Navegando por Autor "Rabelo, Lucas Mendes"

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Epigean and hypogean drivers of Neotropical subterranean communities
(2020-10-29) Rabelo, Lucas Mendes; Souza-Silva, Marconi; Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes
In addition to cave size and other subterranean habitat characteristics, cave entrances are important structurers of neotropical cave communities. However, little is known about the epigean ecosystems factors that might dictate the influence of entrances and the relationship among surface and cave communities, as entrance re-gions are ecotonal zones between the epigean and hypogean ecosystems. We aimed to assess the influence of epigean and hypogean factors as potential drivers of inver-tebrate species richness in Neotropical caves as well as the influence of the regional pool of invertebrate diversity on cave invertebrate diversity.
Artigo
Persisting while changing over time: modelling the historical biogeographic of cave crickets (Orthoptera, Grylloidea) in Neotropics
(2023) Castro-Souza, Rodrigo Antônio; Sobral-Souza, Thadeu; Rabelo, Lucas Mendes; Zefa, Edison; Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes
Using species distribution modelling (SDMs) techniques, we predicted the biogeographic history of crickets commonly found in Neotropical caves as a way to detect potential long-term environmental refuges in South America. Our models were built based on a thorough investigation of existing database regarding the genus Endecous Saussure, 1878 (Ensifera: Phalangopsidae) occurrences. The predictions of their distribution were obtained for two paleoclimate scenarios (LGM — 21 ka and Mid-Holocene — 6 ka), the current climate scenario (0 ka) and one future global warming climate scenario (RCP8.5, 2080–2100). Our findings suggest that in the past, the potential distribution of the crickets was wider, with potential forest corridors connecting different karst areas with caves within their occupancy area. The future prediction indicates a drastic reduction in their spatial distribution with an increased potential for isolation in subterranean ecosystems. Atlantic humid forest patches and caves represent the main environmental refuges for these crickets. Considering the ongoing impacts on surface environments and future climate change, the conservation of caves and karst landscapes has become one of the main strategies for the maintenance of these crickets and all the correlated subterranean communities.
Artigo
Priority caves for biodiversity conservation in a key karst area of Brazil: comparing the applicability of cave conservation indices
(2018-05-09) Rabelo, Lucas Mendes; Souza‑Silva, Marconi; Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes
Landscapes in tropical regions have been greatly altered by human activities, as a product of growing demands for mineral and agricultural production, as well as those related to the generation of energy (e.g., hydroelectric, wind). In this scenario, caves have suffered several impacts, sometimes irreversible, as they are generally associated with rocks of high economic value and are closely related to epigean systems. Several indices have been proposed to guide conservation policies for the world’s speleological heritage, although few of them consider cave biodiversity as a criterion. To address this knowledge gap, we tested the applicability of four newly proposed indices to assist researchers and policy-makers select priority areas for global cave biodiversity conservation. To compare indices, we used data from 48 caves of the largest carbonate region of South America (Bambui geological group), all found within the Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot. Each of the four indices considered cave biodiversity as a criterion, although only three adequately evaluated this attribute. Based on results of Simões index and CCPi, which were the most appropriate in relation to indicate priority caves for biodiversity conserva-tion in regions where the fauna and its distribution are not fully known, 15 of the 48 caves were identified as conservation priorities.