Patterns of geographic distribution and conservation of the open-habitat avifauna of southeastern Brazilian mountaintops (campos rupestres and campos de altitude)

Abstract

Montane open-habitats of southeastern Brazil are represented by the campos rupestres (principally in the Espinhaço Range) and by the campos de altitude (in the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira). In spite of the occurrence of endemic species in both vegetation types, an analysis and synthesis of their bird communities have never been conducted. In this paper, we present an avifaunal survey of these areas, describe patterns of geographic distribution, and comment on the conservation of those open-habitats and their avifauna. A total of 231 bird species was recorded in the open-habitats of southeastern Brazilian mountaintops. In the campos rupestres, 205 species were recorded, while in the campos de altitude, the total was 123 species. Five patterns of distribution are recognizable among birds occurring in these habitats: non-endemic (191 species), Atlantic Forest endemics (26 species), Cerrado endemics (6 species), Caatinga endemic (1 species), and montane open-habitat endemics (7 species). In spite of the presence of several protected areas in those regions, the existing reserves do not guarantee the conservation of their important vegetation types and their avifaunas under current low levels of implementation. Since several endemic and threatened bird species live in the campos rupestres and campos de altitude, more efforts must be directed for their conservation.

A new species of Cinclodes from the Espinhaço Range, southeastern Brazil: insights into the biogeographical history of the South American highlands

“…, Vasconcelos et al . , Vasconcelos & Rodrigues ). Many remarkable records have been made in the region (Costa et al .…”

“…, Vasconcelos et al . ), many of which have biogeographical affinities to taxa in other mountains and cold environments in South America, particularly the Andean and Patagonian biotas (Sick , Vielliard , Harley , Vasconcelos & Rodrigues ). Avian examples include Cipo Canastero Asthenes luizae (Furnariidae) and Hyacinth Visorbearer Augastes scutatus /Hooded Visorbearer Augastes lumachella (Trochilidae), whose closest relatives are found in the Andes or Andean–Chacoan–Patagonian region (Silva , Schuchmann , Vasconcelos & Rodrigues ).…”

“…, Vasconcelos et al . , Vasconcelos & Rodrigues , Rodrigues et al . ), including the relatively recent discovery of three endemic bird species (Vielliard , Bornschein et al .…”

“…The Espinhaço Range supports a unique habitat above 900 m called 'campos rupestres', which is characterized primarily by quartzite rocky outcrops but also contains other habitats, including open fields and woodlands (Giulietti et al 1997, Benites et al 2003, Alves & Kolbek 2010. This habitat contains a large number of endemic plants and animals (Eterovick & Sazima 2004, Rapini et al 2008, Vasconcelos et al 2008b), many of which have biogeographical affinities to taxa in other mountains and cold environments in South America, particularly the Andean and Patagonian biotas (Sick 1985, Vielliard 1990a, Harley 1995, Vasconcelos & Rodrigues 2010. Avian examples include Cipo Canastero Asthenes luizae (Furnariidae) and Hyacinth Visorbearer Augastes scutatus/ Hooded Visorbearer Augastes lumachella (Trochilidae), whose closest relatives are found in the Andes or Andean-Chacoan-Patagonian region (Silva 1995, Schuchmann 1999, Vasconcelos & Rodrigues 2010.…”

“…This habitat contains a large number of endemic plants and animals (Eterovick & Sazima 2004, Rapini et al 2008, Vasconcelos et al 2008b), many of which have biogeographical affinities to taxa in other mountains and cold environments in South America, particularly the Andean and Patagonian biotas (Sick 1985, Vielliard 1990a, Harley 1995, Vasconcelos & Rodrigues 2010. Avian examples include Cipo Canastero Asthenes luizae (Furnariidae) and Hyacinth Visorbearer Augastes scutatus/ Hooded Visorbearer Augastes lumachella (Trochilidae), whose closest relatives are found in the Andes or Andean-Chacoan-Patagonian region (Silva 1995, Schuchmann 1999, Vasconcelos & Rodrigues 2010. Asthenes luizae and Augastes scutatus are the only birds recognized as endemic to the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range (Minas Gerais); the other three endemics are restricted to the northern portion (Bahia): Sincora Antwren Formicivora grantsaui (Thamnophilidae), A. lumachella and Diamantina Tapaculo Scytalopus diamantinensis (Rhinocryptidae) (Bornschein et al 2007, Vasconcelos et al 2008b.…”