Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha | UERJ - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Rio de Janeiro State University (original) (raw)

Papers by Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha

Parasite, Jun 1, 2007

We studied some parameters of the parasitism by the mite Hannemania sp. on the endemic frog Hylod... more We studied some parameters of the parasitism by the mite Hannemania sp. on the endemic frog Hylodes phyllodes in the Atlantic Forest of Ilha Grande (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil). Prevalence, mean abundance, mean intensity and total intensity of infestation, body regions infected, and host sexual differences in parasitism rate of the larvae of Hannemania sp. on individuals of H. phyllodes were assessed. Prevalence was 86.5 % (N = 37; total of 1,745 larvae of Hannemania sp) for male hosts and 91.7 % (N =12; total of 330 larvae) for female hosts, with no significant difference between the sexes. Overall prevalence of Hannemania sp. on H. phyllodes was 87.7 %. Mean intensity of infestation in males (54.5 ± 42.5; range 1-173 larvae) was higher than in females (29.9 ± 47.6; range 1-166). We conclude that the rates of intensity, abundance, and prevalence of Hannemania larvae parasitizing Hylodes phyllodes at Ilha Grande were considerably high, suggesting that this species of anuran constitutes a relevant host for this mite species to complete its lifecycle in the area. Differences between males and females in infestation rates probably reflect their differential use of space in the forest. Résumé : PARASITISME D'HYLODES PHYLLODES (ANURA : CYCLORAMPHIDAE) PAR HANNEMANIA SP. (ACARI : TROMBICULIDAE) DANS UNE ZONE DE LA FORÊT ATLANTIQUE D'ILHA GRANDE, AU SUD-EST DU BRÉSIL Nous avons étudié quelques paramètres du parasitisme par les larves de l'acarien Hannemania sp. sur la grenouille Hylodes phyllodes dans la forêt atlantique d'Ilha Grande (État de Rio de Janeiro, Brésil). Nous avons évalué la fréquence, l'abondance moyenne, les intensités d'infestation moyenne et totale, les régions du corps infestées, et les différences entre mâles et femelles de H. phyllodes vis-à-vis des taux de parasitisme des larves d'Hannemania. La fréquence était de 86,5 % (N = 37 ; total de 1 745 larves d'Hannemania analysées) sur les hôtes mâles et de 91,7 % (N = 12 ; total de 330 larves) sur les hôtes femelles, et cette différence n'était pas significative. La fréquence globale des larves de Hannemania sp. sur H. phyllodes était de 87,7 %. L'intensité d'infestation moyenne sur les mâles (54,5 ± 42,5 ; 1-173) était plus élevée que sur les femelles (29,9 ± 47,6 ; 1-166). Nous concluons que les taux de parasitisme des larves de Hannemania sur H. phyllodes à Ilha Grande étaient considérablement élevés. Ces résultats suggèrent que cette grenouille est un hôte important pour que l'accarien finisse son cycle biologique à Ilha Grande. Les différences entre les mâles et les femelles en ce qui concerne les taux d'infestation sont probablement le résultat des differences dans leur utilisation de l'espace dans la forêt.

Biotropica, Jul 30, 2019

Natural environments disturbed by human activities can suffer from species extinctions, but some ... more Natural environments disturbed by human activities can suffer from species extinctions, but some can still harbor high taxonomic diversity. However, disturbances may have impacts beyond the species level, if the species lost represent unique functions in the ecosystem. In this study, we evaluated to what extent the amount of habitat can determine the functional diversity and nestedness of amphibian communities in an Atlantic Forest fragmented landscape in Brazil, and if there is a threshold of habitat amount beyond which there is severe loss of functional diversity. As species responses may depend on their habitat type, we performed the analyses for three different sets of species: all species, forest-dependent species, and generalist species. We also evaluated the relative importance of turnover and nestedness components to total functional dissimilarity among sites. Habitat amount affected functional diversity of frogs, especially for forest-dependent species where a linear reduction was detected. The functional dissimilarity among sites was mostly explained by the nestedness component. The reduction of functional diversity was mediated by an ordered loss of traits, leading to a functionally nested metacommunity. These sensitive traits were closely related to habits and reproductive modes that depend on rivers and streams. The maintenance of functional diversity of frogs in fragmented landscapes must rely on the conservation of both terrestrial and aquatic environments, as some species and their traits can disappear from remnants of native vegetation lacking some specific habitats (e.g. streams).

Oecologia Australis, 1995

Journal of Animal Ecology, Jan 16, 2022

1. Understanding the effects of random versus niche-based processes on biodiversity patterns is a... more 1. Understanding the effects of random versus niche-based processes on biodiversity patterns is a central theme in ecology, and an important tool for predicting effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity. We investigated the predictive power of random processes to explain species richness and species dissimilarity of amphibian assemblages in a fragmented tropical landscape of the Atlantic Forest of South America. 2. We analyzed a large database of amphibian abundance and occupancy, sampled in 21 forest fragments ranging in size from 1.9 to 619 ha. We compared observed species richness and species dissimilarity with the outcomes of two null (random placement) models: 1- the traditional Coleman's area-based model and 2 - an abundance-based model (based on the number of individuals observed in each fragment). We applied these models for all species combined, and separately for forest-dependent and habitat-generalist species. 3. The abundance-based model fitted the observed species richness data better than the area-based model for all species, forest-dependent species, and generalist species. The area-based and the abundance-based models were also able to significantly explain species dissimilarity for all species and for generalists, but not for forest dependent species. 4. The traditional area-based model assigned too many individuals to large fragments, thus failing to accurately explain species richness within patches across the landscape. 5. Although niche-based processes may be important to structuring the regional pool of species in fragmented landscapes, our results suggest that part of the variation in species richness and species dissimilarity can be successfully explained by random placement models, especially for generalist species. Evaluating which factors cause variation in the number of individuals among patches should be a focus in future studies aiming to understand biodiversity patterns in fragmented landscapes.

Journal of Natural History

Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2021

combination of homozygosis in recessive alleles, leading to disturbance of the melanin system (Ca... more combination of homozygosis in recessive alleles, leading to disturbance of the melanin system (Carden et al., 1998). Albino individuals tend to have less success in their protection and communication with other individuals of the same species due to their different colour (Sazima and Pombal, 1986; Sazima and DiBernardo, 1991). Occurrences of albinism are known for a variety of vertebrates throughout the world (e.g., Arribas, 1986; Barg and Canepuccia, 2003; Brassaloti and Bertoluci, 2009; Escoriza, 2012; Johnston, 2006; McCreary, 2008). In anurans, albinism was recorded worldwide in larvae, juveniles and adults (Martinuzzi et al., 2016). In Brazil, records of albino tadpoles are known for at least three species: Leptodactylus latrans (Rodrigues and Oliveira Filho, 2004), Rhinella ornata (Brassaloti and Bertoluci, 2009), and Boana albomarginata (Salles et al., 2013), while adult and juvenile albino anurans are documented for only one species: L. troglodytes (Santos and Silva, 2010). ...

Oecologia Australis, 2009

As larvas aquáticas dos anuros podem ocorrer em inúmeros tipos de sistemas hídricos, desde ambien... more As larvas aquáticas dos anuros podem ocorrer em inúmeros tipos de sistemas hídricos, desde ambientes relativamente simples e previsíveis, como na água acumulada em epífitas, até hábitats aquáticos permanentes mais complexos, como nos lagos e riachos. A interação entre os fatores ambientais bióticos e abióticos existentes nesses diferentes ambientes com os fatores históricos é essencial para explicar a estrutura das comunidades dessa fase de vida dos anuros. O entendimento sobre como estes fatores atuam e sua importância nos conduz a uma maior compreensão do que parece influenciar positivamente ou negativamente o estabelecimento dos girinos nos seus diferentes ambientes. Palavras-chave: Girinos, distribuição espacial e temporal, fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos, anfíbios. ABSTRACT WHAT DRIVES GUILD DISTRIBUTION IN TROPICAL TADPOLES? A FORTY-YEAR QUEST FOR PATTERNS. Tadpoles can be found in a number of different aquatic habitats, ranging from relatively simple predictable ecosystems such as bromeliad ponds, to permanent complex ecosystems like streams and rivers. Knowing about the interactions between biotic and abiotic within these habitats is crucial to understand how tadpole communities are structured. The present review attempted to provide a closer analysis of each of these factors and their relative relevance in order to determine if they exert negative or positive influence over the establishment of toadpole species over the diverse habitat range.

El sapo pulga que habita la Selva Atlantica en el estado de Rio de Janeiro es el vertebrado con p... more El sapo pulga que habita la Selva Atlantica en el estado de Rio de Janeiro es el vertebrado con pulmones y cuatro extremidades mas pequeno del mundo.

Cuadernos de Herpetología, 2021

Feeding ecology of a particular species is associated to population dynamics and contributes for ... more Feeding ecology of a particular species is associated to population dynamics and contributes for the understanding of natural history and trophic interactions in ecosystems. We investigated changes in the feeding habits of 16 populations belonging to five cnemidophorine species (being four bisexual and one unisexual) along approximately 4000 km of the Brazilian eastern coast. Fieldwork was carried out in 15 areas of restinga habitats along approximately 4000 km of the Brazilian eastern coast. For each cnemidophorine population, the composition of the diet was based on the number, volume (mm 3 ) and frequency of each prey category.The arthropods were categorized in the taxonomic level of Order or Family (e.g.Formicidae). Cnemidophorine populations/species studied were mainly carnivorous and had, in general, a diet consisting predominantly of larvae and/or termites, with few consumptions of plant material. The availability of termites in the restinga habitats was not a determinant fac...

Biologia, 2020

Divergences in ecological niche dimensions favor the coexistence of species in syntopy. Supposedl... more Divergences in ecological niche dimensions favor the coexistence of species in syntopy. Supposedly, closely related species face stronger pressures to differ in dimensions of niches. Integration among temporal, spatial and thermal niche dimensions is relevant for lizards because it allows proper regulation of body temperatures, which has consequences for their physiology and ecology. Here, we investigated temporal (daily activity) and thermal (body and microhabitat temperatures) niche dimensions and thermoregulation of Tropidurus hispidus and T. semitaeniatus. We hypothesized that divergences of niche dimensions would favor their local coexistences (syntopy). Tropidurus hispidus and T. semitaeniatus had similar lengths of daily activity cycles, but differed in movement rates along the day (start of the activities; hours of activity peaks; periods of greater inactivity). Activity rates and body temperatures of the lizards reflected phylogeny and thermal conditions. For both species, microhabitat temperatures and sunlight were sources for thermoregulation. Tropidurus semitaeniatus used warmer microhabitats than T. hispidus, but the species had similar body temperatures. Body sizes did not influence body temperatures, presumably because of effective behavioral thermoregulation allowing maintenance of body temperatures under appropriate ranges. Levels of active or passive thermoregulation varied depending of the thermal source (air and substrate temperatures). To thermoregulate, lizards raised up or brought down their bodies and increased or decreased levels of body flattening over substrates and shuttled across microhabitats with different temperatures and levels of sunlight. Along the day, T. hispidus used mainly partially shaded microhabitats and T. semitaeniatus used mostly full sunlight. Temporal and thermal niche dimensions of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus differed in ways that favor their syntopy.

Acta Oecologica, 2020

The species-area relationship (SAR) is one of the main topics debated in ecology. Amphibians are ... more The species-area relationship (SAR) is one of the main topics debated in ecology. Amphibians are highly sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation, due to their traits and reproductive requirements. In the present study, we developed a meta-analysis to address a mean effect size to SAR regarding forest amphibians in man-made fragmented landscapes, and tested the influence of seven in-study and landscape variables that may affect this relationship globally. We conducted a search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol and calculated an effect size for each one of the 28 studies elected by our criteria. There is a positive relationship between amphibia richness and patch area, with a mean effect size of 0.68 and high heterogeneity among studies. The meta-regressions showed that only the matrix type surrounding the patches affected the variance between studies, explaining 46%. Clear cut was the matrix with the highest effect size, followed by silviculture, but both had a low representation of studies. Agriculture, grazing and urban matrices had a significant influence on patch area and the species richness relationship, but with distinct mean effects sizes and variances between-studies. The matrix type around the remnants may substantially affect results and interpretation of the SAR, possibly due to the varying capacity of amphibia species to cross and inhabit each matrix type. If possible, SAR should be compared within a context of multiple landscapes, and not only with a patch-focused and local approach.

PLOS ONE, 2019

Amphibians are the focus of a recent debate and public attention owing to the global decline in t... more Amphibians are the focus of a recent debate and public attention owing to the global decline in their populations worldwide. Amphibians are one of the most threatened and poorly known groups of vertebrates in several geographic areas, even though they play a central role in their own ecosystems. At different levels, amphibians make their contribution to proper ecosystem functioning. They act as regulators of the food web and nutrient cycling, and they also provide several valuable ecosystem services, e.g., as a food source and as animal models for lab research. In this sense, it seems clear that the maintenance of amphibian diversity should be one of the major goals for the several countries where their population decline is observed. However, we are still struggling with the very first step of this process, i.e., the correct identification of the amphibian species diversity. Over the past few decades, research on molecular identification of amphibians using DNA barcoding has encountered some difficulties related to high variability in the mitochondrial genome of amphibians, and a research gap is noticeable in the literature. We herein evaluated both COI and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes for the molecular identification of frogs and tadpoles in a large fragment of the South American Atlantic Rainforest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our results suggest that both COI and 16S rRNA are informative markers for the molecular identification of the amphibian specimens with all specimens unambiguously identified at the species level. We also made publicly available 12 new sequences of Atlantic Rainforest amphibian species for the first time, and we discussed some conservation issues related to amphibians within the Atlantic Rainforest domains in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Zootaxa, 2019

Several species of Glaucomastix lizards have been described over the past decade, most of these i... more Several species of Glaucomastix lizards have been described over the past decade, most of these inhabit inland Brazil. Glaucomastix abaetensis is a threatened whiptail endemic to Brazilian coastal “restinga” (sandy habitats) from Bahia State to Sergipe, with a distribution limited by riverine barriers. In order to investigate the differentiation and relationships in G. abaetensis, we integrated phylogeographic analysis, Bayesian species delimitation and morphological data to detect geographical patterns and historical events responsible for its present distribution. We recovered two highly divergent clades along its range, one of them unnamed. Glaucomastix itabaianensis sp. nov. has a a yellowish green tail, 13–16 scales in the lateral flank, 22–33 scales around tail, 28–35 femoral pores and usually four supraocular scales with the smaller one disposed posteriorly. Our results retrieved the monophyly of Glaucomastix, with G. venetacauda and G. cyanurus being sister species to a clad...

Journal of Coastal Conservation, 2018

Fire usually impose considerable impacts on fauna, including loss of habitats and microhabitats, ... more Fire usually impose considerable impacts on fauna, including loss of habitats and microhabitats, emigrations, injuries, or death. The general arquitecture of the local environment may play an important role in the extent that fire may act and the resulting burning effects. Understanding the exact extent of the effects of fire on vertebrate populations in natural environments is usually limited by the lack of information on the number of individuals dying during the event. Semi-aquatic turtles which usually move slowly on land, may suffer serious direct effects of fire. The mortality of turtles caused by fire and drought is well documented in the northern hemisphere, but few data are available from Brazil. Here we documented the death of individuals of a semi-aquatic still undescribed turtle species, Rhinoclemmys sp. n. on a coastal plain environment in southeastern Brazil, as result of a fire and a prolonged drought. Our results indicated that fire and drought contributed to the mortality of Rhinoclemmys sp. n. in the study area.

Biotropica, 2016

The sets of species in animal and plant communities often comprise nested subsets of the species ... more The sets of species in animal and plant communities often comprise nested subsets of the species in broader communities. Although most mechanisms causing nested patterns are known and have been demonstrated for different environments and taxa, how amphibian communities are structured in ephemeral ponds in tropical disturbed landscapes remains unknown. We investigated if pond size, duration, presence of trees (local factors), and the proportion of forest cover surrounding ponds (landscape factor) affect anuran species richness and composition, and if pond assemblages showed a nested pattern. We sampled 11 ephemeral ponds in a pasture matrix near a large Atlantic Forest remnant in Brazil and measured local and landscape variables inside two buffer zones around each pond (100 and 500 m). We marked 1514 individuals from 23 anuran species, and found that richness in ponds ranged from 3–14 species. Both local and landscape factors explained frog species richness in the sampled ponds, and seemed to affect community composition. Frog communities occurred in a non‐nested pattern, contrary to our expectations: species found in poor subsets were not found in larger, more complex ponds. Local and landscape characteristics create a variety of environments in ephemeral ponds, even in impoverished ones; these characteristics restrict pond occupancy for some species, and result in a non‐nested pattern.

Brazilian Journal of Biological Sciences, 2016

Behavioral responses in front of potential predation risks are critical for survival and diverse ... more Behavioral responses in front of potential predation risks are critical for survival and diverse among reptiles. Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril & Bibron, 1835) (Testudines: Emydidae) is a terrapin species of the Family Emydidae with geographical distribution along Southern South America. Here, we report behavioral responses displayed by a T. dorbigni individual facing potential risk of predation. After captured, the individual withdrawn head and limbs into the carapace and, shortly after released, it ran toward a deeper region of a pond and dig the muddy substrate through movements of its carapace and paws burying itself into the mud submerged in water. Withdrawal into the carapace, flight into water or a burrow, and similar burial behaviors occur in Testudines, but until now they were not reported in T. dorbigni. These animals might use the behavioral responses reported here when facing risks of predation, which may difficult capturing and therefore increase chances of survival.

South American Journal of Herpetology, 2016

Abstract. Hylodes nasus is a hylodid frog species that inhabits streams in the Brazilian Atlantic... more Abstract. Hylodes nasus is a hylodid frog species that inhabits streams in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest of southeastern Brazil. It is endemic to the Tijuca Massif, which includes one of the largest urban forests in the world, the Tijuca National Park, in Rio de Janeiro. We studied the diet, activity period, habitat use, and reproductive effort of H. nasus during its reproductive period. Our results showed that the species has a wide spectrum of prey items (21 categories) but feeds mainly on five prey categories (Diptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, larvae, and other Hymenoptera). The species is diurnal and tends to present a slight decrease in activity near midday. We noted a change in microhabitat use between active (diurnal) and inactive (nocturnal) periods: active individuals mainly occupied stones, whereas inactive individuals mainly occupied low vegetation. The ovarian complement comprises a median of 88 oocytes with a mean diameter of 2.2 mm. The gathered information consists in a first approximation of the biological and ecological characteristics of the species.

Journal of Coastal Conservation, 2016

Invasion by alien species is one of the most critical factors affecting global biodiversity, lead... more Invasion by alien species is one of the most critical factors affecting global biodiversity, leading to homogenization and species loss worldwide. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., Moraceae) is one of the most conspicuous invasive plants in Brazil. We studied jackfruit invasion in the Atlantic Forest in Ilha Grande State Park, located on an island (Ilha Grande), by assessing jackfruit distribution and density along 23 trails (90 km). Presence or absence was verified in a total of 857 plots. Data showed that jackfruit is spread all over Ilha Grande, and that plant density varied significantly along and between trails. Jackfruit was registered as the dominant tree species on some of the trails. Control by park managers is an urgent need in order to ensure the conservation of local biodiversity. A decision key for jackfruit management according to jackfruit density, age class and slope is provided.