An analysis of 429 specimens belonging to 39 species representative of the diversity of Polistes in the Americas confirmed the inverse of Bergmann’s rule by pointing to larger body size for species occurring in or near the tropics compared with species inhabiting higher latitudes.
At the Barreiro Rico Ecological Station in Anhembi, different approaches are shared between researchers in an effort to understand the relationship between the forest and the Southern muriqui, and to connect populations by means of ecological corridors. Fire prevention in the area has allowed the group to thrive after almost disappearing.
Brachycephalus dacnis is the seventh species of flea toad identified and is larger only than an individual of a closely related species found in southern Bahia state, Brazil. The study published in PeerJ was led by a group at the State University of Campinas.
Research focusing on the Caatinga shows that by restoring the soil, it is possible to achieve quality levels close to those that existed before human interference.
When the dust that covered the skies 66 million years ago prevented plants from photosynthesizing and benefited creatures that fed on decomposing organic matter, these insects selected species that could fill their nutrient void, confirms a study published in Science.
Hurricane Maria killed so many Purple-throated caribs, sole pollinator of two species of heliconia, that other birds were able to gain access to the plants, according to an article in New Phytologist, which concludes that species extinction is a far more complex process than is often thought.
Residents of the cities of Bauru and Belo Horizonte were challenged to identify the image and song of the main bird species that inhabit these places.
A study by the University of São Paulo shows that expansion of cattle ranching to meet growing domestic demand has contributed more than any other driver to the elimination or degradation of the Amazon’s original vegetation, followed by expanding croplands and urbanization.
Researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Research Program on Global Climate Change met at the State University of Campinas in Brazil to discuss current research priorities in the effort to understand and combat the consequences of the extreme events caused by global warming.
A study conducted by Brazilian scientists and colleagues in other countries shows that earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions increase the risk of extinction for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The natural events may have synergies with hazards due to human activity.
A report by an international group of researchers including three Brazilians shows that climate change tripled the probability of weather conditions favoring unprecedented wildfires in Canada and multiplied it by a factor of 20 in western Amazonia between March 2023 and February 2024. Global carbon emissions were 16% above average.
Salvator merianae, a giant tegu lizard endemic to South America, regulates its own body temperature during the mating season without relying on external heat and without shivering. Experiments conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University pointed to rising levels and activity of mitochondria in skeletal muscle as the basis for this endothermic ability.
The study investigated the effect of two concentrations of smoke on seeds of 44 species typical of the Brazilian savanna-like biome. The results could be used in management and restoration strategies.
Researchers at the State University of Campinas and collaborators analyzed data from 82 areas of the Brazilian savanna biome located in five states and the Federal District. The results showed that recovering the biome’s extraordinary diversity requires a combination of several restoration techniques as well as conservation of what has not yet been destroyed.
A study shows that ritual dances and other displays in which workers select future queens with optimal reproductive capacity are found among all representatives of this group of wasps.
Researchers in Brazil compared leaf damage caused by insects and pathogens in areas with and without the presence of mammals such as tapirs, deer and peccaries. Absence of the animals led to loss of microorganisms that cause leaf disease, potentially affecting long-term eco-evolutionary processes and reducing biodiversity in tropical forests.
The increase was confirmed by an analysis of satellite images, contrasting with a drop in deforestation and the total number of fires detected in the Amazon. The Brazilian government’s center for forest fire prevention says it is partnering with other institutions to combat wildfires in the region.
A study conducted over a period of 14 years in the Brazilian savanna-like biome shows its typical vegetation rapidly becoming ‘cerradão’ – a biodiversity-poor forest formation – while resistance to drought and wildfires weakens.
The researchers trained computer vision models to identify Brazilian mammals must susceptible to roadkill in real time and are partnering with toll road operators to test the system in real-world situations.
For the first time in South America, researchers recorded the use of ultrasound by a frog endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, which has more species of amphibians than any other country. Other frogs may use very high-frequency calls for the same purpose.
The number may be an underestimate in light of gaps in studies of the problem, according to the authors of a report issued by the Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
An analysis of occurrence records for ten lizard and snake species found in three South American biomes – the Caatinga and Cerrado in Brazil and the Chaco in Argentina and Paraguay – showed that rising temperatures in the coming decades could lead to extinction in some cases and drastic habitat loss in others. The authors advocate an increase in full-protection conservation units suited to these animals.
Farmers in the Paraíba Valley region of São Paulo state received economic incentives such as payment for environmental services to adopt conservation practices and protect native vegetation.
A research project led by the State University of Campinas investigated how manipulation of native species in this Brazilian savanna-like biome can prevent reinvasion of restored areas by exotic grasses. The results emphasize the importance of fostering species diversity.
The event, which is supported by FAPESP, is for young researchers and environmental technicians. Thirty applicants from Brazil and 30 from other countries will be selected.
