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Abstract The Borrachudos Granitic Suite (BGS) comprises an acid magmatism that occurred in the west edge of Araçuaí orogen (Late Neoproterozoic), southeastern Brazil. Previous papers attributed the magma genesis to crustal thickening related to an older Paleoproterozoic, Transamazonian orogeny. However, geochronological data indicate that BGS is younger, dominated by about 1.7 Ga granitoids hosted in the archean basement. To investigate the nature of this magmatism, mineralogical, geochemical, Nd-Sr isotopic studies in the BGS and genetically related metarhyolites inside the fold belt were carried out. High SiO2, K, Fe, F, Nb, Y, Zr and REE contents characterize granitoids and metarhyolites. The suite has ENd(T) values of -10.10 and -6.17, with TDM of 2.6-3.0 Ga, and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7057, indicating features of alkaline and anorogenic (A-type) within plate granitic magmas, derived from a Proterozoic crustal source. Therefore, we argue that an orogenic model for this magmatism is not viable. We propose that BGS is associated to crustal melting induced by mantle diapirism or mantle derived magmas related to the Paleoproterozoic extensional tectonic that produced crustal rifting, westward, precursory to the Espinhaço Supergroup basin. Beryl- and topaz-rich pegmatites of NYF-type intruded the granites as well as nearby host gneisses during BGS evolution.

We present the taxonomic treatment of Doryopteris from the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, Brazil, including some hybrids recognized for the first time in the literature. Fourteen species occur in the study area, plus three putative hybrids. Doryopteris × kollmannii, hybr. nov., is newly described; Doryopteris × angularis and Doryopteris × branneri were originally described as species, but have been lately considered as synonyms of D. rediviva and D. varians, respectively. Lectotypifications are proposed for D. raddiana var. patula, Litobrochia raddiana, Pteris collina, P. concolor, P. sagittifolia, and P. varians. We provide descriptions, illustrations, and taxonomic comments for all taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An opportunistic rescue of a stranded 6 m giant manta ray off Ilha Comprida, in São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, revealed a new technique for returning large bodied mobulid rays to the water once beached. The technique, adapted from protocols to move stranded cetaceans, was modified to suit the dorso‐ventrally compressed shape of mobulid rays and reduce damage to the animal while being pulled back into deeper water. The method and suggestions for its improvement have been described with the intention of assisting in the rescue of other stranded large mobulids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The lowland Atlantic Forest, at altitudes of below 500 m, is highly fragmented, and is home to many threatened species of birds. The Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has a high concentration of threatened birds in the Americas and is an important residual of the dense ombrophilous formations of the Atlantic Forest, which includes the Reserva Biológica União, a high priority area for conservation of Atlantic Forest birds. This study compiled empirical and secondary records of threatened birds in this reserve and discusses potential factors determining their local occurrence. Since 2008, regular observations, including transect surveys and mist-netting, in addiction to secondary data, have provided records of 306 bird species, of which 49 appear on red lists at some level (state, national or global), including 34 listed as endangered, of which 13 are listed globally, eight of them dependent on well-conserved lowland rainforest. Future studies should include new areas of the reserve, with the aim of confirming the presence of additional threatened species. The long-term conservation of this fauna will depend not only on the adequate management of the reserve, but also the reestablishment of its connectivity with adjacent forest fragments and upland areas in the state.

ABSTRACT The knowledge of the bat fauna from Minas Gerais, the largest state in southeastern Brazil, has greatly changed in recent years due to increased sampling and taxonomic revisions with reports of range extension and/or new species descriptions. The first annotated list of bats for the state dates to over 10 years ago. Our study aimed to update it by incorporating new localities sampled since then and by adding new species records to the list. We also conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and museum databases and analyzed 691 specimens collected in the state from all mesoregions and ecosystems deposited in collections. We documented the occurrence of 99 bat species from nine families, distributed in 181 municipalities, covering all mesoregions and biomes of the state. This is an increment of 30% in bat richness and of 241% in locality sites with bat records in Minas Gerais, when compared with the previous compilation. We report two previously unrecorded species for the state, the phylostomids Rhinophylla pumilio Peters, 1865 and Trinycteris nicefori (Sanborn, 1949). The mesoregions with the largest number of bat collection localities were “Metropolitana” (46), “Zona da Mata” (26), and “Norte de Minas” (21). The Atlantic Forest had the largest number of collection sites compared to the other biomes present in the state (102). There are a lot of sampling gaps in the state, and most of the conservation areas have not yet been sampled for bats. In face of that and based on the recent findings of several new species and records as a result of sampling and revisionary efforts, we suggest the implementation of rapid survey programs accompanied by taxonomic studies within the conservation units of Minas Gerais. Long-term monitoring programs, including bats, are also completely missing in the state.

The knowledge of the bat fauna from Minas Gerais, the largest state in southeastern Brazil, has greatly changed in recent years due to increased sampling and taxonomic revisions with reports of range extension and/or new species descriptions. The first annotated list of bats for the state dates to over 10 years ago. Our study aimed to update it by incorporating new localities sampled since then and by adding new species records to the list. We also conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and museum databases and analyzed 691 specimens collected in the state from all mesoregions and ecosystems deposited in collections. We documented the occurrence of 99 bat species from nine families, distributed in 181 municipalities, covering all mesoregions and biomes of the state. This is an increment of 30% in bat richness and of 241% in locality sites with bat records in Minas Gerais, when compared with the previous compilation. We report two previously unrecorded species for the state, the phylostomids Rhinophylla pumilio Peters, 1865 and Trinycteris nicefori (Sanborn, 1949). The mesoregions with the largest number of bat collection localities were "Metropolitana" (46), "Zona da Mata" (26), and "Norte de Minas" (21). The Atlantic Forest had the largest number of collection sites compared to the other biomes present in the state (102). There are a lot of sampling gaps in the state, and most of the conservation areas have not yet been sampled for bats. In face of that and based on the recent findings of several new species and records as a result of sampling and revisionary efforts, we suggest the implementation of rapid survey programs accompanied by taxonomic studies within the conservation units of Minas Gerais. Long-term monitoring programs, including bats, are also completely missing in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme precipitation events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in southeastern Brazil, leading to socio-economic problems. While it is not possible to control these events, providing accurate weather forecasts can help society be better prepared. In this study, we assess the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in simulating a period of extreme precipitation from 31 December 2021 to 2 January 2022 in the southern region of Minas Gerais (SMG) state in southeastern Brazil. We conducted five simulations using two nested grids: a 12 km grid (coarse resolution) and a 3 km grid (high resolution). For the coarse resolution, we tested the performance of five cumulus convection parameterization schemes: Kain–Fritsch, Betts–Miller–Janjic, Grell–Freitas, Grell–Devenyi, and New Tiedke. We evaluated the impact of these simulations on driving the high-resolution simulations. To assess the performance of the simulations, we compared them with satellite estimates, in situ precipitation measurements from thirteen meteorological stations, and other variables from ERA5 reanalysis. Based on the results, we found that the Grell–Freitas scheme has better performance in simulating the spatial pattern and intensity of precipitation for the studied region when compared with the other four analyzed schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicts among transnational enterprises, full protection conservation units, and slash-and-burn agriculturalists have historically centered on whether this practice threatens local ecosystems. Our research in the Atlantic Forest (Southeast Brazil) was designed to identify the potential effects of slash-and-burn on soils and vegetation. We collected samples in old cropping areas that have lain fallow for 8, 15, and 60 years. We analyzed the morphological, physical, and chemical properties of the soil samples. We collected vegetation data in 10 × 10 m plots, identified tree species and calculated their basal area. Our morphological and physical data indicate that the soils are not compacted and that the aggregate stability degree increases with time. The chemical data suggest that slash-and-burn practices have not changed the pH or reduced soil fertility, while the vegetation data indicate a long-term recovery. Since our results show sustainable use of slash-and-burn cultivation we recommend land legislation should be designed to safeguard agricultural communities' livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We present the taxonomic treatment of the fern family Blechnaceae for the Flora of Viçosa, based on typology, morphology, and field observations. We report the occurrence of seven species and two putative hybrids, belonging to three genera: Blechnum appendiculatum, B. ×caudatum, B. ×confluens, B. gracile, B. aff. juergensii, B. occidentale, B. polypodioides, Neoblechnum brasiliense, and Parablechnum brasiliense, comb. nov. Among these taxa, four names are rescued from synonymy: B. appendiculatum, B. ×confluens, B. juergensii and P. brasiliense (this, with a new combination into Parablechnum). The putative hybrids, B. ×caudatum and B. ×confluens, are formed by the crossing of B. gracile × B. occidentale, and B. occidentale × B. polypodioides, respectively - as suggested by our observations in the field, morphological intermediancy, and literature review. Future studies involving cytogenetics, genetics, and palynology will be needed to better understand the complex of Blechnum hybrids, including the best status for B. aff. juergensii.

The Santos Basin in eastern Brazil is adjacent to the largest human populations in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, with several potential threats to marine vertebrates. In this study, we provided a systematic bibliographic review and integrated unpublished primary datasets to provide an overview on species, research topics and gaps, and threats to seabirds in the Santos Basin. Bibliographical sources were used for species recorded within the limits of the basin, while species census data were obtained through research and monitoring projects. We analyzed 156 studies from 1914 to 2021. An increase in the number of publications was observed from the 2000s onward (> 80%), with the state of Santa Catarina showing the highest number of publications (56%) on seabirds. Notes and Records (27%), Population and Community Structure (22%), and Fishing (11%) were the main subjects studied. Among the 76 seabird species reported in the Santos Basin (~2/3 of the species reported in Brazil), Procellariiformes was the most prevalent order (51%), including 14 species listed as threatened, either globally or nationally. Resident (28%) and long-distance migratory species, such as visitors from the Southern (39%) and Northern (17%) Hemispheres and Europe (12%), were widely recorded in the region, as well as vagrant species. The inclusion of different data sources allowed broadening the geographic cover used by species to consider both coastal (predominating in previous studies) and offshore areas. The association of seabird distribution with oceanographic and meteorological features should be addressed in future studies, as should studies on the impact of fishing and pollution on a range of common species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is a lack of detailed information on the capture pressures and records regarding the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier (Péron & Lesueur, 1822) (Carcharhinidae) for the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This study aimed to expand the tiger shark record database and to improve upon future conservation and management strategies in this area. A total of 23 new records were obtained, increasing the number of tiger shark records off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro approximately 5-fold. Possible seasonality patterns concerning tiger shark sizes were noted, indicating the need to consider the coast of Rio de Janeiro as an especially relevant area for at least part of the life history of tiger sharks. The tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier (Péron & Lesueur, 1822) (Carcharhinidae) is classified as near-threatened along the Brazilian coast, in line with its global categorization. Although Rio de Janeiro, located in southeastern Brazil, is internationally identified as a priority shark conservation area, many shark species, including tiger sharks, are landed by both industrial and artisanal fisheries in this state. However, there is a lack of detailed information on the species capture pressures and records for the state of Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, the aims of this study were to expand the tiger shark record database and to improve upon future conservation and management strategies. Tiger shark records from four coastal Rio de Janeiro regions were obtained by direct observation. The information obtained from fishery colonies/associations, environmental guards, researchers, and scientific articles, totaling 23 records, resulted in an approximately 5-fold increase in the number of tiger shark records off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro. A possible seasonality pattern concerning the size of the captured/observed animals was noted, emphasizing the need to consider the coast of Rio de Janeiro as an especially relevant area for at least part of the life history of tiger sharks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats are a complex and diverse group, making their study remarkably challenging. Several methods allow the study of bats, e.g. mist-nets and acoustic monitoring (AM). We compare the use of AM and mist-nets to inventory bats in a mountainous region of São Paulo state, Brazil. We provide a species list for the study area based on species registered with both methodologies, comparing with a species list known for the state, obtained from the literature. We calculated beta diversity between methodologies to evaluate the dissimilarity in species composition sampled with these methods. We also performed a PCA to evaluate if the bat fauna sampled with AM showed species-habitat associations. We recorded 15 species/sonotypes through AM and 22 species through mist-nets. Beta diversity revealed 97% of dissimilarity in species composition. The turnover component explained 96% of this dissimilarity. PCA revealed that Vespertilionidae bats were associated with border/cluttered habitats, while Molossidae bats were present in all habitat types. The species list for the state comprises eighty species. Our inventory recorded more than 25% of this fauna. Mist-nets are efficient for sampling low-flying/low-intensity echolocating bats. AM is crucial for sampling high-flying/high-intensity echolocating bats. This is the second study to use AM to inventory bats in this state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hypolepis ×paulistana was described in 2016 as a putative hybrid, known from a single gathering. The hybrid status of these plants was based solely on the intermediate morphology of the sporophyte, when compared to its presumed parent species. These were thought to be H. stolonifera and H. rugosula, but, H. rigescens (Kunze) T. Moore could not be explicitly ruled out either. In the present work, we tested the hybrid status of Hypolepis ×paulistana adding palynological evidence and by using chloroplast sequences to unambiguously identify the maternal progenitor of the species. We find that sporangia of Hypolepis ×paulistana contain both well-formed spores, as well as spores with morphological and developmental anomalies. The size of the regular spores and the abnormal spores suggest that H. ×paulistana is likely a diploid, and probably infertile hybrid. The ornamentation of the regular spores of H. ×paulistana is similar to that of H. stolonifera. The chloroplast sequences of H. ×paulistana are identical to those of H. stolonifera, as well as their sister position within the global phylogeny of the genus. Thus, we provide new evidence for the hybrid status of H. ×paulistana, and we corroborate the earlier finding that H. stolonifera is the maternal parent.

Yellow fever virus (YFV) caused an outbreak in the Brazilian Southeast from 2016 to 2019, of the most significant magnitude since the 1900s. An investigation of the circulating virus revealed that most of the genomes detected in this period carried nine unique amino acid polymorphisms, with eight located in the non-structural proteins NS3 and NS5, which are pivotal for viral replication. To elucidate the effect of these amino acid changes on viral infection, we constructed viruses carrying amino acid alterations in NS3 and NS5, performed infection in different cells, and assessed their neurovirulence in BALB/c mice and infected AG129 mice. We observed that the residues that compose the YFV 2016–2019 molecular signature in the NS5 protein might have been related to an attenuated phenotype, and that the alterations in the NS3 protein only slightly affected viral infection in AG129 mice, increasing to a low extent the mortality rate of these animals. These results contributed to unveiling the role of specific naturally occurring amino acid changes in the circulating strain of YFV in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paullinieae is a predominantly neotropical tribe comprising six genera (Cardiospermum, Lophostigma, Paullinia, Serjania, Thinouia and Urvillea), of which Lophostigma is the only one not found in Brazil. This study was conducted in the sandy coastal plains (restingas) of Rio de Janeiro state, which from the mouth of the Itabapoana river in the north, bordering Espírito Santo state, to Ponta da Trindade (including Ilha Grande) in the south, bordering São Paulo state. This ecosystem has great biodiversity, but has been constantly threatened by deforestation, human occupation and degradation resulting from tourism. In this area we found 30 species in five genera: Cardiospermum (1 sp.), Paullinia (9 spp.), Serjania (15), Thinouia (2) and Urvillea (3). The taxonomic treatment includes a key to identify the taxa, and for each species a morphological description, illustrations, a map of its geographical distribution, ecological information, phenological data, and conservation status. Most species occurred in ridge forests, followed by dune thicket and non-flooded scrub formations. Among of the 30 species, four (Paullinia coriacea, P. ternata, Serjania fluminensis and S. littoralis) were recorded only in the sandy coastal plains, and four are endemic to Rio de Janeiro state (Serjania eucardia, S. fluminensis, S. littoralis and S. tenuis). In addition, four species are already included in the Red List of Brazilian Flora and another three are indicated in this study as threatened. This research is important not only to improve knowledge of Paullinieae species found in Rio de Janeiro's sandy coastal plains, but also to provide information to be used for conservation measures in the State, as well as in other coastal plains of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional knowledge of fishermen about the biology and ecology of natural resources can play an important role in their preservation and conservation. The present study describes the importance of crustaceans based on the perception of artisanal fishers that work along the southern coast of the state of Espírito Santo state in south-eastern Brazil. The observations were made between September 2016 and February 2017, totalling 92 interviews. The fishermen are male, between 18 and 71 years old and with low education. For them, the decapod crustaceans are of ecological importance, as they form part of the food chain and the ecosystem, as well as being commercialized, used for proper consumption, and serving as bait. Fishermen consider the closed season, in which fishery is forbidden, important but incorrect for the region. The results demonstrate the importance of ethno-ecological studies to understand the perception of local players who work in artisanal fishing and thereby to facilitate the dialogue between managers and fishing communities.

Richness is a key variable for understanding biodiversity, and estimates of species occurrence should be as comprehensive as possible and based on reliable records. The employment of diversified methods to be able to detect species, and of adequate sampling efforts is crucial for estimating the richness of bats occurring in highly complex tropical forests. We herein analyzed the richness of bats from one of the largest remnants of the semideciduous Atlantic Forest from Southeastern Brazil, the state conservation park called Parque Estadual do Rio Doce (PERD), based on data from the 1990s and from 2012 to 2016. Based on mixed sampling techniques, including ground-level and canopy nets, acoustic surveys, and roost searching we have revealed that this single state reserve of PERD has the highest bat richness recorded to date among semideciduous Atlantic Forest locations. A total of 54 bat species have been recorded for PERD, including two recently described species from the genera Thyroptera (Thyropteridae) and Eumops (Molossidae). Our data reinforce the value of diversifying sampling methods and the role of PERD as key area for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) were estimated for four fish species (Catathyridium garmani, Pseudauchenipterus affinis, Cathorops arenatus, and Anchoviella brevirostris) captured at six sites on the Espírito Santo and Bahia continental shelf, Brazil. Fishes were sampled monthly for 13 consecutive months using a small‐meshed bottom trawl (measured 10.25 m in ground rope and 8.37 m in head rope, with 13‐ and 5‐mm 156 stretched mesh openings in the body and in the cod‐end). Measurements were taken for total length (TL − 0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW − 0.01 g precision). All estimated LWRs were significant (p <.05). New maximum total lengths (TL) were recorded for three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed pollen and macro-charcoal from a sediment core representing the last 9840 cal yr BP, collected at 2003 m a.s.l. in a patch of upper montane Atlantic Rain Forest (UMARF) embedded in a campos de altitude (high-elevation grassland) matrix in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, southeastern Brazil. From 9840 to 4480 cal yr BP, campos de altitude (CDA) was the dominant vegetation at the site, indicating that the climate was relatively cool and dry. However, pollen data document that UMARF was near the core site throughout the recorded Holocene. Relatively frequent high-magnitude fires occurred during the Early Holocene but became rarer in the Mid-Holocene after 4480 cal yr BP, when the climate became wetter. In the Mid-Holocene, UMARF and tree fern taxa became slightly more frequent at the site, but CDA vegetation continued to dominate most of the high-mountain landscape. A climatic change to wetter and warmer conditions during the last 1350 cal yr BP is evidenced by an increase in UMARF and even lowland forest taxa in our core, as well as the near complete absence of fire after this date.

During a study on filamentous fungi in the soil of mountainous environments in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, one specimen of Mortierella verticillata Linnem. was isolated. Fungal identity was confirmed by morphology and ITS rDNA sequence analysis. This study reports the first occurrence of M. verticillata in South America. This species is distinguished by its monopodial sporangiophores growing on aerial hyphae of verticillate branches, and single-spored sporangia finely ornamented with a diffluent wall. In this manuscript, the specimen is described and illustrated, and the distribution of this species is discussed.

The modern precipitation balance in southeastern (SE) Brazil is regulated by the South American summer Monsoon and threatened by global climate change. On glacial-interglacial timescales, monsoon intensity was strongly controlled by precession-forced changes in insolation. To date, relatively little is known about the spatiotemporal distribution of tropical precipitation in SE Brazil and the resulting variability of fluvial discharge on glacial-interglacial timescales. Here, we present X-ray diffraction-derived mineralogical data for the 150–70 ka period (marine isotope stage (MIS) 6 to MIS 5) from the Doce River basin. This area was sensitive to changes in monsoonal precipitation intensity due to its proximity to the South Atlantic Convergence Zone. The data, obtained from a marine sediment core (M125-55–7) close to the Doce river mouth (20°S), show pronounced changes in the Doce River suspension load’s mineralogical composition on glacial-interglacial and precessional timescales. While the ratio of silicates to carbonates displays precession-paced changes, the mineralogical composition of the carbonate-free fraction discriminates between two assemblages which strongly vary between glacial and interglacial time scales, with precession-forced variability only visible in MIS 5. The first assemblage, dominated by high contents of kaolinite and gibbsite, indicates intensified lowland erosion of mature tropical soils. The second one, characterized by higher contents of the well-ordered illite, quartz and albite, points to intensified erosion of immature soils in the upper Doce Basin. High kaolinite contents in the silicate fraction prevailed in late MIS 6 and indicate pronounced lowland soil erosion along a steepened topographic gradient. The illite-rich mineral assemblage was more abundant in MIS 5, particularly during times of high austral summer insolation, indicating strong monsoonal rainfall and intense physical erosion in the upper catchment. When the summer monsoon weakened in times of lower insolation, the mineral assemblage was dominated by kaolinite again, indicative of lower precipitation and runoff in the upper catchment and dominant lowland erosion.

Abstract Salicaceae (Malpighiales) has a pantropical distribution, with 58 genera and ca. 1,200 species, and the Neotropical region is its center of diversity. In Brazil, 20 genera and 104 species can be found, of which 35 species are endemic. Holding almost half of Salicaceae diversity of the Atlantic Forest domain, Espírito Santo state has registered 23 species and four genera. Facing a large number of unidentified vouchers from the north of the state and challenging diagnostic characters for specific delimitation, this work aims to provide a taxonomic survey of Salicaceae of the Rio Preto National Forest. To do so, monthly field expeditions were carried out from January/2018 to March/2020. Salicaceae of Rio Preto National Forest is represented by four genera and nine species, where the genus Xylosma (X. glaberrima) and the species Banara serrata are new records to Espírito Santo state. Casearia is the richest genus with six species. Characters such as thorns, stipules, leaf punctations, type of venation and leaf margin, position and morphology of the leaf glands, position and morphology (sessile or pedunculate) of the inflorescences, number of floral whorls and position of the disc lobes are the most important characters for specific recognition.

Abstract As part of the Flora of Espírito Santo project, we present the taxonomic treatment of the fern family Saccolomataceae, with a key, descriptions, illustrations, and a list of examined specimens. Two species of Saccoloma occur in the state of Espírito Santo: S. elegans and S. nigrescens. Both species are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.

Among amphibian species from high elevation areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest there is a high percentage of threatened and endemic species, but there is still a relative scarcity of local inventories for these organisms. Here, we present data on anuran composition, relative abundance and estimated densities for leaf-litter frogs from an Atlantic Forest area within the APA Serra da Mantiqueira, in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, based on results of a short-term survey carried out at altitudes of 1,350-1,750 m, in November 2005 (with additional records from surveys made in 2010 and 2011). Three sampling methods were used during the 2005 survey: plot sampling, visual encounter surveys (VES; performed during the day, at the dusk, and at night), and pitfall traps with drift fences; only non-standardized visual searches were employed during the 2010 and 2011 surveys. We recorded 24 species, with the direct-developer Ischnocnema sp. (gr. lactea) being the most abundant. Most anurans (90% of all individuals) sampled by VES were captured during the crepuscular and nocturnal periods. The estimated density of the local leaf-litter frog assemblage based on plot sampling was 18.4 ind/100 m2, which is one of the highest values currently reported for Atlantic Rainforest areas. This is the first study analyzing the anuran fauna composition of an Atlantic Forest area within the APA Serra da Mantiqueira and adds to the body of knowledge on the fauna of the southern region of Rio de Janeiro state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many tropical anurans use forest streams to deposit their eggs, but resource use and selection by tadpoles in tropical forests are poorly known. In the present research, we hypothesized that leaf litter and water depth affect tadpole assemblages due to adult habitat selection for oviposition and/or microhabitat selection by tadpoles. Fieldwork was carried out in the Estação Biológica de Boracéia, an Atlantic Rainforest reserve in São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. We sampled tadpoles during a year using 40 double-entry funnel-traps distributed along four streams in the forest. Only leaf litter effects are species dependent. We discussed that habitat structure significance depends on the morphological and ecological adaptation to forage and avoid competition within the tadpole community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age, growth and length-at-maturity of the red porgy Pagrus pagrus were studied off the southeastern coast of Brazil. A total of 798 otoliths from specimens sampled from the hook-and-line commercial landings between January and December 2017 were used. Age and growth were estimated by counting and measuring increments in sectioned sagitta otoliths, and length-at-maturity was estimated based on macroscopic gonadal analysis. The annual periodicity of opaque zones was validated by marginal increment analysis. Growth curves were estimated by fitting von Bertalanffy growth model to the observed length-at-age data. A single annulus was laid down in summer, from November to February, associated with coastal upwelling of the subtropical South Atlantic Central Water (14.9–18.0°C) and with the onset of reproductive activity. The maximum age observed was 11 years in females and 12 years in males. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy model were: males (L∞ = 419.9 mm, k = 0.347 year−1, t0 = – 0.199), females (L∞ = 503.8 mm, k = 0.253 year−1, t0 = – 0.154) and sexes combined (L∞ = 461.0 mm, k = 0.290 year−1, t0 = – 0.260). The mean length and age at first maturity was estimated at 258 mm (2.5 years) for males and 274 mm (3.0 years) for females. For both sexes, maturity precedes size and age at which specimens are fully recruited to hook-and-line fisheries at age 4 (327 mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tadpoles are able to perceive and discriminate signals from environment and they may use this ability in behaviors and ecological processes. Recognition mechanisms may be involved in schooling by means of attraction among individuals, characterizing a social process. By means of laboratory experiments the present study investigated the presence or absence of attraction to conspecifics in tadpoles of Rhinella icterica and R. ornata, two sympatric species from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. We collected eggs of these two species in the field and reared them in laboratory according to two different methods (isolated or in groups of siblings). Tadpoles were submitted to experiments of choice between conspecifics, heterospecifics, and an empty compartment. Rhinella icterica tadpoles preferred to associate with conspecifics rather than R. ornata tadpoles, and we verified this is an innate behavior. Rhinella ornata tadpoles failed to discriminate between conspecifics and R. icterica tadpoles. When submitted to choice between a group of tadpoles of the other species and an empty compartment, R. icterica tadpoles presented random distribution, while R. ornata tadpoles preferred to associate with heterospecifics. Our results indicate R. icterica tadpoles have preference to associate with conspecifics, while R. ornata tadpoles may school indiscriminately. This study contributes for a better understanding of larval anuran social behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, 11 species of Lytoneuron occur, of which one is new to science, L. poseidonii. Besides the 11 species, we also recognize two varieties, of which one is new, L. columbinumvar.caparaoense. We also make three new combinations: L. columbinum,L. microphyllum, and L. ornithopusvar. pygmaeum. Three species are widespread in South America, whereas the remaining taxa are endemic to the mountainous regions of southeastern Brazil. We present comprehensive descriptions and illustrations for all taxa, as well as an updated key and list of specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed pollen and macro-charcoal from a sediment core representing the last 9840 cal yr BP, collected at 2003 m a.s.l. in a patch of upper montane Atlantic Rain Forest (UMARF) embedded in a campos de altitude (high-elevation grassland) matrix in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, southeastern Brazil. From 9840 to 4480 cal yr BP, campos de altitude (CDA) was the dominant vegetation at the site, indicating that the climate was relatively cool and dry. However, pollen data document that UMARF was near the core site throughout the recorded Holocene. Relatively frequent high-magnitude fires occurred during the Early Holocene but became rarer in the Mid-Holocene after 4480 cal yr BP, when the climate became wetter. In the Mid-Holocene, UMARF and tree fern taxa became slightly more frequent at the site, but CDA vegetation continued to dominate most of the high-mountain landscape. A climatic change to wetter and warmer conditions during the last 1350 cal yr BP is evidenced by an increase in UMARF and even lowland forest taxa in our core, as well as the near complete absence of fire after this date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the lack of studies about dry spells over Southeastern Brazil (SEB), the present study aims to characterize them considering their duration, geographical incidence, and association with rainfall. Uninterrupted sequences of no‐rain days were calculated using the high‐resolution (10 km) Multi‐Source Weighted‐Ensemble Precipitation data set (MSWEP; 1979–2016). The majority of dry spells (80%) last no more than 9 days and those remaining for 10 days or more are relatively rare (top 20%). January and February present a predisposition for the occurrence of dry spells, feature that is not observed in December. The life cycle of dry spells evolves in close association with the subseasonal rainfall tendency. When adding the perspective of dry spells, the effective peak of the monsoon season is December, the month with the highest rainfall rates and the lowest chances for dry spells. Afterward, dry spells modulate a progressive weakening of the rainy season until March, when a slight recovery may happen in the central northern portions of SEB. The relationship between dry spells and rainfall is not straightforward. For dry spells that are most common (up to 9 days), the most likely association is with negative monthly anomalies up to −1.0 SD. However, there are also significant chances of having dry spells associated with positive anomalies. Extreme long dry spells, but extremely rare as well, are unequivocally associated with negative anomalies. The geographic discrimination of dry spells evidences a dipole‐like feature, better seen in January and February, similar to the well‐known rainfall dipole. The north and northeast portions tend to be drier, more prone to the occurrence of dry spells, both short/frequent and long/infrequent. In the south and southwestern portions, dry spells tend to be shorter. The main result is the indication of a probable lessening in the rainy season, taking place between January and February that might affect a significant portion of SEB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southeastern Brazilian onshore-offshore margin and underlying lithosphere are investigated by three-dimensional magnetotelluric imaging using 202 high-quality broadband and long-period amphibious MT-dataset, orthogonally traversing the regional surface deformation hills of Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra do Mar, as well as the coast-parallel onshore-offshore lineaments. Three-dimensional conductivity model reveals an electrically heterogeneous crust (up to 40 km) in the onshore Brasília and Ribeira Orogenic Belts, and ∼ 2–10 km thick-conductive-sedimentary-wedge beneath the offshore Santos Basin laying on top of a stretched and thinner resistive crust. Regionally, the lithosphere is found ∼130 km thick beneath the most northwestern part of the Brasília Orogenic Belt which is thinning out towards the deep-water Santos Basin (∼70 km). This thinning coincides with the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary in recent seismic tomography results, reflecting the current state of the uplifted asthenosphere post-West Gondwana break-up. A major steeply dipping sub-lithospheric conductor, in conjunction with a confined asthenosphere upwelling (or lithospheric thinning), has been observed underneath Embu-Paraíba do Sul domain (Ribeira belt), which may be somehow associated with the continental scale rifting, surface uplift and the Cretaceous São Paulo-Rio de Janeiro dykes swarm. Our findings provide valuable insights into the formation of southeast Brazilian highlands and its association with mantle plume-induced lithospheric delamination (or removal) and the occurrence of alkaline magmatism, after reactivation of some pre-existing weak zones. • The crust is thick and electrically heterogeneous in the Brasília and Ribeira belts and becomes relatively thin and uniform in the offshore margin. • The opening of the South Atlantic Ocean raised the lithosphere towards the offshore Santos basin. • Mantle-plume-driven lithospheric delamination has been observed underneath the highlands of southeastern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rediscovering Cycloramphus bandeirensis (Anura: Cycloramphidae): natural history and breeding biology of a vulnerable species with a variant reproductive mode. We present here data on the breeding biology of Cycloramphus bandeirensis, including descriptions of the advertisement call and tadpole. Males call from beneath rocks in open grasslands above approximately 2,450 m a.s.l. at the Parque Nacional do Caparaó, southeastern Brazil. Breeding occurs from late October–December, when mist and clouds frequently cover the area. The advertisement call consists of a frst note, followed by two or three shorter ones. The spawn is hidden under rocks from which the males call, and the tadpoles are exotrophic and semiterrestrial. This report of a semiterrestrial tadpole that develops in seclusion in a terrestrial habitat is a variant of Reproductive Mode 19. We compared the ontogeny of the semiterrestrial tadpole of C. bandeirensis to that of generalized tadpoles, and a new function is ascribed to the skin fap that is present in larvae of Cycloramphus. It is suggested that C. bandeirensis be transferred to Vulnerable category (VU, d2) of IUCN; the species has a small geographic range (< 20 km2 ), specialized environmental requirements, is vulnerable, has phylogenetic affnities to species that consistently have undergone local population crashes in southeastern Brazil, and is subject to plausible potential threats in its range (e.g., fres and climate change).

Abstract A new species of Trichilia (Meliaceae) from Southeastern Brazil is here described, illustrated and compared to its closest related species. Trichilia arenaria sp. nov. is morphologically similar to T. casaretti, T. elegans and T. pallens. An identification key and comparison table for T. arenaria and those three species from Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo are also presented.

The autotrophic plankton assemblage along the subtropical coastal embayments of the South Brazil Bight is dominated by the cyanobacterium Synechococcus. This investigation aims to assess its contribution to the total carbon metabolism within the planktonic system of Mamanguá Ría, a sub-system of the Bay of Ilha Grande, southeast Brazilian coast. We hypothesized that photosynthetic carbon fixation by cyanobacteria does not support the plankton metabolism inside the Ría. Net community production (NCP) was calculated from differences between gross community production (GCP) and dark community respiration rates measured by in situ incubations using the oxygen light-and-dark technique. Our results reveal the carbon budget inside the Ría is not balanced by autotrophic production. The deficit of net ecosystem production throughout the year ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 mg m–2 d–1 below what is necessary to sustain local plankton metabolism. We argue that the offset between daily GCP and total community respiration may be balanced by grazing of nano-heterotrophs on heterotrophic bacteria. Our conclusions apply to the majority of the meso-oligotrophic Brazilian inner shelf waters away from estuarine plumes and upwelling systems.

Groundwater favorability maps can aid groundwater exploitation in fractured aquifers, such as those of the Bação and Northern Bonfim complexes (Quadrilátero Ferrífero) southeastern Brazil, bringing alternatives for water supply in regions where water availability is at risk. These maps were obtained by means of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), using six information levels: the height above the nearest drainage (HAND) model, the declivity map, three lineament maps (morphostructural, radiometric and magnetometric), and the lithological map. The E–W strike of the lineaments was emphasized for the integration, because it is the most frequent and subparallel to the present strike of the maximum principal stress σ1. The favorability maps were validated by varying the input parameters and comparing the maps with 82 specific capacity values obtained from well tests. Although more data should be necessary to confirm this method, the results are promising and can be tested in other crystalline basement areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe and illustrate Huberia misteriosa, a new species endemic to the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The new species can be recognized by the young branches and abaxial surface of the leaves covered with dendritic trichomes 0.5–1 mm long, hypanthium covered with stalked glands, sepals with the internal laminae broadly trapezoidal, with the apex truncate and shortly apiculate, and by the petals with an apiculate apex. We also provide taxonomic comments, comparisons with closely related species, information about distribution and photos of living and dry specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote-sensing techniques are currently the only means of collecting information to monitor the atmospheric dynamics of lightning from the regional to the national scales, allowing for the generation of homogeneous and long time series. Attempts to characterize the impacts of atmospheric discharge in Brazil presuppose an understanding of spatial and temporal lightning patterns. Despite the high frequency of lightning and significant disturbances caused in highly populated regions such as the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro (MRRJ), these phenomena are not well characterized when using a long-term contemporaneous dataset. Accordingly, this work focuses on the spatial and temporal variability of cloud-to-ground lightning in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, an area affected by a high level of atmospheric discharge every year. We performed a statistical analysis of lightning data taken from a lightning location system for the 16-year period of 2001–2016 and analysed characteristics such as polarity, peak currents, geographic distributions and diurnal, intra- and inter-annual variability. Extremely high levels of high activity were observed from 258,794 cloud-to-ground lightning events recorded over the analysed period and for 64.3% events occurring in summer, 20.5% events occurring in spring and 12.9%, and 2.3% events occurring in autumn and winter. The discharge events were predominantly negative (93.54% of the total). Peak levels of electrical activity were observed from roughly 18:00 to 19:00 local time, when there is more potential energy available for convection. The results of the spatial analysis reveal that most lightning observed over Rio de Janeiro derived from the orographic effect, which spurs the formation of convective storms along the southern part of the slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem-level metabolism is a good sentinel for human and natural disturbances in freshwater systems, responding from local changes (for example, land use) to regional and global changes (for example, climate). Despite the increasing understanding of metabolic processes in tropical lakes, our knowledge on how morphometric and catchment characteristics affect metabolic responses to those changes in tropical lakes is still very scarce. We investigated how metabolic rates in the upper mixed layer of twelve Brazilian tropical lakes responded to reduced rainfall, considering their lake area and drainage area ratio and the percentage of native forest cover in their drainage area. An 80% reduction in the 2013 rainy season rainfall, compared with 2012, resulted in a reduction of approximated 1 m in the water column depth, a 1–2 m deepening of the upper mixed layer, a 50% reduction in mean light availability, and a doubling in total phosphorus concentrations. These changes were associated with 38% increases in gross primary production (GPP), stimulated by higher nutrient concentrations and reduced photoinhibition. These effects of reduced rainfall were strongest in lakes with a small volume in relation to their catchment areas. Our results show that climatic-related reductions in precipitation in this tropical region will reduce lake volumes, affect temperature, water mixing, and nutrient supply with pronounced effects on lake metabolic processes and carbon cycling in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothesis that carnivorous consumers associated with the seabed are more likely to ingest marine debris was tested based on stomach content analysis of fish (Trichiurus lepturus and species of Ariidae) and cetaceans (Sotalia guianensis and Pontoporia blainvillei). Among 596 stomach contents, only 22 (3.7%) contained debris. The debris was flexible plastic, nylon yard, paper, latex, styrofoam and cigarette filter. The proportion of stomach contents with debris varied among species: P. blainvillei (pelagic demersal consumer) presented the highest frequency of ingestion (15.7%), while T. lepturus (pelagic consumer), S. guianensis (pelagic consumer) and Ariidae (demersal consumer) presented similar frequencies (1.3–1.8%). Therefore, a feeding site in the water column does not predict the probability of debris ingestion. Concerning these species, this probability seems to be more associated with prey-capture strategies (or feeding behavior), regardless of debris availability in the environment. Display Omitted • Position in water column does not influence debris ingestion. • Debris ingestion by carnivorous is driven by feeding behavior. • Pelagic and demersal carnivorous are comparable for debris ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of two groups of near‐surface intense cyclonic vortices, one off the southeastern Brazil coast and the other off the Mozambique coast, in the period 1979–2012 is undertaken for comparison of their characteristics with the help of the TRACK algorithm and the NCEP2 Reanalysis data sets. The aim is to understand the nature of intense cyclogeneses in those two subtropical coastal regions. Although the two groups form in almost the same latitude belt and under similar conditions and thus have some common features, they differ in several evolution and movement characteristics. The South American intense cyclones are more frequent. They move rapidly into southern South Atlantic while the African cyclones remain quasi‐stationary during the first 2 days of their life time. Thermal structures show that the Mozambique Channel region presents more conditional instability. The South American intense cyclones present more kinetic energy than their counterparts in the first 2 days. The precipitation around the South American cyclones decreases gradually. The Mozambique Channel cyclones gain kinetic energy after moving away from the Madagascar Island and preserve their baroclinity longer and therefore the mean precipitation rate around their centres remains constant. The sea surface temperature, the geographical features and the circulation characteristics of the two regions are responsible for the differences. Eventually, after 4 days of their formation, cyclones of both the groups join the Southern Hemispheric extratropical storm‐tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic changes are a major threat to biodiversity. One of these possible changes that affect biodiversity is the introduction of domestic species in the environment, which might represent a threat to wild species. The domestic cat, in particular, has biological and behavioral characteristics that allow a great adaptability to natural areas, thus representing a potential risk to the native species, mainly to the other members of the Felidae family. In this study, the spatial overlap between four species of Neotropical wildcats and domestic cats living in an Atlantic Forest Protected Area in one of the most important forest remnants of this ecosystem was verified. The results indicate the need to adopt mitigation measures against the potential risks of this interaction with the goal of preserving the native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dragonflies from the Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, municipality of Cananéia, located at the southern limit of the state of São Paulo in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, were surveyed for the first time through a short sampling effort lasting four days in October 2011. A total of 36 species, including four new state records for species of the genera Lestes, Phyllocycla, Navicordulia and 'Schizocordulia', and three undescribed species of damselflies belonging to Cyanallagma, Forcepsioneura and Idioneura were identified. Some notes are also given for other species, as well as on the morphology and behavior of the intriguing corduliid Lauromacromia picinguaba (incertae sedis). The results, based on a small sample, indicate that the local dragonfly biota at Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso is rich and impressive, and needs to be investigated and protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental licensing is frequently criticized as time-consuming and excessively bureaucratic. In reaction, many public agencies have been promoting simplified approaches to licensing. This article analyzed a number of simplified models of environmental licensing in Brazil’s southeastern states. This study adopted a qualitative and descriptive methodological approach, based on data collected from state legislation and websites. It was found that simplified licensing leads to a decision-making processes that exempts environmental impact studies, and reduces the number of procedures in the process. The simplified model is decoupling environmental licensing from environmental impact assessment. It was also found that the simplified model, while reducing the degree of precaution in decision-making, may speed up the process and reduce costs to the State and entrepreneurs. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of such models and suggesting research avenues.