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Leishmaniasis is a zoonoses caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the Leishmania genus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of previously infected phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera:Psychodidae:Phlebotominae). In Brazil, 2 types of leishmaniasis are endemic, tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In Baldim, a municipality in the Espinhaço Range Biospere Reserve (ERBR), 5 autochthonous cases of TL, and one autochthonous case of VL were reported from 2017 to 2022. Owing to the lack of data on entomological fauna, we surveyed the occurrence and distribution of phlebotomine sandflies that could act as Leishmania vectors, as well as natural Leishmania infection. During 1 year, 918 sandfly specimens belonging to 12 species were collected. The predominant species was Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (32.0%), a proven VL agent, followed by Evandromyia evandroi (Costa Lima & Antunes, 1936) (20.7%), Evandromyia cortelezzii (Brèthes, 1923) (17.0%), Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) (12.2%), and Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (10.5%), all putative or proven TL agents. Seasonal fluctuations and endo-exophilic behavior were delineated for the main phlebotomine sandflies. The population of Lu. longipalpis was higher during the coolest and driest months, although different profiles were noted for the other species. Natural Leishmania infection was not detected in any of the 197 phlebotomine sandfly females analyzed. The results were compared with those previously obtained in other municipalities belonging to the ERBR. The presence of Leishmania vectors and human cases of leishmaniasis indicate a risk of Leishmania transmission in the region.

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Mountains are renowned for their bountiful biodiversity. Explanations on the origin of such abundant life are usually regarded to their orogenic history. However, ancient mountain systems with geological stability also exhibit astounding levels of number of species and endemism, as illustrated by the Brazilian Quartzitic Mountains (BQM) in Eastern South America. Thus, cycles of climatic changes over the last couple million years are usually assumed to play an important role in the origin of mountainous biota. These climatic oscillations potentially isolated and reconnected adjacent populations, a phenomenon known as flickering connectivity, accelerating speciation events due to range fragmentation, dispersion, secondary contact, and hybridization. To evaluate the role of the climatic fluctuations on the diversification of the BQM biota, we estimated the ancient demography of distinct endemic species of animals and plants using hierarchical approximate Bayesian computation analysis and Ecological Niche Modelling. Additionally, we evaluated if climatic oscillations have driven a genetic spatial congruence in the genetic structure of codistributed species from the Espinhaço Range, one of the main BQM areas. Our results show that the majority of plant lineages underwent a synchronous expansion over the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, c. 21 thousand years ago), although we could not obtain a clear demographic pattern for the animal lineages. We also obtained a signal of a congruent phylogeographic break between lineages endemic to the Espinhaço Range, suggesting how ancient climatic oscillations might have driven the evolutionary history of the Espinhaço's biota.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Plant individuals within a population differ in their phenology and interactions with pollinators. However, it is still unknown how individual differences affect the reproductive success of plants that have functionally specialized pollination systems. Here, we evaluated whether plant individual specialization in phenology (temporal specialization) and in pollination (pollinator specialization) affect the reproductive success of the crepuscular-bee-pollinated plant Trembleya laniflora (Melastomataceae). METHODS: We quantified flowering activity (amplitude, duration and overlap), plant-pollinator interactions (number of flowers visited by pollinators) and reproductive success (fruit set) of T. laniflora individuals from three distinct locations in rupestrian grasslands of southeastern Brazil. We estimated the degree of individual temporal specialization in flowering phenology and of individual specialization in plant-pollinator interactions, and tested their relationship with plant reproductive success. KEY RESULTS: Trembleya laniflora presented overlapping flowering, a temporal generalization and specialized pollinator interactions. Flowering overlap among individuals and populations was higher than expected by chance but did not affect the individual interactions with pollinators and nor their reproductive success. In contrast, higher individual generalization in the interactions with pollinators was related to higher individual reproductive success. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that individual generalization in plant-pollinator interaction reduces the potential costs of specialization at the species level, ensuring reproductive success. Altogether, our results highlight the complexity of specialization/generalization of plant-pollinator interactions at distinct levels of organization, from individuals to populations, to species.

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Ectothermic organisms, such as insects, are highly temperature dependent and are good models for studies that predict organisms' responses to global climate change. Predicting how climate change may affect species distributions is a complicated task. However, it is possible to estimate species' physiological constraints through maximum critical temperature, which may indicate if the species can tolerate new climates. Butterflies are useful organisms for studies of thermal tolerance. We tested if species have different thermal tolerances and if different habitats influence the thermal tolerance of the butterflies present in Brazil's campo rupestre (open areas) and forest islands (shaded areas). A total of 394 fruit-feeding butterflies, comprising 45 species, were tested. The results separated the species into two statistically different groups: the resistant species with maximum critical temperature of 53.8 ± 7.4 °C, and the non-resistant species with maximum critical temperature of 48.2 ± 7.4 °C. The species of butterflies displayed differences in maximum critical temperature between the campo rupestre and forest islands that can be related to the two distinct habitats, but this did not correlate phylogenetically. Species from the forest islands were also divided into two groups, "resistant" and "non-resistant", probably due to the heterogeneity of the habitat; the forest islands have a canopy, and in the understory, there are shaded and sunny areas. Species from forest islands, especially species that displayed lower thermal tolerance, may be more susceptible to global warming.

RESUMO

Mountains are among the most biodiverse areas on the globe. In young mountain ranges, exceptional plant species richness is often associated with recent and rapid radiations linked to the mountain uplift itself. In ancient mountains, however, orogeny vastly precedes the evolution of vascular plants, so species richness has been explained by species accumulation during long periods of low extinction rates. Here we evaluate these assumptions by analysing plant diversification dynamics in the campo rupestre, an ecosystem associated with pre-Cambrian mountaintops and highlands of eastern South America, areas where plant species richness and endemism are among the highest in the world. Analyses of 15 angiosperm clades show that radiations of endemics exhibit fastest rates of diversification during the last 5 Myr, a climatically unstable period. However, results from ancestral range estimations using different models disagree on the age of the earliest in situ speciation events and point to a complex floristic assembly. There is a general trend for higher diversification rates associated with these areas, but endemism may also increase or reduce extinction rates, depending on the group. Montane habitats, regardless of their geological age, may lead to boosts in speciation rates by accelerating population isolation in archipelago-like systems, circumstances that can also result in higher extinction rates and fast species turnover, misleading the age estimates of endemic lineages.

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Senna includes about 300 species with circumtropical distribution, widely represented in the Americas, also occurring in Africa, Australia, Asia and Oceania. The genus is represented in Brazil by 80 species, of which 26 are endemic. The Serra Geral de Licínio de Almeida (SGLA), situated in the central portion of the Cadeia do Espinhaço, state of Bahia, Brazil, presents areas relatively little studied, with great potential for the registration of new information about Brazilian biodiversity. The floristic survey of Senna in the SGLA included analysis of specimens collected from February 2012 to October 2013. The analyses were supplemented with dried collections from the following herbaria: ALCB, BHCB, HUEFS, HUNEB, HRB, MBM and SPF.The genus is represented in the study area by 14 taxa, the most representative in the area were: S. silvestris subsp. bifaria var. bifaria, S. macranthera var. striata and S. macranthera var. nervosa, occurring principally in cerrado environments. The taxonomic treatment includes a key for the identification, descriptions, illustrations, photos, data of the geographical distribution, reproductive phenology and comments about the taxa.

Senna inclui cerca de 300 espécies com distribuição circumtropical, amplamente representada nas Américas, ocorrendo ainda na África, Austrália, Ásia e Oceânia. O gênero está representado no Brasil por 80 espécies, dentre estas 26 são endêmicas. A Serra Geral de Licínio de Almeida (SGLA), inserida na porção central da Cadeia do Espinhaço, estado da Bahia, Brasil, apresenta áreas relativamente pouco estudadas, com grande potencial para registro de novas informações acerca da biodiversidade brasileira. O levantamento florístico de Senna na SGLA incluiu análises de espécimes coletados de fevereiro de 2012 a outubro de 2013. As análises foram complementadas com coleções dos seguintes herbários: ALCB, BHCB, HUEFS, HUNEB, HRB, MBM e SPF. O gênero está representado na área de estudo por 14 táxons, onde os mais representativos foram: S. silvestris subsp. bifaria var. bifaria, S. macranthera var. striata e S. macranthera var. nervosa, ocorredo principalmente em ambientes de cerrado. O tratamento taxonômico inclui uma chave para a identificação, descrições, ilustrações, fotografias, dados de distribuição geográfica, fenologia reprodutiva e comentários sobre os táxons.

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Senna includes about 300 species with circumtropical distribution, widely represented in the Americas, also occurring in Africa, Australia, Asia and Oceania. The genus is represented in Brazil by 80 species, of which 26 are endemic. The Serra Geral de Licínio de Almeida (SGLA), situated in the central portion of the Cadeia do Espinhaço, state of Bahia, Brazil, presents areas relatively little studied, with great potential for the registration of new information about Brazilian biodiversity. The floristic survey of Senna in the SGLA included analysis of specimens collected from February 2012 to October 2013. The analyses were supplemented with dried collections from the following herbaria: ALCB, BHCB, HUEFS, HUNEB, HRB, MBM and SPF.The genus is represented in the study area by 14 taxa, the most representative in the area were: S. silvestris subsp. bifaria var. bifaria, S. macranthera var. striata and S. macranthera var. nervosa, occurring principally in cerrado environments. The taxonomic treatment includes a key for the identification, descriptions, illustrations, photos, data of the geographical distribution, reproductive phenology and comments about the taxa.(AU)

Senna inclui cerca de 300 espécies com distribuição circumtropical, amplamente representadanas Américas, ocorrendo ainda na África, Austrália, Ásia e Oceânia. O gênero está representado no Brasilpor 80 espécies, dentre estas 26 são endêmicas. A Serra Geral de Licínio de Almeida (SGLA), inserida naporção central da Cadeia do Espinhaço, estado da Bahia, Brasil, apresenta áreas relativamente poucoestudadas, com grande potencial para registro de novas informações acerca da biodiversidade brasileira. Olevantamento florístico de Senna na SGLA incluiu análises de espécimes coletados de fevereiro de 2012 aoutubro de 2013. As análises foram complementadas com coleções dos seguintes herbários: ALCB, BHCB,HUEFS, HUNEB, HRB, MBM e SPF. O gênero está representado na área de estudo por 14 táxons, ondeos mais representativos foram: S. silvestris subsp. bifaria var. bifaria, S. macranthera var. striata e S. macrantheravar. nervosa, ocorredo principalmente em ambientes de cerrado. O tratamento taxonômico inclui uma chavepara a identificação, descrições, ilustrações, fotografias, dados de distribuição geográfica, fenologiareprodutiva e comentários sobre os táxons.(AU)

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Species richness and seasonal abundance of solitary bees were investigated in rocky, montane grassland (campo rupestre) (1180 m asl) and cerrado sensu stricto (680 m asl) in the Biribiri State Park, Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Three hundred nineteen nest traps of bamboo canes and black cardboard tubes were monthly inspected at each site during 15 months. A total of eight species of bees built 97 nests. Four species were common to both sites. Tetrapedia aff. curvitarsis Friese and Tetrapedia aff. peckoltii Friese were the most abundant at campo rupestre and cerrado s.s., respectively, followed by Centris analis (Fabricius) in campo rupestre and Centris tarsata Smith in cerrado s.s. The nesting peaks occurred in May in campo rupestre and in February in cerrado s.s. Three cuckoo bees and one bee-fly were collected as natural enemies. The findings suggest that differences between the sites were related more to ecological factors (floral resources, natural nest sites) than to the altitudinal difference. The species richness was similar to that in other habitats with open vegetation. We demonstrate the need to use several types of trap-nest to increase the range of species sampled; some species used only one of the two types traps provided. We also comment on the limitations of trap-nests in cerrado vegetation. Most cerrado species of bees are very selective in their choice for a nesting site, but bees that use trap-nests are more generalists.

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PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed for the critically endangered carnivorous species Philcoxia minensis (Plantaginaceae) for further population genetic studies aiming at its conservation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 29 clones containing 40 microsatellites from a genomic enriched library. A total of 27 primer pairs were developed and evaluated in 30 individuals of a natural P. minensis population. Seventeen markers successfully presented amplification products within the expected size range, of which 12 were polymorphic. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.03 to 0.65 and from 0.00 to 0.77, respectively. Positive transferability with the related species P. bahiensis was observed for the same 17 markers. CONCLUSIONS: The 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers are suitable for studies in genetic diversity and structure, mating system, and gene flow in P. minensis and also may be useful for similar issues regarding the related species P. bahiensis.

RESUMO

The Gray-backed Tachuri (Polystictus superciliaris) is a Tyrannidae restricted to eastern Brazilian highlands. Its population and range are still thought to be declining mainly due to habitat loss, caused by land use. We evaluated the impacts on its range (increase or decrease, displacement in latitude and altitude), considering possible effects caused by inappropriate land use and climatic changes. For this purpose, we modeled its current range and estimated its overlap between the predicted area and future scenarios. We also analyzed the efficiency of the Brazilian reserves to the species’ protection. The range established by the Maxent model was 76.1% lower than that available in the literature and presented a decrease in the future. Range contraction for the periods under consideration ranged from 22.5% to 77.3%. The distribution center shifts to the southwest (from 102.5 km to 275.4 km) and to higher elevations (1,102 m to 1,428 m). From the predicted range, 20% are under some kind of human occupation. The Brazilian reserves partially protect the species, with only 12% of its range, from the 44.2% expected. Based on these predictions, and depending on the species’ dispersal ability and adaptation, it may become vulnerable in the period of 2080. This study demonstrates that the most important areas for maintaining populations of P. superciliaris now and in the future are those located in the ‘Iron Quadrangle’, especially the Serra da Gandarela, where it was partially protected by the recently decreed Gandarela National Park. This region should receive special attention because it is strongly threatened by iron mining in areas relevant for conservation located outside this reserve.

O papa-moscas-de-costas-cinzentas (Polystictus superciliaris) é uma espécie de Tyrannidae endêmica dos topos de montanha do leste do Brasil. Sua população e área de distribuição estão em declínio principalmente devido è perda de habitat causada pelo uso inadequado da terra. Nós avaliamos os impactos sobre sua distribuição (aumento ou diminuição, deslocamento em latitude e altitude), considerando os possíveis efeitos causados pelo uso do solo e pelas mudanças climáticas. Para esse propósito, modelamos a distribuição atual e avaliamos a sobreposição entre a área predita e os cenários futuros. Também avaliamos a eficiência das Unidades de Conservação brasileiras para a proteção da espécie. A área de distribuição estimada por meio do programa Maxent foi 79,1% menor que a área encontrada na literatura, apresentando uma tendência a diminuição no futuro. Foi projetada uma contração de 22,5% a 77,3% da área de distribuição atual para o futuro. O centro da área de distribuição deslocou-se para o sudeste (de 102,5 a 275,4 km) e para áreas com alta elevação (1.102 m a 1.428 m). Da área projetada, 20% encontra-se sob algum tipo de ocupação humana. As Unidades de Conservação brasileiras protegem parcialmente a espécie, com somente 12% de sua distribuição quando o esperado seriam 44,2%. Baseado nas projeções e, dependendo das habilidades de dispersão e adaptação da espécie, ela pode se tornar vulnerável no período de 2080. Este estudo demonstrou que as áreas mais importantes para a manutenção de P. superciliaris na atualidade e em períodos futuros situam-se no Quadrilátero Ferrífero, especialmente na Serra da Gandarela, onde parte foi recentemente decretada como Parque Nacional da Gandarela. Essa região deve receber atenção especial por ser altamente ameaçada pela exploração do minério de Ferro e por áreas relevantes continuarem desprotegidas fora da abrangência do novo Parque.

RESUMO

The saxicolous genus Orthophytum (∼60 species, Bromeliaceae) is endemic to eastern Brazil and diversified in xeric habitats of the Atlantic Rainforest, Caatinga and campos rupestres. Within the genus, two main groups are discerned based on the presence or absence of a pedunculate inflorescence, which are further subdivided into several morphological subgroups. However, these systematic hypotheses have not yet been tested in a molecular phylogenetic framework. Here we present the first phylogenetic analysis of Orthophytum using nuclear and plastid markers (phytochrome C, and trnH-psbA and trnL-trnF spacers). Forty species representing the two main groups and all subgroups of Orthophytum, and the related genera Cryptanthus (8 spp.) and Lapanthus (2 spp.) were analyzed. The phylogenetic reconstruction revealed a well-supported clade termed Eu-Orthophytum, containing species with pedunculate inflorescences only. The Orthophytum species with sessile inflorescence formed two clades: (1) the amoenum group and (2) the vagans group plus O. foliosum, the only pedunculate Orthophytum species found outside Eu-Orthophytum. The vagans clade is in sister group position to Eu-Orthophytum. Within the latter, the subgroup mello-barretoi was sister to the most diversified clade, termed Core Orthophytum. Morphological character state reconstructions of floral characters used in previous taxonomic treatments as key diagnostic characters (penduncle presence, corolla form, and petal appendage form) showed different levels of homoplasy.

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This study identified patterns of geographic distribution of 102 Leguminosae taxa within the Park, based on literature data and herbarium specimens. Among the taxa, 38 grow exclusively in Campos Rupestres (rocky fields) and 49 in the Semideciduous Forest. Eleven patterns of geographic distribution were identified, of which the West-East-Central South America pattern was the most representative, with 27 taxa. Of the 102 sampled taxa of Leguminosae, five are endemic to the Espinhaço Range and ten are included in lists of endangered species of the flora of Brazil and Minas Gerais. Information on these taxa is crucial to provide conservation practices for conserving the vegetation formations of the PEIT.

Neste estudo foram identificados os padrões de distribuição geográfica dos 102 táxons de Leguminosae ocorrentes no PEIT, com base nos dados obtidos na literatura e em material de herbário, sendo 38 exclusivos dos Campos Rupestres e 49 das Florestas Estacionais. Foram reconhecidos 11 padrões de distribuição geográfica, dos quais o padrão América do Sul Ocidental-Centro-Oriental foi o mais representativo com 27 táxons. Dos 102 táxons amostrados de Leguminosae, cinco são endêmicos da Cadeia do Espinhaço e 10 constam nas listas de espécies ameaçadas da flora brasileira ou da Flora de Minas Gerais, sendo consideradas importantes para fornecer subsídios na conservação das formações vegetacionais do PEIT.

RESUMO

A new combination, Lapanthus vidaliorum (O.B.C. Ribeiro & C.C. Paula) Louzada & Wand. is proposed for Orthophytum vidaliorum O.B.C. Ribeiro & C.C. Paula. In addition notes on taxonomy, geographic distribution and conservation are provided.

RESUMO

This study investigated the sandfly fauna of two quartzite caves in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, located in the municipality of Diamantina, state Minas Gerais. From August 2010-July 2011, entomological sampling was performed in the caves of Salitre and Monte Cristo with two HP light traps exposed in the photic and aphotic zones of each cave. The sandfly fauna consisted of 17 species, among which Lutzomyia cipoensis was predominant (54.76%). The male/female ratio in the total captures was 1:2.5. The aphotic zone showed the highest frequency of specimens captured (65%). A greater density of sandflies occurred during the summer (January-February), coinciding with the period of higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis, Lutzomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia pessoai, proven or suspected vectors of leishmaniasis, is of concern because the area is visited by many tourists.

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O complexo serrano do Espinhaço Sul é ainda floristicamente desconhecido e a conservação destas serras está ameaçada em função de sua exclusiva riqueza mineral. A Serra do Condado, localizada no município de Serro, MG (18° 37' 30" S e 43° 22' 30" W) é um bom exemplo de como as atividades de mineração estão distantes da conservação destes ecossitemas e por tal razão o presente estudo teve como objetivo a caracterização florística e fitofisionômica desta serra. As campanhas de campo foram quinzenais e ocorreram entre os meses de maio/2006 a maio/2007. Foram coletados apenas os materiais botânicos em estágio fenológico reprodutivo. Os mesmos foram incorporados aos acervos dos herbários CESJ, RB e ESAL. O valor em área de cada fisionomia na constituição da paisagem foi feito através do software ArGis 9.0 e a similaridade florística entre as fisionomias foi realizada mediante cálculo do índice de Sørensen. Na área estudada foram encontradas Florestas Estacionais Semideciduais Montanas, Matas Ciliares, Brejos e Vegetação Arbustivo-Lenhosa sobre Canga. A floresta semidecídua montana corresponde a 80 por cento da vegetação local, apresentando 426 espécies (391 exclusivas) distribuídas em 83 famílias. As famílias com maior número de espécies foram Fabaceae (40), Asteraceae (30) e Myrtaceae (30). A floresta ciliar é pouco representativa, cobrindo 5 por cento da área florestada. Nessa formação foram encontradas 74 espécies (54 exclusivas) pertencentes a 28 famílias. As famílias mais representativas foram Fabaceae (sete), Piperaceae (quatro) e Annonaceae (três). Os brejos, devido a perturbações antrópicas, cobrem apenas 2 por cento da área. Por fatores como a saturação hídrica constante essa fitofisionomia apresentou o maior número de espécies exclusivas, 18 das 19 encontradas, sendo Cyperaceae e Melastomataceae (cinco) as famílias mais ricas. A Vegetação arbustivo-lenhosa sobre canga cobre 13 por cento da área. Nela foram encontradas 94 espécies (74 exclusivas), distribuídas em 29 famílias. Asteraceae (nove), Orchidaceae (sete) e Bromeliaceae (cinco) destacaram-se pela riqueza de espécies nessa fisionomia. A flora da Serra do Condado foi diferenciada entre seus hábitats (fitofisionomias), pois os valores obtidos para o índice de Sørensen foram inferiores a 10 por cento em todas as comparações. Isso demonstra o quanto estudo florísticos são fundamentais para o conhecimento da vegetação de áreas extensas geograficamente e diversas biologicamente. A variedade de ambientes apresentados e a riqueza da flora associada às suas formações agregam valor de conservação e manutenção da flora dos complexos serranos do Espinhaço Sul de Minas Gerais.

Little is known about the flora of the Espinhaço Sul range. However, the environmental conservation of such complex has been threatened, mainly due to the potential mineral richness lying there. The aim of this study was to the floristic and physiognomy characterization of Serra do Condado, located in the Serro County, MG. Thus, fortnight field campaigns were carried out during the period of May/2006 to May/2007, in order to collect floristic material and to characterize the area. Furthermore, the value in area of each physiognomic in the constitution of the landscape was made through the software ArGis 9.0 and the floristic similarity among the observed physiognomic aspects, were tested by the Sørensen similarity index. Atlantic Semideciduos Montane Forests, Riparian Forests, Swamps and Woody Shrub Vegetation over "Canga" were found in the area. Semidecidual Forest corresponds to 80 percent of the local vegetation, presenting 426 species (391 exclusives) distributed in 83 families. The families that had the largest number of species were Fabaceae (40), Asteraceae (30) and Myrtaceae (30). Following came, Woody Shrub Vegetation over "Canga", covers 13 percent of the studied area, and in it were found 94 species (74 exclusives), distributed among 29 families. Asteraceae (9), Orchidaceae (7) e Bromeliaceae (5) were distinguished by their species abundance in this physiognomy. Riparian Forests are not so representative, constituting only 5 percent of the forested area. In this physiognomy, 74 species (54 exclusives) belonging to 28 families were found, of these, Fabaceae (7), Piperaceae (4) and Annonaceae (3) were the most representative ones. Due to anthropogenic disturbances, Swamps cover only 2 percent of the area. As it showed characteristics such as constant hydric saturation it had the highest proportion of exclusive found species, 18 out of 19, being Cyperaceae and Melastomataceae (5) the richest families. The flora found at Serra do Condado was differentiated in relation to their habitats (physiognomies), because the values obtained by the Sørensen index were less than 10 percent for all other comparisons. This shows how fundamental floristic studies are for knowing the vegetation of areas being both geographically extensive and biologically diverse. The great variety of environment presented and the flora richness associated to this formation aggregate conservation and maintenance value to the Espinhaço Sul range flora, Minas Gerais.

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This study investigated the species of hummingbird occurring in an area of caatinga vegetation, examining their seasonal activities, the assemblages of plants that they used, as well as the floral characteristics and flowering phenology of that vegetation. These surveys were performed in an area of arboreal caatinga in Chapada Diamantina, municipality of Mucugê, state of Bahia, Brazil, during 12 expeditions undertaken on a bi-monthly basis between October, 2005 and August, 2007. Field activities included observations made of the visiting hummingbird species, their behavior, and the frequency of their visits; as well as the plant species visited, their floral attributes, size, and the flowering phenophase evident on the occasion of each expedition. Seven species of hummingbirds were registered, including five residents. Phaethornis pretrei (Lesson & Delattre, 1839) acted as the organizer of this pollination guild. This species and Chlorostilbon lucidus (Shaw, 1812), these two species were considered the principal pollinators within the community. The hummingbirds visited a total of 29 plant species, of which only 12 are considered ornitophilous. The plant community presented a continuous flowering, with 19 species flowering in both the dry and the rainy season, permitting the year-round permanence of resident hummingbird species.

RESUMO

This study investigated the species of hummingbird occurring in an area of caatinga vegetation, examining their seasonal activities, the assemblages of plants that they used, as well as the floral characteristics and flowering phenology of that vegetation. These surveys were performed in an area of arboreal caatinga in Chapada Diamantina, municipality of Mucugê, state of Bahia, Brazil, during 12 expeditions undertaken on a bi-monthly basis between October, 2005 and August, 2007. Field activities included observations made of the visiting hummingbird species, their behavior, and the frequency of their visits; as well as the plant species visited, their floral attributes, size, and the flowering phenophase evident on the occasion of each expedition. Seven species of hummingbirds were registered, including five residents. Phaethornis pretrei (Lesson & Delattre, 1839) acted as the organizer of this pollination guild. This species and Chlorostilbon lucidus (Shaw, 1812), these two species were considered the principal pollinators within the community. The hummingbirds visited a total of 29 plant species, of which only 12 are considered ornitophilous. The plant community presented a continuous flowering, with 19 species flowering in both the dry and the rainy season, permitting the year-round permanence of resident hummingbird species.

RESUMO

This study investigated the species of hummingbird occurring in an area of caatinga vegetation, examining their seasonal activities, the assemblages of plants that they used, as well as the floral characteristics and flowering phenology of that vegetation. These surveys were performed in an area of arboreal caatinga in Chapada Diamantina, municipality of Mucugê, state of Bahia, Brazil, during 12 expeditions undertaken on a bi-monthly basis between October, 2005 and August, 2007. Field activities included observations made of the visiting hummingbird species, their behavior, and the frequency of their visits; as well as the plant species visited, their floral attributes, size, and the flowering phenophase evident on the occasion of each expedition. Seven species of hummingbirds were registered, including five residents. Phaethornis pretrei (Lesson & Delattre, 1839) acted as the organizer of this pollination guild. This species and Chlorostilbon lucidus (Shaw, 1812), these two species were considered the principal pollinators within the community. The hummingbirds visited a total of 29 plant species, of which only 12 are considered ornitophilous. The plant community presented a continuous flowering, with 19 species flowering in both the dry and the rainy season, permitting the year-round permanence of resident hummingbird species.

RESUMO

The present article describes the foraging behavior and diet of Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), a poorly known species restricted to eastern Brazilian mountains. The work was carried out from April to December 2005 in the Serra do Rola Moça State Park, Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). For each foraging bout we recorded the attack behavior, attack direction, substrate, height of foraging substrate, and habitat type where the attack occurred. The species diet was determined through direct field observations and by analyzing the stomach contents of 16 individuals. Polystictus superciliaris uses mainly "canga couraçada" (93.3%), and leaves (69.1%) of the most abundant plants of the area as substrate for the capture of preys. The species is generalist in relation to attack behavior. Analysis of stomach contents revealed the exclusive presence of arthropods. Field observations confirmed the exclusive insectivory of P. superciliaris, which was not observed consuming fruits or other vegetable matter.

O presente artigo descreve o comportamento de forrageamento e a dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), espécie pouco conhecida e de distribuição geográfica restrita às montanhas do leste do Brasil. Este trabalho foi realizado entre abril e dezembro de 2005 no Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, município de Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). Para cada observação de forrageamento foram registrados os comportamentos de ataque, a direção e o substrato do ataque, a altura do substrato de forrageamento e a fitofisionomia onde o ataque ocorreu. Para a determinação da dieta da espécie foram feitas observações diretas de campo, sendo também analisado o conteúdo estomacal de 16 indivíduos. Polystictus superciliaris usa preferencialmente a canga couraçada (93,3%), tendo como substrato principal as folhas (69,1%) das plantas mais abundantes na área. A espécie é generalista quanto ao comportamento de ataque. A análise de conteúdos estomacais revelou a presença exclusiva de artrópodes. As observações confirmaram o caráter insetívoro de P. superciliaris, que não foi observado consumindo frutos ou outro material de origem vegetal.

RESUMO

The present article describes the foraging behavior and diet of Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), a poorly known species restricted to eastern Brazilian mountains. The work was carried out from April to December 2005 in the Serra do Rola Moça State Park, Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). For each foraging bout we recorded the attack behavior, attack direction, substrate, height of foraging substrate, and habitat type where the attack occurred. The species diet was determined through direct field observations and by analyzing the stomach contents of 16 individuals. Polystictus superciliaris uses mainly "canga couraçada" (93.3%), and leaves (69.1%) of the most abundant plants of the area as substrate for the capture of preys. The species is generalist in relation to attack behavior. Analysis of stomach contents revealed the exclusive presence of arthropods. Field observations confirmed the exclusive insectivory of P. superciliaris, which was not observed consuming fruits or other vegetable matter.

O presente artigo descreve o comportamento de forrageamento e a dieta de Polystictus superciliaris (Wied, 1831), espécie pouco conhecida e de distribuição geográfica restrita às montanhas do leste do Brasil. Este trabalho foi realizado entre abril e dezembro de 2005 no Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola Moça, município de Nova Lima, Minas Gerais (20°03'S, 44°00'W). Para cada observação de forrageamento foram registrados os comportamentos de ataque, a direção e o substrato do ataque, a altura do substrato de forrageamento e a fitofisionomia onde o ataque ocorreu. Para a determinação da dieta da espécie foram feitas observações diretas de campo, sendo também analisado o conteúdo estomacal de 16 indivíduos. Polystictus superciliaris usa preferencialmente a canga couraçada (93,3%), tendo como substrato principal as folhas (69,1%) das plantas mais abundantes na área. A espécie é generalista quanto ao comportamento de ataque. A análise de conteúdos estomacais revelou a presença exclusiva de artrópodes. As observações confirmaram o caráter insetívoro de P. superciliaris, que não foi observado consumindo frutos ou outro material de origem vegetal.