Navegando por Autor "Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo"

Agora exibindo 1 - 12 de 12

Texto publicado em jornal
An Exceptionally High Bat Species Richness in a Cave Conservation Hotspot in Central Brazil
(2021) de Sousa Barros, Jennifer; Bernard, Enrico; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
Caves are among the most used and important roosts for hundreds of bat species worldwide. However, caves remain some of the least known and most threatened environments globally. Documenting the richness of bat species in caves is important not only to draw attention to the uniqueness and relevance of these roosts, but it also contributes to the identification of priority sites for the conservation of bats and the cave fauna dependent upon them. Here, we assessed and described an exceptionally high bat richness in a group of caves in southeastern Tocantins, central Brazil. Inventories carried out in 19 caves resulted in seven families and 31 bat species, of which three were new regional records. Twelve caves were used by threatened and endangered bat species, eight had high diversity indices, and seven caves had high species richness, including one cave that may hold a world record with 26 bat species found inside. The variation in beta diversity is mainly due to species turnover, which indicates that protecting the largest possible number of caves would be ideal for the most efficient conservation of local bat assemblages. The sampled region stands out for its high potential for the conservation of endangered species, and we strongly recommend the full protection of 15 caves classified as a priority for conservation.
Artigo
Cave lithology influencing EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) assemblages and habitat structure in south-eastern Brazil
(2021-06-18) Soares Muniz Pacheco, Gabrielle; Giovannini Pellegrini, Thais; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
Knowing how cave lithology influences the benthic macroinvertebrate fauna is important for conservation and management of subterranean aquatic systems. However, those influences are still poorly understood, especially in the Neotropics. This study aimed to understand how cave lithology can influence benthic EPT assemblages by assessing the differences in the EPT genera structure in caves of two distinct lithologies (quartzite and limestone) and determining possible differences in the lithology habitats. To achieve this, hydrochemistry data and biological samples were collected in six allogenic cave streams from the two aforementioned lithologies. Results showed that both the assemblages from different lithologies and within the same lithology are statistically different, thus indicating probable regional influences beyond local ones. Our results also pointed out an effect of lithology on the substrate parameters, which in turn affected the EPT composition. Cave lithology affects water chemical and physical characteristics, thus supporting different EPT assemblages. The results of this study provide a foundation for future investigation on how the lithology can influence the benthic macroinvertebrate fauna and should lead to means of predicting such fauna on the basis of the cave lithology and water chemistry.
Artigo
Description and ecology of a new species of the cricket genus Endecous (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) in the speleological province of Arcos-Pains-Doresópolis, Southeastern Brazil
(2020-07-31) AntÔnio Castro-Souza, Rodrigo; Gabriel Pereira Junta, Vitor; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
A new cricket species of the genus Endecous Saussure, 1878 is described in the present work found in the speleological province of Arcos-Pains-Doresópolis, which belongs to the limestone group Bambuí, Brazil. Moreover, the spatial distribution of the new species was related to the species Eidmanacris sp., which co-occurs with the former in several caves. Relationships between species abundance and horizontal projection, number of entrances and environmental stability of the caves where these species coexist were evaluated. The presence of bilateral symmetry in individuals of Endecous painensis n. sp. perhaps due to environmental stress caused by mining activities surrounding the cave was also tested. Endecous crickets are commonly observed in the caves, for which the preference by distinct microhabitats and generalist strategies may be key factors explaining colonization and segregation in relation to other cricket species in subterranean habitats. The generalist lifestyle of the here described species may attenuate the effects environmental stresses over development.
Texto publicado em jornal
Ecological preferences of neotropical cave bats in roost site selection and their implications for conservation
(2020-06) de Sousa Barros, Jennifer; Bernard, Enrico; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
Bats frequently use caves as roosts due to higher environmental stability and protection. However, species-specific ecological and physiological requirements and conditions of roosts and their surroundings can influence species presence. Little is known on cave choice by bats in the Neotropics, a species- and cave-rich region. Understanding how bats, cave characteristics and the surrounding landscape are related with each other helps the management and conservation of bats and caves. Based on sampling 19 caves using both diurnal observations and captures, we tested (1) whether bat richness was positively related to cave temperature, humidity, size, stability, and heterogeneity of microhabitats, and the preservation and heterogeneity of the surrounding landscape in central Brazil; (2) whether cave and landscape characteristics influenced on species composition; (3) how species responded to cave and landscape variables; and (4) whether these relationships changed between seasons. Temperature was a limiting factor, whereas environmental stability, humidity, and structural attributes of caves favored the occurrence of more species. Larger caves, rich in microhabitats – but more stable than the external environment – supported more species, especially in the dry season. Landscape context did not influence species richness and composition in the caves, but the percentage of vegetation around caves was important for certain species. Our results highlight the influence of environmental variables in the process of cave selection by Neotropical bat species. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of cave protection for bats and provide useful information for decision-making in processes of environmental licensing.
Artigo
Enhancing the still scattered knowledge on the taxonomic diversity of freshwater triclads (Platyhelminthes: Dugesiidae) in caves from two Brazilian Biomes
(2020-11-18) Hellmann, Lindsey; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo; Rabelo, Lucas; Leal-Zanchet, Ana Maria
Recent studies have recorded new species of freshwater planarians in caves of the biomes Amazonia, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga. Herein we contribute to enhancing this knowledge by describing three new cave-dwelling species of Girardia from three different cave systems situated in two biomes (Atlantic Forest and Cerrado) in eastern Brazil. Girardia spelaea sp. n., from a limestone cave, is eyeless and shows a whitish body. The other two species, G. asymmetrica sp. n. and G. ibitipoca sp. n., from limestone and quartzite caves, show pigmented bodies and eyes. The three species are characterized by dorsal and/or dorsoventral testes and a bulbar cavity with forked ental portions, varying from round or ovoid to elongate. Each new species is easily recognized by a unique combination of characters of their external morphology and reproductive system. Girardia spelaea is probably a troglobitic species and the two other species may be trogrophiles, all of them with a restricted known distribution.
Texto publicado em jornal
Global distribution of microwhip scorpions (Arachnida: Palpigradi)
(2021-03-25) Mammola, Stefano; Fernanda Villela Rezende Souza, Maysa; Isaia, Marco; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
Historically, research on global distribution patterns has mostly concentrated on conspicuous organisms and thus a large proportion of biodiversity on Earth remains unmapped. We examined the global distribution of palpigrades, a poorly studied group of low dispersive arachnids specialized to subterranean life. We asked what are the ecological factors driving their distributions, and to what extent sampling bias may influence the observed patterns.
Artigo
Global distribution of microwhip scorpions (Arachnida: Palpigradi)
(2021-03-25) Mammola, Stefano; Fernanda Villela Rezende Souza, Maysa; Isaia, Marco; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
Historically, research on global distribution patterns has mostly concentrated on conspicuous organisms and thus a large proportion of biodiversity on Earth remains unmapped. We examined the global distribution of palpigrades, a poorly studied group of low dispersive arachnids specialized to subterranean life. We asked what are the ecological factors driving their distributions, and to what extent sampling bias may influence the observed patterns.
Artigo
Priorities for cave fauna conservation in the Iuiú karst landscape, northeastern Brazil: a threatened spot of troglobitic species diversity
(2021-03-20) Costa Cardoso, Rafael; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo; Souza-Silva, Marconi
The definition of priority for conservation becomes an emergency because habitat loss and degradation are among the main impacts on karst landscapes. In this sense, the present study aimed to evaluate the priorities for cave conservation through the combination of indexes that use species richness, species distribution, and proportion of the deforested area (PDA). The caves presented 287 non-troglobitic species and 37 species (11.7 %) with troglomorphic traits that are distributed in 50 % of the caves. The caves also present a high phylogenetic and functional diversity of terrestrial, aquatic, and amphibious cave-restricted species, including many predators, scavengers, and one phytophagous species, most of them presenting remarkable specialized traits and restrict distribution in a few caves and in specific biotopes. The PDA were positively related to the distance from the limestone outcrop, because of the restrictive landforms for agropastoral activities. At least two caves present extremely high priority for conservation (Baixão and Baixa da Fortuna caves), while four caves present high priority, and almost all others require at least a conservation action. Suggestively, in this specific case, a coherent strategy was shown to maintain the preserved vegetation around the caves, improving the restoration of small fragments and minimizing alterations. Despite the results of the indices, the singularity of the area regarding the taxonomic and functional diversity of troglobites also reinforces the urgent need for conservation actions.
Texto publicado em jornal
Priorities for cave fauna conservation in the Iuiú karst landscape, northeastern Brazil: a threatened spot of troglobitic species diversity
(2021-03-20) Costa Cardoso, Rafael; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo; Souza-Silva, Marconi
The definition of priority for conservation becomes an emergency because habitat loss and degradation are among the main impacts on karst landscapes. In this sense, the present study aimed to evaluate the priorities for cave conservation through the combination of indexes that use species richness, species distribution, and proportion of the deforested area (PDA). The caves presented 287 non-troglobitic species and 37 species (11.7 %) with troglomorphic traits that are distributed in 50 % of the caves. The caves also present a high phylogenetic and functional diversity of terrestrial, aquatic, and amphibious cave-restricted species, including many predators, scavengers, and one phytophagous species, most of them presenting remarkable specialized traits and restrict distribution in a few caves and in specific biotopes. The PDA were positively related to the distance from the limestone outcrop, because of the restrictive landforms for agropastoral activities. At least two caves present extremely high priority for conservation (Baixão and Baixa da Fortuna caves), while four caves present high priority, and almost all others require at least a conservation action. Suggestively, in this specific case, a coherent strategy was shown to maintain the preserved vegetation around the caves, improving the restoration of small fragments and minimizing alterations. Despite the results of the indices, the singularity of the area regarding the taxonomic and functional diversity of troglobites also reinforces the urgent need for conservation actions.
Artigo
The Wynberg Cave System, the most important site for cave fauna in South Africa at risk
(2020) Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo; Giribet, Gonzalo; Du Preez, Gerhard; Ventouras, Oresti; Janion, Charlene; Souza Silva, Marconi
The Wynberg Cave System, located on the Cape Peninsula, represents one of the most significant sites of cave fauna in southern Africa. However, the continuous increase in cave visitation is severely impacting the system as evidenced by graffiti, the trampling and destruction of cave habitats and even a reduction in the sizes of bat colonies. In October 2019, the Wynberg Cave System was visited by a group of scientist, who discovered unregistered troglomorphic species. This, subsequently increased the number of troglobites occurring in the system to 19, which likely means that this system has the potential to become the first hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in Africa. Protecting the Wynberg Cave System is therefore of great importance. Here, we propose short and long-term strategies that include educating local communities on the importance of conserving caves and installing gated entrances.
Texto publicado em jornal
Three new species of Eusarcus Perty, 1833 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) from Brazilian caves
(2021-03-23) Argolo dos Santos Júnior, Gilson; Neves de Ázara, Ludson; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
Three new species of Eusarcus Perty, 1833 are described from Brazilian caves, increasing the number of species of the genus to 40, eight of which have occurrences in caves. Eusarcus capixaba sp. nov. is described from Lapa do Sítio Paraíso Cave, municipality of Ecoporanga, state of Espírito Santo. Eusarcus marmoreus sp. nov. is described from Caverna Archimides Panssini Cave, municipality of Vargem Alta, state of Espírito Santo. Finally, Eusarcus xambioa sp. nov. is described from Caverna da Explosão Cave, municipality of Xambioá, state of Tocantins. Notes on the species’ habitats and a distribution map are also provided.
Texto publicado em jornal
Three new species of Eusarcus Perty, 1833 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) from Brazilian caves
(2021-03-23) Argolo dos Santos Júnior, Gilson; Neves de Ázara, Ludson; Lopes Ferreira, Rodrigo
Three new species of Eusarcus Perty, 1833 are described from Brazilian caves, increasing the number of species of the genus to 40, eight of which have occurrences in caves. Eusarcus capixaba sp. nov. is described from Lapa do Sítio Paraíso Cave, municipality of Ecoporanga, state of Espírito Santo. Eusarcus marmoreus sp. nov. is described from Caverna Archimides Panssini Cave, municipality of Vargem Alta, state of Espírito Santo. Finally, Eusarcus xambioa sp. nov. is described from Caverna da Explosão Cave, municipality of Xambioá, state of Tocantins. Notes on the species’ habitats and a distribution map are also provided.