Bat community in a cave from eastern Brazil, including a new record of Lionycteris (Phyllostomidae, Glossophaginae)

A cave bat community from a semiarid region in eastern Brazil was studied during the dry season. A high diversity was observed, with thirteen species recorded. Except for Micronycteris minuta and Lionycteris spurrelli, these bats were also found in other Brazilian karstic areas. The commonest species were the hematophague Desmodus rotundus, the omnivore Carollia perspicillata, and the insectivore Natalus stramineus. The bats formed itinerant colonies, moving frequently inside the cave. L. spurrelli was previously known from Amazonia, usually associated with evergreen forests. The present record extends its range 1600 km to the south. A disjunct distribution explains some morphological differentiation between Amazonia and Olhos d'Agua cave populations. The latter may be a relict of former continuous forest vegetation, which has been fragmented after the climatic optimum. Dispersion through the Cerrado forest gallery is also possible.

Search for Antifungal and Anticancer Compounds from Native Plant Species of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of several bioactive extracts obtained from Cerrado and Atlantic Forest plant species led to the isolation of potent DNA-damaging piperidine 1-5 and guanidine alkaloids 6-9 from Cassia leptophylla and Pterogyne nitens respectively, two common Leguminosae from Atlantic Forest. By means of biotechnological approach on Maytenus aquifolium, a species from Cerrado, moderate DNA-damaging sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloid 10-11 was isolated. Bioassay-guided fractionation on Casearia sylvestris, a medicinal plant species found in Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, led to the isolation of clerodane diterpenes 12-13 which showed effect on DNA. In addition, we have reported several interesting potent antifungal iridoids: 1β-hydroxy-dihydrocornin (14), 1α-hydroxy-dihydrocornin (15), α-gardiol (16), β-gardiol (17), plumericin (18), isoplumericin (19), 11-O-trans-caffeoylteucrein (20); ester derivative: 2-methyl-4-hydroxy-butyl-caffeoate (21), amide N-[7-(3'.4'-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2Z, 4Z-heptadienoyl] pyrrolidine (22) and triterpene viburgenin (23).

Feeding ecology, density and biomass of the freshwater turtle, Phrynops geoffroanus, inhabiting a polluted urban river in south-eastern Brazil

This study examines the ecology of a population of Geoffroy's side-necked turtle Phrynops geoffroanus inhabiting a polluted urban river in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo state, south-eastern Brazil. Adult turtles fed mainly on Chironomidae larvae and pupae (Chironomus cf. plumosus, 100% of occurrence frequency) and domestic waste, but they also consumed terrestrial items (cockroach, snails) and carrion. Juvenile turtles showed more feeding diversity than the adults and exhibited a trend for predation on Chironomidae pupae, but this is not reflected in resource partitioning. The elevated number of turtles (170-230 turtles/ha of river) and biomass (255-345 kg/ha of river) inhabiting this urban river is probably the result of the abundance of sewage and organic waste produced by humans, the absence of predators, and increased availability of nesting areas. Such factors convert this area into an environment highly advantageous for the survival of Geoffroy's side-necked turtle.

Growth parameters and nutrient content in four multipurpose tree species with potential characteristics for agroforestry systems in a Cerrado region in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil

In order to evaluate growth characteristics, adaptability, biomass production, nutrient recycling, nutrient distribution and the ability to regenerate degraded land, a trial using four multipurpose tree species (Leucaena leucocephala, Leucaena diversifolia, Acacia melanoxylon and Mimosa scabrella) was undertaken over two years in a distrophic red yellow latosol (oxisol) following a randomized block experimental design with four replications. At the age of two years, A. melanoxylon and L. diversifolia were the tallest species (5.25 and 4.97 m, respectively) and A. melanoxylon and M. scabrella had the largest diameters at 20 cm from tree base. Mimosa scabrella and A. melanoxylon had the highest dry matter production and quantity of nutrients in the above ground biomass. In all species, the highest nutrient contents were found in the leaves, followed by branches and stems. From all species, the highest Nutrient Utilization Efficiency Indexes were obtained for sulphur, phosphorous, and magnesium; L. diversifolia was the most efficient for nitrogen, potassium, calcium, sulphur, and manganese, while A. melanoxylon was the most efficient for phosphorus, magnesium, boron, iron, and zinc. Litter production levels over a three month period were as follows: M. scabrella > A. melanoxylon > L. diversifolia > L. leucocephala. Litter nutrient content was higher in M. scabrella than in the other species.

Consumo dos frutos de Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae) por aves numa área de cerrado em São Carlos, Estado de São Paulo

Fruits have been considered an important feeding resource used not only by frugivorous birds, but also by omnivore and some insectivore species. In the present paper we are reporting the behavior of birds consuming fruits of Davilla rugosa (Dilleniaceae). Handling behavior and visits frequency were analyzed in order to infer about the potential ornithochoric seed dispersal. Focal observations were carried out from October to December 1999 in a cerrado fragment located in São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil (21°58′S, 47°52′W). In 60 h of field work we recorded 241 visits of 13 passerine bird species consuming the fruits. The mean number of visits per hour and the standard deviation were 4.01 ± 4.88. All of the species were considered potential seed dispersers, since no pulp mashers or seed predators were observed. No temporal difference in visit frequency was found when all of the species were analyzed together or when they were individually considered. Generalist species were responsible for 68.5% of the visits, followed by frugivorous (22.82%) and insectivorous (8.71%). The main potential seed dispersers were Elaenia spp. (Tyrannidae), Tangara cayana (Emberizidae), Empidonomus varius (Tyrannidae), Turdus leucomelas (Muscicapidae) and Vireo chivi (Vireonidae). The high visit frequency observed suggests that D. rugosa fruits may be an important feeding resource for birds in the cerrado ecosystem, in the manner that this plant can be considered in management plans which intent to maintain or rescue bird communities.

Inter and intraspecific variation on reproductive phenology of the Brazilian Atlantic forest Rubiaceae: Ecology and phylogenetic constraints

The reproductive phenology of seven species of Rubiaceae from the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest was compared to evaluate the occurrence of phylogenetic constraints on flowering and fruiting phenologies. Since phenological patterns can be affected by phylogenetic constraints, we expected that reproductive phenology would be similar among plants within a family or genus, occurring during the same time (or season) of the year. Observations on flowering and fruiting phenology were carried out monthly, from December 1996 to January 1998, at Núcleo Picinguaba, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. Nine phenological variables were calculated to characterize, quantify and compare the reproductive phenology of the Rubiaceae species. The flowering patterns were different among the seven species studied, and the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in flowering duration, first flowering, peak flowering and flowering synchrony. The peaks and patterns of fruiting intensity were different among the Rubiaceae species studied and they differed significantly from conspecifics in the phenological variables fruiting duration, fruiting peak date, and fruiting synchrony (Kruskal-Wallis test). Therefore, we found no evidence supporting the phylogenetic hypotheses, and climate does not seem to constrain flowering and fruiting patterns of the Rubiaceae species in the understory of the Atlantic forest.

Relationship between Constrictotermes cyphergaster and Inquiline Termites in the Cerrado (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Constrictotermes cyphergaster builds arboreal nests in Cerrado sensu stricto of Brazil; inquiline termites and termitophiles frequently inhabit their nests. Measurements of the nests and the support trees (nest width and diameter; tree trunk circumference and inclination), colony size of C. cyphergaster and of Inquilinitermes and number of termitophiles were studied at the Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas. These variables were subjected to a Principal Component Analysis, producing four principal components. The first principal component refers to a multidimensional axis of nest size, encompassing variables related to nest and colony size, such as abundance per caste of C. cyphergaster and I. microcerus, number of termitophile species and the measurements of the nest. The number of soldiers and workers of C. cyphergaster and soldiers of Inquilinitermes increased proportionally to the axis of nest size, while the number of Inquilinitermes workers increased more quickly then the increase in the nest size. Both Inquilinitermes occurred mainly in larger nests. Almost half of the nests (47,5%) were inhabited by I. microcerus and 10% by I. fur.

Quirópteros da Estação Ecológica da Serra das Araras, Mato Grosso, Brasil, com o primeiro registro de Artibeus gnomus e A. anderseni para o cerrado

We present the results of the first bat inventory at the 'Serra das Araras' Ecological Station, MT, in the northwestern portion of the Cerrado domain. We captured bats using the traditional ground-level mist netting and, occasionally, high nets placed 3 m above the ground, and hand nets for hoosting bats. We recorded 23 species distributed in six families (Emballonuridae, Noctilionidae, Mormoopidae, Phyllostomidae, Molossidae, and Vespertilionidae), including Artibeus gnomus and A. anderseni, which had never been recorded in the Cerrado domain. © 2004 Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - UFMG.

Autocorrelação espacial em população natural de Terminalia argentea Mart et Succ. no cerrado de Selvíria, MS

The objective of this study was determine the spatial distribution of genotypes of Terminalia argentea Mart et Suce. (Capitão-do-campo) in a natural population, aiming to outline strategy to genetic conservation in situ and ex situ. The population (Terminalia argentea) is located in an area of cerrado on the Teaching and Research Farm of FEIS / UNESP. It was sampled seeds in 30 trees to determine the biochemistry and technological traits. The trees were also located per GPS apparatus, with objective of obtaining geographic coordinate and to analysis the genotype spatial structure from I Moran Index. The analysis of spatial autocorrelations, from I Moran index, indicated the tendency of a larger structure among trees near spatially. In another hand, trees distant spatially showed smaller similarity. The spatial structure was more visible in a ray of 353m.

Reproductive ecology of the freshwater red alga Batrachospermum delicatulum (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) in three tropical streams

Batrachospermum delicatulum specimens from three stream segments were analyzed from a tropical region in south-eastern Brazil (20°18′- 20°49′S, 49°13′-49°46′W). Physical and chemical parameters and the spatial placement of thalli were investigated along with the reproductive characteristics of the gametophytic phase. Sequence data of the cox 2-3 spacer region was also utilized to evaluate genetic variation in individuals within and among stream segments. Gametophyte occurred under relatively diverse environmental conditions, whereas thalli abundance was weakly or not correlated to environmental variables within the stream segments. All specimens examined were dioecious. The ratio of male/female plants was relatively low (0.5 to 1.3) and male plants tended to occur as clumps (two or three plants together). High reproductive success was observed, as indicated by the occurrence of 100% fertilized (carposporophytic) female plants. This is similar to previous reports for this and other dioecious species, which is remarkable considering the relatively low proportion of male/female plants. Results support the two hypotheses to explain the high reproductive success in dioecious species. The occurrence of male plants in clumps was evidence for a strict spatial relationship (i.e. male plants located in upstream position of female plants in order to release spermatia, which would be carried by eddies through female plants). In contrast, the occurrence of male and female plants adjacent to each other allowed outcrossing among neighboring plants with intermingled male and female branches, which seemed more applicable to some situations (low turbulence habitats). The cox 2-3 spacer region from the 18 individuals sequenced was 376 bp and the DNA sequence was identical with no base pair substitutions. Likewise, a previous study of another Batrachospermum species showed that the same haplotypes were present in all stream segments from the same drainage basin, even though the stream segments were a considerable distance apart. Short distance dispersal either by small birds or waterway connectivity might explain these findings.

Plantas do cerrado brasileiro com atividade contra Mycobacterium fortuitum

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a rapidly-growing species of bacteria, ubiquitous in the environment and related to important human mycobacterioses. It has been isolated from blood, abscesses, the endocardium and surgical and traumatic wounds. This mycobacterium is hard to treat, being recognized in the literature as resistant even to the drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to screen extracts prepared from plants of the Brazilian cerrado (extended savanna-like belt) with known activity against M. fortuitum, employing the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA) as the analytical method. Out of 26 extracts tested against M. fortuitum, the nonpolar extract of Quassia amara (in methylene dichloride) gave the best result (MIC 62.5μg/ mL), followed by the nonpolar extracts of Syngonanthus macrolepsis, Davilla elliptica and Turnera ulmifolia, with equal MICs of 125μg/ml. The polar extracts (in ethanol and methanol) obtained from the same plants were considered inactive, since the MIC values determined were above 500μg/mL and not significantly different from those of extracts from other plants, without known activity.

Fenologia e artrópodes de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. no cerrado

There was evaluated the phenology and arthropods as well as the effect of weather on copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) (Leguminoseae). The emission of new leaves and inflorescences as well as the opening of them occurred in the rainy period. There were observed the higher diversity and abundance of insects, principally galling insects.

Ecology and morphological characterization of gametophyte and 'Chantransia' stages of Sirodotia huillensis (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from a stream in central Mexico

The morphology and phenology of Sirodotia huillensis was evaluated seasonally in a central Mexican first-order calcareous stream. Water temperature was constant (24-25°C) and pH circumneutral to alkaline (6.7-7.9), and calcium and sulfates were the dominant ions. The gametophyte stages were characterized by the presence of a distinctive mucilaginous layer, a marked difference in phycocyanin to phycoerythrin ratio between female and male plants, and the presence of a carpogonia with a large trichogyne (>60 μm). Occasionally three capogonia were observed on a single basal cell. The 'Chantransia' stages were morphologically similar to those described for the other members of Batrachospermales. A remarkable observation was the formation of dome-shaped structures, consisting of prostrate filaments that are related with the development of new gametophytes. Chromosome numbers were n = 4 for fascicle cells, cortical filament cells and dome-shaped cells, and 2n = 8 for gonimoblast filament cells and 'Chantransia' stage filaments. Gametophytes and 'Chantransia' stages occurred in fast current velocities (60-170 cm/s) and shaded (33.1-121 μmol photons/m2/s) stream segments. The population fluctuated throughout the study period in terms of percentage cover and frequency: the 'Chantransia' stages were most abundant in the rainy season, whereas gametophytic plants had the highest frequency values during the dry season. These results were most likely a result of fluctuations in rainfall and related changes in current velocity. Some characteristics of this population can be viewed as probable adaptations to high current velocities: the mucilaginous layer around plants that reduces drag; potential increase in fertilization by the elongate and plentiful trichogynes and abundant dome-shaped structures producing several gametophytes.

Dinâmica da regeneração do subsolo de áreas degradadas dentro do bioma Cerrado

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical and chemical conditions of revegetated subsoil in degraded areas in a Cerrado biome and to verify which plants promote better conditions for soil recovery. The research was conducted in the remaining area of the hydroelectrical plant site at Ilha Solteira (SP). The experimental design was a completely randomized with five treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of: natural regeneration area, brachiaria area, Pinus sp. area, exposed soil area and Cerrado grassland (used as control). The following soil characteristics were appraised: porosity; density, stability of aggregates, infiltration rate, temperature, exchangeable cations, organic matter, pH and potential acidity. The results show that Pinus is not a good species to recover the chemical attributes of the subsoil. The revegetated areas need to be improved in their physical attributes to allow a better development of the vegetation. Brachiaria and the natural regeneration were the most promising treatments, presenting results similar to natural Cerrado.