Bio Diverso

Guia fenológico ilustrado de plantas nativas campestres: Ornamentação e Restauração no Pampa

Graziela Har Minervini Silva — 2025-04-24

Knowledge of the phenology of native plant species is important for vegetation management, ecological restoration, and the use of native plants in landscaping. In this study, we present an illustrated phenological guide to grassland species from South-Brazilian Pampa grassland. The guide is based on data from a phenological survey carried out over a full year in native grassland areas under grazing in Eldorado do Sul, RS, Brazil. Our aim is to make phenological knowledge of native plants easily available and illustrate the plants with photos, thus emphasizing their ornamental value.

Keywords: flowering, fruiting, inflorescence, naturalist landscaping, phenology

Definição de método de controle para vimeiros invasores (Salix x rubens)

Michele Dechoum — 2024-12-27

Invasive alien species are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in protected areas. Experiments to define effective control methods for these species are essential if management projects and programs are to be implemented in protected areas. The invasive hybrid Salix x rubens, popularly known as willows, is an example of an invasive tree in riparian areas in the highlands of southern Brazil, as well as in other regions of the world. Willows cause significant physical and biological impacts in riparian areas, such as increased erosion and flooding; reduced water quality, availability and flow; and altered habitat for various species of plants and animals. The general aim of this study was to experimentally define an effective method for eliminating individuals of Salix x rubens, in order to provide technical support for the species eradication in São Joaquim National Park (Santa Catarina, Brazil) as well as for its management in other protected areas. An experiment with a four-treatment block design was set up in an area with a dense patch of willows inside the park. The treatments were: (1) mechanical control only; (2) mechanical control and application of a 2% Triclopyr-based herbicide; (3) mechanical control and application of a 3% Triclopyr-based herbicide; and (4) mechanical control and application of a 4% Triclopyr-based herbicide. The trees subjected to the treatments were monitored for nine months after the experiment was set up. The most suitable method for eradication and control initiatives of the invasive hybrid Salix x rubens is the combination of mechanical control with the immediate sequential application of Triclopyr-based herbicide at a concentration of 2%. The mechanical control technique should not be used in isolation to control Salix x rubens, given the high rate of ineffectiveness, with more than 80% of individuals resprouting. The definition of an effective control method has made it possible to eradicate invasive willows in São Joaquim National Park. However, for the results to be expanded beyond the boundaries of the protected area, it is essential that production systems in which invasive species are used are implemented with management measures that contain the expansion of these species or their replacement by native species.

Pescadores artesanais de Tapes, Rio Grande do Sul: pesca, peixes, meio ambiente e reflexões sobre a gestão pesqueira

João Pedro Krahe — 2024-12-28

This study aimed to access the local ecological knowledge of the artisanal fishing community in Tapes, along the shores of the Patos Lagoon in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Our research looked on expanding ethnoecological studies related to inland fish and fisheries, discussing their contribution to fishery management and participatory stewardship programs. Twenty one local fishermen were interviewed revealing that the community's fishing activity is based primarily on gillnet fishing for catfish and mullets, supplemented by catches of trahira and viola, and occasionally other species such as silversides and flounders. The catch is mainly sold to fishmongers, but also to restaurants and intermediaries. Many interviewees have children who also engage in fishing, although it is not the parents' wish. All interviewed women identify as fishermen, relying on fishing as their sole income source. The community receives limited attention from social assistance and public management agencies. Fishermen's perceptions on native and exotic fish species biology and ecology largely align with scientific literature. The main challenges reported by fishermen include difficulty finding buyers for their catch, low insurance value during closed season, fishing regulations in the Patos Lagoon that restrict them from fishing in estuarine areas, the minimum mesh size allowed for nets, hindering viola catches, and disagreements regarding the endangered status of catfish, leading to fishing restrictions. Most respondents agree that there has been a decline in the abundance of certain species, particularly trahiras, silversides, and mullets. However, they assert that catfish are abundant and not at risk of extinction, although some responses suggest a potential decrease in catfish stock. Perceptions of overfishing and exotic species were more common among older fishermen, indicating that responses may be influenced by the interviewees' level of experience. Some interviewees suggested that fishing regulations are occasionally violated, such as catching prohibited fish during the closed season and using forbidden net sizes. The majority of the community expressed willingness to participate in a fishing monitoring program with restrictions on catfish fishing. However, they warned that the size of the lagoon and the dynamics of fishing and landings make control difficult. Despite legal instruments allowing for sustainable and controlled fishing of endangered species, conservation and management policies are deficient in Brazil and particularly in Rio Grande do Sul. In conclusion, to fulfill legal obligations related to fishing, the state should prioritize efforts in institutionalizing fishery management, structuring responsible agencies, and investing in stock monitoring studies. This integration of traditional and scientific knowledge is crucial for effectively implementing public and participatory policies for the management, preservation, and sustainable use of fishery resources.

Plantas características de campos conservados: um parâmetro para subsidiar a conservação do bioma Pampa

Rosângela Gonçalves Rolim — 2025-01-09

The South Brazilian Pampa is part of the old-growth grasslands, ancient ecosystems characterized by high richness of herbaceous species and high endemism. In 2002, only about 19% of well-preserved grasslands remained in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), and this type of vegetation has undergone intense conversion since then. This makes conservation of the remnants of primary grasslands essential for maintaining biodiversity and restoring grassland vegetation. To facilitate the identification of primary and well-preserved grassland remnants, we here present a list of grassland species in the Pampa with high affinity to these environments. The resulting list indicates species that occur exclusively in conserved environments or only have few occurrences in degraded environments (one or two occurrences in degraded environments, but with a large number of occurrences for conserved environments). A total of 83% of the grassland species of the Pampa have a high affinity for conserved environments (when including those that had no records in the calculations), thus allowing the recognition of conserved grasslands, helping in the application of conservation policies. At the end of the work, we suggest issues to compose a legal norm for the protection of the primitive remnants of the Pampa biome's grassland vegetation based on the data obtained.

A legislação brasileira de biossegurança em face das Tecnologias Inovadoras de Melhoramento de Precisão (TIMPs)

Giancarlo Pasquali — 2024-12-29

No Brasil, as novas técnicas de modificação genética incluindo a edição gênica foram conjuntamente denominadas “Técnicas Inovadoras de Melhoramento de Precisão” (TIMPs), equivalente às Novas Tecnologias de Melhoramento (NBT). A Resolução Normativa No 16 da Comissão Técnica Nacional de Biossegurança (CTNBio) estabeleceu que instituições que estiverem desenvolvendo produtos por meio de TIMPs poderão submeter cartas-consulta para que a Comissão avalie se o produto deve seguir a regulamentação estabelecida para Organismos Geneticamente Modificados (OGMs, Lei Federal Brasileira No 11.105) ou se poderá ser registrado como produto de melhoramento convencional ou mutagênese. Portanto, a perspectiva de se obter organismos melhorados geneticamente pelas TIMPs soma-se à realidade de que tais produtos não sejam considerados OGMs ou transgênicos. A vantagem competitiva dos desenvolvedores tornou-se óbvia: enorme redução de custos financeiros e temporais para a liberação de organismos editados nos mercados brasileiro e mundial, com garantia de segurança equivalente aos produtos gerados por melhoramento convencional incluindo a mutagênese. Uma revisão dos temas relativos à legislação brasileira de biossegurança e as atividades com TIMPs será aqui apresentada. O objetivo é esclarecer aos interessados sobre os requisitos técnicos necessários para a apresentação de consulta à CTNBio para a regularização das instituições em face da biossegurança e das futuras atividades com TIMPs.