose in humid tropical forests. The study also reveals that species richness decreases with increased elevation and that beta-diversity is mainly driven by species turnover among elevations and between seasons.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Pedro Giovani da Silva, Marina do Vale Beirao, Flavio Siqueira de Castro, Lucas Neves Perillo, Flavio Camarota, Ricardo R. C. Solar, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes, Frederico de Siqueira Neves
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of forest island size, isolation, and area on temporal changes of insect biodiversity in a mountaintop forest archipelago. The results show that different insect groups undergo distinct homogenisation and heterogenisation processes according to their dispersal capabilities, while the distance to neighbouring forest islands and forest amount in the landscape affect the temporal beta-diversity of insect groups. Conserving forest amounts and maintaining forest connectivity among forest islands are important for the temporal dynamics of local insect biodiversity.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Priscilla P. P. Loiola, Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato, Maria Gabriela Gutierrez Camargo, Vitor A. A. Kamimura, Jacqueline S. S. Mattos, Annia Susin Streher, Soizig Le Stradic
Summary: This study investigated the effects of environmental variables on plant diversity along an old tropical mountain in southeastern Brazil. The results showed that the richness of graminoids and herbaceous species increased with elevation and nutrient-impoverished soils, while woody richness showed the opposite pattern. The study highlighted the importance of elevation, soil, and vegetation types in driving plant diversity.
JOURNAL OF MOUNTAIN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Barbara Stephanie Silva Ferreira, Yumi Oki, Jose Eugenio Cortes Figueira, Ramiro Aguilar, Vinicius Abreu Baggio, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes
Summary: In the last 20 years, fire frequency in the Cerrado has increased by 41%. Stryphnodendron adstringens, a tree species in the Cerrado, shows low resistance but high resilience to fire. Large individual trees have more and larger resprouts, but the survival probability of resprouts decreases with their number. Frequent fires can reduce the recruitment and persistence of the species.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)