Repositório RCAAP

Hawkmoths (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) are among the major pollinators in tropical communities. However, in the Cerrado biome little is known about their distribution, species composition, diversity, as well as, their relationships with hawkmoth-flower plant flora. This study aim to describe the hawkmoth fauna and hawkmoth-pollinated plant flora of a Cerrado area in the Southeast of Brazil. We analyzed the biogeography pattern of species distribution in the Cerrado region and Neotropical area, evaluated its associations with sphingophilous plants testing the hypothesis of ecological fitting, and based on pollinic data, we described the mutualistic network pattern between hawkmoths and hawkmoth-pollinated plants. A total of 61 hawkmoth species was recorded for the study region, what represents more than a fifth of South America hawkmoth fauna. The species distribution was markedly seasonal. The Cerrado s hawkmoth fauna showed higher similarity with faunas from forest ecosystems in the Neotropics. The expected species richness for Cerrado region was comparable or even higher than those values expected for highly diverse regions as Atlantic forest areas. The match among hawkmoth proboscis lengths and corolla tube depth of hawkmoth-pollinated plants in a community level indicates an ecological fitting between these groups. The appearance of the hawkmoths with longest proboscis showed a phenological synchronization with flowering period of the most specialized hawkmoth-flower plants (those with the deepest corolla tubes). This suggests that there is also a phenological fitting between these interacting organisms. The mutualistic network among hawkmoths and their visited plants revealed a pattern highly nested. The Cerrado possess very high hawkmoth species richness and its composition is possibly influenced as much by historical factors, like species interchange among adjacent ecosystems occurred during the climatic-vegetational fluctuations in the Quaternary period, as for the occurrence of a constant species migration dynamic between different habitats. These processes possibly have strong implications on the ecological fitting between hawkmoths and plants. These mutualisms in conjunction to other selective pressures, such as the competition among hawkmoths for nectar, have allowed the evolution and establishment of interesting ecological patterns, like the phenological fitting between hawkmoth-plants and their pollinators.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

The aim of this study was to verify the vegetation distribution along the gradient of moistness of the ground in six palm swamps in the municipalities of Uberlândia and Uberaba. A floristic survey and the water layer depth and soil textures were also evaluated. Three of the studied palm swamps (V1, V2 and V3) are located in the geomorphological surface with 800-842 width, covered with Latosols of Medium Texture. The others (V4, V5 and V6) are situated on areas 922-940 m high on very argillaceous texture soil. The studied area in each palm swamp was equivalent of 100 m along the slope (right and left) through the width of the palm swamp. A floristic survey was done, from January 2002 to January 2003, in random walks on determined tracks. The water layer depth was determined in one year, in three trans-sections, with sampling points on each zone of the palm swamp (edge, middle and back), in the same area where the vegetation was characterized. To determine the soil texture, samples was collected in each of the zones of thee palm swamp, in a deep from 0 to 20cm. The floristic survey revealed 435 species, belonging to 197 genders and 62 families. In the palm swamps V1, V2 and V3 322 species were found, whereas 300 species were encountered on the palm swamps V4, V5 and V6. The nine richest families account for 63,7% of the total species observed. Cyperaceae, Eriocaulaceae, Poaceae and Xyridaceae had occurred with more species in the zones of the middle and the back, while Asteraceae, Melastomataceae and Rubiaceae, were prevalent in the edge and the middle. The ordinance done for the multidimentional scheduling - MDS, from the floristic similarities between three zones of the palm swamps, showed higher similarity between the middle and the back, then with the edge. It was also verified that the edge zones of the palm swamps was less similar between themselves, then the middle and back zones. The analyses of the principal components (PCA), performed utilizing data from the 44 species that occurred in at least five of the studied palm swamps, showed that Axonopus siccus, Hyptis linarioides and Tibouchina gracilis, are related with the edge of the palm swamps. Ten species had been distributed in the middle zone, among them: Paspalum cordatum, Rhynchospora globosa and Syngonanthus xeranthemoides. And finally, ten species were distributed in the back zone, among them: Eryngium ebracteatum, Trimezia violacea and Xanthosoma striatipes. The average depth of the water layer generally had been higher in the edge and smaller in the back zone. April was the month that showed the smallest values of water layer depth, and August and September, the highest ones. In the palm swamps V1, V2 and V3 the percentage of sand in the soil was higher than the other ones. On the other hand, the palm swamps V4, V5 and V6 presented soils with the highest amount of clay, mainly in the edge and the middle regions. The differences in the number of species between the two types of palm swamps are possibly due to human influence and/or as a consequence of the small area showed in each palm swamp. The difference between the depth of the water layer and the ground texture seems to be less relevant in this case.

Waterbirds are an important functional group, responsible for countless ecological roles, including the dispersion of aquatic invertebrates. That group has been threatened by the processes of agricultural expansion and of urban growth, what promote degradation of natural habitats and environmental contamination, reflecting in the decrease of the richness of bird species. The present work was undertaken to evaluate aspects of the biology and ecology of piscivorous birds in an urban site of the Uberabinha river, municipality of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais. The study was conducted from January to December of 2004, having been registered ten species of birds (nine genders, four families and three orders). Among the observed birds, Phalacrocorax brasilianus presented the largest relative frequency and Pilherodius pileatus the smallest. Butorides striatus showed wider space distribution and Pilherodius pileatus, more restricted. There was not variation in the richness of species between stations (dry and rainy), and neither between the periods of the day (morning and evening). However, some species presented larger relative frequency in the rainy station (e.g. Nycticorax nycticorax) and other in the dry station (e.g. Egretta thula). Significant variations were also registered in the frequencies of certain activities in relation to the seasons, for some of the investigated species (e.g. B. striatus feed more intensively in the dry station). We evidenced a preference of certain species by the use of native plants (trees and scrubs), mainly for nestling and/or rest. We concluded that the richness of piscivorous bird species is relatively high in the place, above all if the precarious conditions of environmental preservation be considered. Differences were observed in the relative frequency of the species forward of the year, as well as of the behaviors exhibited by the same ones in the exploration of the environment. The presence of the large sewer emissaries and the amount of woody vegetables were the principal environmental variables correlated with the occurrence of birds in the study area.

Environmental degradation refers to any activity that, directly or indirectly, causes damage to the environment and its many aspects. This research was aimed at carrying out a diagnosis of environmental conditions in permanently protected areas (PPAs) around the sources and along the banks of streams found in Uberlândia s (MG) urban area as well as to assess awareness of the population living around these areas regarding their relevance and conditions. The methodological focus used was both qualitative and quantitative, showing statistically collected data, but also analyzing it in a narrative and descriptive way. Theoretical references used were related to landscape ecology and environmental perception. Field work was carried out to achieve the goals. Data on the local landscape was collected and a structured questionnaire was applied to the population that lives around the areas to assess individuals awareness so that their opinions, attitudes and values regarding the analyzed PPAs could be found out. Both biotope mapping and interaction matrix were used to assess the environmental conditions of the analyzed PPAs. According to the results, it has been concluded that the sources and banks of streams in Uberlândia fall into the average and high degradation categories. The main problems are deforestation, inappropriate use and occupation of land, soil pollution caused by deposition of solid waste and water pollution caused by problems in sewage management. The population interviewed has shown to be aware of PPAs-related problems.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Studies in Ethnobiology recognize the local populations as carriers of great wisdom about the dynamics and functioning of nature. Understand the local knowledge about the environment and its influence on the behavior of the societies is the starting point for the success of conservation strategies, also in places already highly modified by human, as the region of Uberlândia-MG. Ethnoornitology field is still little explored in Brazil and researchs in such area are incipient in the Triângulo Mineiro region. This research investigated the local knowledge of the inhabitants of the rural districts of Cruzeiro dos Peixotos, Martinésia and Tapuirama (Uberlândia-MG) on the ecology, behavior, taxonomy, nomenclature and economic-cultural aspects of the birds of the region, emphasizing the Ethnoecology and Ethnotaxonomy of the Psittacidae of occurrence in the study areas, pointing the agreement and disagreements between the scientific knowledge and the local knowledge. To achieve this aim, it was used instruments for collecting data frequently employed in ethnographic research, such as semi-structured interviews and presentation of audiovisual materials. Ten informants in each district had been interviewed, living at least 10 years in the place, without formal instruction on birds. As results of the research were raised 156 bird species, distributed in 22 orders and 40 families, according to the scientific classification, cited under 245 common names. Most birds cited (n = 97) was identified at the terminal taxon of the scientific classification, being generic the most important category for the local taxonomy. Bird identification and classification by informants followed morphological parameters, such as color, size and vocalization. It was pointed out by informants that the best times to see and hear birds is the dawn and evening, mainly in the "bush" and in backyards. Amazona aestiva, Ara ararauna, Aratinga aurea, Aratinga leucophtalma, Brotogeris chiriri and Forpus xanthopterygius were the Psittacidae species most cited at all stages of the work, and there was an increase in the percentage of citations after presentation of the plates. These species most remembered and recognized by informants also had their vocalizations more easily identified, although the acoustic identification has not been as accurate as the visual identification, due to the great similarity of the vocalization of Psittacidae. Damages in crop and electrical wiring were cited as problems for human. Psittacidae traffic is known by informants, who are aware of the illegality of that trade, suggesting captivity creation through record of the bird in IBAMA. Interviewees informations about breeding and nesting of Psittacidae are similar to the data from scientific literature. They identified the localization of the nests ranging between Psittacidae and spoke of parental care by both parents, which are differentiated by them from small differences in color and size, although doesn t have related in the literature evident sexual dimorphism in the group. The research enabled to known common names not described in the literature. It provided yet indicators of changes in the traditions of the districts inhabitants, due to the reduction of the cultural transmission of the local ecological knowledge, produced and accumulated over the generations. It was perceived that involve local populations in ethnobiological researchs stimulates a rediscovery of the environment around them, which favors the practice of conservation actions and provides rescue of cultural knowledge.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

In Leptodactylus ocellatus, the tadpoles form schools that are protected by the females until the end of the larval phase. Here we described aspects of the reproduction of this species in areas of Cerrado in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil). We determined in the field the reproductive period, spawning places, duration of the parental care and differences in the survival (degree of development reached) of protected/unprotected schools. We described the way of action of tadpole predators and the types of reaction of the parental females in the presence of them. The reproduction took place all around the year, with greater activity in the hot/rainy season. Foam nests were circular in format, often presenting a central opening; they were often built in the water surface amidst grass-like vegetation. Permanent and temporary bodies of water were used. The amplexus was axillary and the male beat the foam with lateral movement of the hind limbs. After leaving the foam, the tadpoles remained aggregated, forming dense schools. Females remained with the tadpoles until the end of the metamorphosis, 42 days on average. We observed coalition (fusion) between two or more schools of different females. Parental drove the schools through undulations in the water produced by pelvic movements and built channels interconnecting isolated areas. Females actively defended tadpoles from predators, as co-specific males, jumping, snout hitting, biting and emitting screams. Predators of tadpoles were teleosts, snakes, birds, arthropods and conspecifics. Egg clutches were preyed upon by teleosts and conspecific tadpoles. There was not significant difference in the survival (larger development) between guarded and unguarded schools in habitats with and without teleosts (tadpole predators). Among unguarded schools, the survival was significantly greater in environments without teleosts. The females appear to favor the schools through active defense and through orientation in the environment. The presence of the female was not an absolute warranty or an essential condition for the tadpoles to reach of the metamorphosis in environments without teleosts; Although it increased their survival in the presence of teleosts. In the species, the maternal care can be classified in two categories: attendance to the eggs/tadpoles and tadpoles driving. Functionally, it can be classified as predatory avoidance, including cannibalism. In the species, the maternal care may increases the survival of the offspring but is not an obligatory condition to the development of eggs and tadpoles, as well as the mother absence do not necessarily mean the death of the tadpoles.

Although seldom reported, necrophagy is a relatively common phenomenon in nature. Among necrophagous vertebrates, scavengers are the only ones who have a diet composed almost exclusively by carrion. There are five species of scavengers recorded in Brazil and in some Brazilian regions these species can live in sympatry, interacting with each other and with species of Falconiformes. The aims of this study were: 1. to investigate the use of perches and food resources by necrophagous birds in different areas of Uberlândia city (MG), and 2. to establish the types of interactions (intra- and inter-specific) between the studied populations. The research was performed between December 2006 and December 2007, though field observations were concentrated in the dry period (June to September 2007). Three types of habitats were selected for the field work (urban environment, urban-rural environment and rural environment). The observations followed focal animal ad libitum analises, and were carried out from 9 am to 6 pm. All areas were sampled monthly, performing 90 hours of observation (30 hours in each area). Two species of necrophagous birds were recorded: Coragyps atratus (Black Vulture) and Caracara plancus (Crested Caracara). The rural-urban environment showed higher frequency of records of scavengers and Crested caracara using perches (5646). Moreover, the urban environment served as a deposit of waste and carcass of animals stemming both from urban environments as well as rural environments. Interactions for food were often marked by agonistic interactions, although there were displays which prevent disputes, such as warning postures and sounds production (including vocalization ). Interspecific allopreening was recorded at a higher frequency than expected and probably occurs as a way of rapprochement between Crested caracara and Black vultures when grouping in mixed flock. These mixed flocks seemed to be favored by the surveillance ability of the Crested caracara and because of its vocalization ability and thus producing scream of warning, useful for the flock.

Epipedobates flavopictus is a diurnal, aposematic dendrobatid with a wide distribution in seasonal wet tropical regions of Brazil. We describe the daily period of vocalization, advertisement call, courtship behavior, and tadpole of E. flavopictus from a previously unknown population in southern Goiás and compare theses features with that of other populations. Studies were carried out in November (2004) and February (2005). We counted the number of calling males and duration of calling bouts in the morning and evening periods. The advertisement call was recorded with a digital recorder. Tadpole description was based on specimens collected in pools. Males called from well-illuminated sites such as rocky fields, rain channels, and borders of riverine forests. In November, males vocalized daily during two distinct periods, between 0430 and 1000 h and between 1630 and 2000 h. Morning temperature varied between 20-23ºC and humidity from 79-89%; during evening varied between 24-27ºC and 54-82%. In the middle of the day, temperature reached 36ºC and humidity 40%. During the morning, call activity was almost uninterrupted, in the evening calling bouts lasted around 9 min. In February, even with the occurrence of rainfall and temperatures similar to that of November no frog vocalized. The advertisement call is composed by a single note with 7 8 pulses with frequency ascending slightly from 3.20 to 4.05 kHz. Note duration was 144 ms, and between note intervals is 292 ms. Notes are given at a rate of 139 per minute. Upon observing the female, the male began to emit courtship call. The female approached the male and touched him laterally with her snout. The male moved forward and raised his hindquarters by stretching his hind legs. While leading the female, the male continued to give courtship and advertisement calls. The male clasped the female in axillary amplexus, and the pair entered a hole in a bank. The female deposited eggs on the surface of the soil, spreading them in groups. The egg clutches had eggs in at least two developmental stages, recently deposited and with embryos. Tadpoles were found in small, shallow rocky pools along a permanent stream, in well-illuminated sites at the forest border. The tadpole had the dorsal fin arched, not extending onto body. E. flavopictus appears to be unique among dendrobatids by using open areas subject to high temperatures and low humidity. Reproductive activity of the species ends before the end of the rainy season, possibly to avoid loss of tadpoles during months with unpredictable rainfall. The studied call had more notes and shorter between-call intervals than those described from other populations. The free-living tadpoles we describe differ from those of other populations by having the dorsal fin reduced.

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Seasonal semideciduous forests (FES) occur in patches mainly in the region of the Cerrado of central Brazil, had occupied a expressive area throughout Minas Gerais state. These formations generally occur on fertile and humid soil, characterized for the climatic changes that determines the seasonal deciduousness of the dominant tree individuals, in reply the hydric deficiency. Therefore, studies in these forests are necessary to search to understand the structure and to verify the formation of standards and comparing the floristic composition of this with others fragment. The study was carried out in a seasonal semideciduous forest area located between the coordinates 19º40´35 S and 48º02´12 W. The climate of the region is of the Aw type and the annual average of temperature is presented maximum of 30.3°C, and minimum of 17.5°C and average precipitation is 1630 mm. An area of one hectare, subdivided in five transects of 100 meters was demarcated. Each transect was composed for five plots 20 x 20 m each, totalizing 25 plots. In each plot they had been showed to the tree individuals with circumference ate breast height (1.30 m above of the ground) bigger or equal 15 cm (CBH ≥ 15cm). The usual phytossociological parameters had been analyzed. The density and basal area had been calculated, beyond the indices of Shannon and equitability for the community. The forest was segmented in three vertical stratus based of the average height of all the individuals and its standard error. The floristic similarity of these FES with other FESs was calculated, based in richness and abundance of the species. 806 individuals represented for 90 species had been showed. Late secondary species were frequent in the canopy and sub-canopy, being Micrandra elata (Didr.) Müll. Arg. The most important specie in the community followed of Galipea jasminiflora (A.St. - Hil.) Engl, with presented the greater frequency in the understory. The pioneer species had low representation in the sampled area, what it was waited for an area with good condition of conservation. Associated to this state of conservation, the basal area of 45,8m2/ha is also distinguished, what is not common for this type of vegetation formation in the Triangulo Mineiro. The forest presented the J-invert standard for the diameter distribution of the community, but the more dense species showing distribution out of this standard. The analysis of similarity based on the richness of species demonstrated the formation of four groups, and the factor conservation state and geographic proximity seems to be most significant. Already for the abundance, the analysis did not show formation of groups. The soils demonstrated fertility media and characterized for homogeneity for chemical components, what did not allow the formation of gradients of the showed area. The analysis of the covering of the canopy demonstrated a variation in function of the seasonality. In a general way this remnant studied presents a particular structure and characteristics, well defined stratification and the species domain you would second delayed; thus showing the primary succession state of this forest.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais

This research developed a phytosociological study of the tree community of three remaining of semideciduous forest located in Uberaba, MG: Parque Jacarandá, Mata do Ipê e Mata do Carrinho. All the individuals with circumference at breast height ≥ 15 cm, found in 60 plots of 10 x 10 m in each forest (0,6 ha in each fragment - 1,8 ha total) were identified, measured and their height was estimated. For each species were obtained the density, frequency and dominance, to make the disposition of the species and families according to the importance value (VI).The Sorensen Index was calculated to determine the similarity among the three parks. The Shannon Index (H ) was also calculated of each fragnent. At the Parque Jacarandá 113 species (97 natives and 16 exotics), 86 genera and 38 families were sampled. Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Meliaceae, and the species Nectandra cissiflora, Guarea guidonea and Copaifera langsdorffii stood out as the higher VI, with a Shannon index (H ) of 3,75. At the Mata do Ipê 87 species (81 natives and 6 exotics), 61 genera and 35 families were sampled. Fabaceae, Meliaceae and Lauraceae, and the species Unonopsis lindmanii, Piper amalago and Dendropanax cuneatum stood out as the higher VI, with a Shannon diversity index (H ) of 3,33.At the Mata do Carrinho 100 species (99 natives and 1 exotic), 75 genera and 35 families were sampled. Fabaceae, Meliaceae and Euphorbiaceae, and the species Unonopsis lindmanii, Trichilia clausseni e Sciadodendron excelsum stood out as the higher VI, with a Shannon diversity index (H ) of 3,83. Sørensen index showed a higher floristic similarity between the Mata do Ipê and the Parque Jacarandá, 61.22%. The Mata do Ipê and Mata do Carrinho had a lower similarity, 58,37%, and the Parque Jacarandá and Mata do Carrinho 56,87%.The fragments apparently more disturbed had higher similarity (Mata do Ipê and Parque Jacarandá), while the more preserved ones (Mata do Carrinho) stood out when compared to the others.The predominance of some species, and the presence of exotic species reflect an inadequate handling and show the existence of a strong anthropical influence in these fragments.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Conservation areas, which limits are fixed within the national boundaries, are established by the federal government, as well as by all states through state and municipal government, to protect relevant ecosystems. Their general purposes include Environmental Education activities, which are undertaken by their respective Environmental Education Centers. The theme concerning these centers is still little debated in Brazil. However, it is a field in Environmental Education that holds a promising future. Depending on its aim, it might have a very distinctive potential. Environmental Education Centers can be established in companies, zoos and aquariums, universities, non-government organizations (NGOs) and conservation areas. The purpose of this work, which has been carried out as diagnostic qualitative research, was to find out the actual situation and future perspectives of an environmental education center established in a city park in Uberlândia, the, Núcleo de Educação Ambiental at Parque Municipal Victório Siquierolli, as well as its potential to develop and undertake environmental education activities. This center has been chosen because it has increasingly become a reference in the city for Environmental Education. Data collection was carried out through documentary analysis, questionnaires, interviews and direct observations. Data analysis was based on the theoretical reference gathered and shows that the center at Siquierolli, though facing some problems, mainly financial ones, is very well structured, establishing itself as an environmental education reference to the city. By analyzing its location, equipment, surroundings and facilities, teaching staff, teaching and policy program as well as sustainable strategies, it possible conclud to that the center s strength lies in the teaching staff, well-qualified and committed to their role. Good management ability is also worth mentioning. The center success has supported the Conservation Area in which it is located and has ensured that the center itself is respected both by the population in general and by those who live in the vicinity.