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A recent state provision allows quarzitic campo rupestre (QCR) set-asides as in-kind compensation for ironstone campo rupestre (ICR) suppression in the Atlantic Forest, which induces out-of-kind compensation. However, the recently published state provision defines no clear parameters to demonstrate “ecological equivalence” as an in-kind compensation. We evaluated whether there is ecological equivalence between and ICR and QCR in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We show marked geological, pedological, floristic, structural, and functional differences between ICR and QCR. There is evidence that the new compensation rules only partially offset loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services hosted by ICR, determining limited effectiveness of the legislation for ICR conservation in the Atlantic Forest. We conclude that the development of clear compensation parameters based on scientific evidence and quantitative indicators is a priority gap for the conservation of ICR under increasing mining pressure.

Amazonia is one of the most diverse biomes worldwide, and, as well as luxuriant forest, it includes mountain areas which, despite their small surface area, display fascinating endemism. In these regions, the specificity of edaphic factors is mirrored by a highly specialised, isolated flora adapted to survive adverse conditions. The Serra dos Carajás in the Brazilian state of Pará is one of world’s largest iron ore reserves. Known locally as canga, this ironstone formation occupies an area of 115.9 km2, and supports campo rupestre of canga vegetation on outcrops that are mostly in the Floresta Nacional de Carajás (FLONA of Carajás) and Parque Nacional dos Campos Ferruginosos (PNCF). The recent publication of the Flora of the cangas of Carajás lists 856 species of seed plants and 186 species of ferns and lycophytes. This project assessed the canga endemic species growing in the region, and further expeditions guided by SDM were carried out in order to ascertain their distribution outisde the area. Departing from an initial list of 58 putative endemics, the final list comprises 38 species of vascular plants (c. 4% of the local flora). These are distributed in 31 genera and 22 families, including three monotypic genera: Carajasia (Rubiaceae), Monogereion and Parapiqueria (Asteraceae). From these, 24 are classified as Rare Species for Brazil and seven as Highly Restricted Endemic (EEO 2). An illustrated account is provided, as well as further SDM to detect other possible areas of distribution based on the studied species. The knowledge generated is aimed at directing appropriate conservation plans for the area.

The campo rupestre is a Neotropical azonal vegetation. Its disjoint distribution and the fact that it is an old climatic buffered infertile landscape (OCBIL) have been associated with the high diversity and endemism observed in this environment. Here, we tested whether a micro-endemic species from campo rupestre shows: (1) limited zygotic gene flow; (2) lower gametic than zygotic gene flow structure; (3) substrate-driven genetic structure and (4) no evidence of Pleistocene local extinction or recolonization. By sequencing intergenic plastid regions, phenotyping inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and modelling present and past species suitability distributions for Vellozia auriculata we conclude that (1) zygotic gene flow is limited; (2) gametic gene flow is recurrent, but limited by elevation and distance; (3) there is no support for genetic structure driven by substrate and (4) Pleistocene climatic changes did not restrict the species to refugia, with local persistence. As long-term gene flow restrictions may lead to differentiation and speciation, our data helps to corroborate that the campo rupestre is both a cradle (due to low zygotic gene flow, prolonged isolation and consequent differentiation) and a lineage museum (due to local survival during climate oscillations). We highlight two distinct evolutionarily significant units (ESU), providing information for better conservation practice.

The canga of the Serra dos Carajás, in Eastern Amazon, is home to a unique open plant community, harbouring several endemic and rare species. Although a complete flora survey has been recently published, scarce to no genetic information is available for most plant species of the ironstone outcrops of the Serra dos Carajás. In this scenario, DNA barcoding appears as a fast and effective approach to assess the genetic diversity of the Serra dos Carajás flora, considering the growing need for robust biodiversity conservation planning in such an area with industrial mining activities. Thus, after testing eight different DNA barcode markers (matK, rbcL, rpoB, rpoC1, atpF-atpH, psbK-psbI, trnH-psbA and ITS2), we chose rbcL and ITS2 as the most suitable markers for a broad application in the regional flora. Here we describe DNA barcodes for 1,130 specimens of 538 species, 323 genera and 115 families of vascular plants, with a total of 344 species being barcoded for the first time. In addition, we assessed the potential of using DNA metabarcoding of bulk samples for surveying plant diversity in the canga. Upon achieving the first comprehensive DNA barcoding effort directed to a complete flora in the Brazilian Amazon, we discuss the relevance of our results to guide future conservation measures in the Serra dos Carajás.

The results of intensive fieldwork in the National Forest of Carajás (FLONA Carajás) led to the discovery of pistillate plants of Daphnopsisfilipedunculata, an endemic species from the Serra dos Carajás, previously known only from staminate individuals. These newly discovered populations add valuable missing information related to pistillate buds, mature flowers and fruits.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta um tratamento das espécies de Apocynaceae registradas nas cangas da Serra dos Carajás, Pará. São apresentadas descrições detalhadas, chaves para identificação dos gêneros e espécies, ilustrações, dados sobre distribuição geográfica e comentários morfológicos e ecológicos das espécies tratadas. Foram registradas 22 espécies e 13 gêneros na área de estudo. Destacam-se as espécies de Marsdenia bergii e Matelea microphylla, endêmica das cangas da Serra dos Carajás, e Marsdenia thomasii, com apenas duas coletas, uma para o estado do Mato Grosso e a outra para a região de Carajás. Abstract This study presents a treatment of the species of Apocynaceae from the canga of the Serra dos Carajás, Pará. Detailed descriptions, keys for identification of genera and species, illustrations, data on geographic distribution, and morphological and ecological comments of the treated species are presented. Twenty two species and 13 genera were registered in the study area. The two species of Marsdenia and one of Matelea are particulary interesting. Marsdenia bergii and Matelea microphylla are endemic to the canga of Serra dos Carajás whereas Marsdenia thomasii is known only from two collections, one from Mato Grosso state and the other from the Carajás region.

This work was supported by CNPq project (455505/2014-4) to all authors; The MPEG/ITVDS/FADESP Term of Agreement (01205.000250/2014-10); DCZ – CNPq productivity grant; NFOM - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (BR- 88887/130640/2016-00). In order to establish effective conservation strategy, drivers of local and regional patterns of biodiversity need to be understood. The composition of local biodiversity is dependent on a number of factors including evolution and redistribution of lineages through dispersal and environmental heterogeneity. Brazilian canga is characterised by a ferrugineous substrate, found both in the Iron Quadrangle of Minas Gerais and in the Carajás mountains in Amazonia. Canga is one of several specialised habitat types comprising Brazilian campo rupestre, a montane vegetation found within or adjacent to several major Brazilian bioregions, including the Atlantic Forest and Amazonia, with exceptionally high levels of diversity and endemism arising from both history of dispersal and environmental variation. In order to inform biodiversity conservation for canga, and more broadly for campo rupestre, we performed floristic and phylogenetic analyses investigating affinities between 28 sites on different substrates (canga and quartzite) and geographic locations (Carajás, Pará [Amazonia]; Cadeia do Espinhaço, Minas Gerais; Chapada Diamantina, Bahia). Through analysis of 11204 occurrences of 4705 species of angiosperms, we found that Amazonian Carajás canga plant communities formed a cohesive group, distinct from species assemblages found in Eastern Brazil (Minas Gerais, Bahia), either on canga or quartzite. The phylogenetic megatree of species across all sites investigated shows associations between certain clades and Amazonian canga, with few shared species between the Amazonian Carajás and Eastern Brazil sites, while the floristic comparison shows high levels of heterogeneity between sites. The need for reserves for Amazonian Carajás canga has been recognized and addressed by the creation of a national park. However, current sampling does not provide sufficient reassurance that the canga areas now benefitting from full legal protection adequately represent the regional canga flora. Publisher PDF

Ecological restoration is essential in rehabilitating degraded areas and safeguarding biodiversity, ecosystem services and human welfare. Using functional traits to plan restoration strategies has been suggested as they are the main ecological attributes that underlie ecosystem processes and services. However, few studies have translated ecological theory into actual restoration practices that can be easily used by different stakeholders. In this article, we applied a multiple-trait approach to select plant species for the restoration of degraded lands inside the Brazilian Amazon Forests. We selected 10 traits encompassing ease of management, geographical distribution and interactions with animals and other ecosystem services and scored these traits using 118 native species. Then, we ranked all species according to the total number of traits that they exhibited to obtain a list of 53 highly ranked species. In addition, we employed non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to assess the variation in these traits across the entire group of species. Based on the results, we selected a subset of species that maximizes functional diversity (high variability). We performed a sparse linear discriminant analysis (SLDA) to highlight a minimum set of traits to effectively discriminate botanical families. The final list of species and their traits highlight the importance of preserving not only the historical reference of a focused ecosystem but also its functional diversity to restore the interaction with local fauna, enrich the food chain and guarantee ecosystem services for local communities.

Resumo Este estudo engloba as espécies de Xyridaceae registradas para as cangas da Serra dos Carajás, no estado do Pará, trazendo descrições detalhadas, ilustração, comentários morfológicos e distribuição na área de estudos. São registradas duas espécies de Xyris: X. brachysepala, endêmica da Serra dos Carajás, e X. macrocephala, espécie de ampla distribuição no Neotrópico.

Resumo Este estudo compreende as espécies de Lentibulariaceae que ocorrem sobre canga na Serra dos Carajás, estado do Pará, Brasil, incluindo chaves de identificação, descrições detalhadas, ilustrações e comentários morfológicos das espécies. Foram registradas 12 espécies distribuídas em dois gêneros, Genlisea (uma espécie) e Utricularia (11 spp.). Abstract The present study comprises the specis of Lentibulariaceae that occur on iron-stone outcrops (canga) at the Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil, including identification keys, detailed descriptions, illustrations and comments regarding these species. There were 12 species recorded, distributed in two genera: Genlisea (one species) and Utricularia (11 spp.).

A taxonomic treatment of the Xyridaceae in the Viruá National Park is presented. Located in Roraima state, northern Brazil, the park comprises a mosaic of lowland vegetation types, including forests, wetlands, and one of the largest continuous areas of campinarana in the Brazilian Amazon Basin. Xyridaceae are represented in the park by 20 species in the genera Abolboda and Xyris. Although the four species of Abolboda are widespread, most of the Xyris species (75%) are endemic to Amazonian open vegetation formations, such as campinaranas and savannas. This study was based on field, herbarium, and scanning electron microscopy research. The taxonomic treatment includes identification keys to the genera and species, morphological descriptions, SEM images of seeds for Xyris species, iconography, geographic distribution and comments on the ecology of the species. The poorly known Xyris connosepala is synonymized in Xyris guianensis.

Buchnera carajasensis is described and illustrated. Information on its conservation status, taxonomy, habitat, geographic distribution, and phenology, along with a key to the Buchnera species found in Para, is provided. The new species had previously been confused with B. tenuissima, a Mexican species, and is also similar to B. palustris, but exhibits differences in the inflorescence shape, in the indumentum, and in reproductive traits. The new species is apparently endemic to ironstone outcrops of the Serra dos Carajas, northern Brazil, and is assessed as Endangered in accordance with the IUCN criteria.

Inselbergs são afloramentos de rochas graníticas ou gnáissicas, distribuídos principalmente em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Eles são consideradas ilhas terrestres devido ao seu forte isolamento espacial e ecológico, abrigando assim um conjunto de comunidades vegetais distintas que diferem da matriz circundante. No Brasil, os inselbergs espalhados na Mata Atlântica contêm níveis anormalmente altos de riqueza e endemismo de espécies de plantas. Este estudo objetivou inventariar espécies de plantas vasculares e descrever os principais tipos de habitats encontrados em um inselberg localizado no estado de Minas Gerais, no sudeste do Brasil. Um total de 89 espécies de plantas vasculares foram registradas (pertencentes a 37 famílias), das quais seis eram novas para a ciência. A família mais rica foi Bromeliaceae (10 spp.), Seguida por Cyperaceae (sete spp.), Orchidaceae e Poaceae (seis spp. Cada). As formas de vida foram distribuídas em diferentes proporções entre os habitats, sugerindo microambientes distintos no inselberg. Em geral, os habitats sob estresse ambiental semelhante compartilharam espécies comuns e proporções de formas de vida. Argumentamos que os inventários florestais ainda são necessários para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação e manejo da vegetação única em inselbergs no Brasil. Inselbergs are granitic or gneissic rock outcrops, distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Th ey are considered terrestrial islands because of their strong spatial and ecological isolation, thus harboring a set of distinct plant communities that diff er from the surrounding matrix. In Brazil, inselbergs scattered in the Atlantic Forest contain unusually high levels of plant species richness and endemism. Th is study aimed to inventory species of vascular plants and to describe the main habitat types found on an inselberg located in the state of Minas Gerais, in southeastern Brazil. A total of 89 species of vascular plants were recorded (belonging to 37 families), of which six were new to science. Th e richest family was Bromeliaceae (10 spp.), followed by Cyperaceae (seven spp.), Orchidaceae and Poaceae (six spp. each). Life forms were distributed in diff erent proportions between habitats, which suggested distinct microenvironments on the inselberg. In general, habitats under similar environmental stress shared common species and life-form proportions. We argue that fl oristic inventories are still necessary for the development of conservation strategies and management of the unique vegetation on inselbergs in Brazil.

Resumo Drosera sessilifolia é a única espécie de Droseraceae registrada para as cangas da Serra dos Carajás. Trata-se de uma espécie de ampla distribuição na América do Sul, porém localmente foi encontrada apenas na Serra Sul (S11D). Uma descrição detalhada, fotografias e comentários sobre morfologia e distribuição desta espécie são apresentados aqui. Abstract Drosera sessilifolia is the only Droseraceae species recorded so far for the cangas of Serra dos Carajás. It is a widely distributed species in South America, however, this species has a locally restricted distribution, being found only in the Serra Sul (S11D). A detailed description, photographs, and comments on morphology and distribution of this species are presented here.

As part of the results of an inventory of Xyridaceae species from the Rio Preto State Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil, three species of Xyris are proposed as new to science. Xyris nigra, with its blackish and globose spikes, X. scoparia, with linear leaf blades and densely caespitose habit, and X. velutina, with margins of the leaf blades conspicuously villous, are here described and illustrated. For each species, comments are provided on ecology, phenology, and conservation status, in addition to comparisons with morphologically similar species.

Resumo No final da década de 1960, pesquisadores do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG) iniciaram as coletas botânicas na Serra dos Carajás, resultando em um expressivo acervo e interessantes descobertas sobre a flora local, marcada por endemismos e pressão por atividades mineradoras. Em 2014, foi estabelecido o projeto "Flora das cangas da Serra dos Carajás" através da cooperação entre o MPEG e o Instituto Tecnológico Vale de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ITVDS), visando especialmente a elaboração da flora das cangas da FLONA Carajás. Um acervo de cerca de quinze mil exsicatas, depositadas principalmente nos herbários MG e BHCB além de HCJS, INPA, IAN, NY e RB constitui a base para o desenvolvimento da flora. Até o momento, a flora inclui 151 famílias de angiospermas, gimnospermas, licófitas e samambaias e briófitas (musgos e hepáticas). Neste trabalho apresentamos um breve histórico dos estudos botânicos na região, caracterização da área de estudo, e procedimentos metodológicos adotados no desenvolvimento do projeto. Também, constitui a introdução para o volume 1 da Flora das cangas de Carajás composto por 55 famílias, sendo quatro de briófitas, duas de licófitas, oito de samambaias, uma de gimnospermas e 40 de angiospermas, incluindo 139 gêneros e 248 espécies. Abstract Back in 1960 researchers from the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG) began to study the Serra dos Carajás, resulting in an important series of collections, giving interesting insights in the local flora. During the last decades, intensification of expeditions to the FLONA Carajás was driven by the discovery of a high number of endemic species, coupled with mining pressure in the area. The project "Flora das cangas da Serra dos Carajás" was established in 2014 through the collaboration between MPEG and Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development (ITVDS), which aimed to record systematically the knowledge of the flora associated with the cangas of the Serra dos Carajás. Nearly fifteen thousand exsiccatae currently held at several herbaria (MG, BHCB, HCJS, INPA, IAN, NY and RB) served as the base for the compilation of this flora that includes, so far, 151 families including bryophytes, ferns and seed plants. Here we present a short history of the botanical studies carried out in the region, as well as the characterization of the study area and the methodology followed by this project. This introductory chapter heads the first volume of the Flora of the cangas of the Serra de Carajás, presenting the first 55 plant families, four of bryophytes (two of mosses and two liverworts), two of lycophytes, eight of ferns, one gymnosperm and 40 families angiosperms, treating 139 genera and 248 species.

Bulbostylis cangae is a new species of Cyperaceae, thus far only known for the cangas of the Serra dos Carajás (Pará State, Brazil), herein described and illustrated. We provide a detailed description, taxonomic comments, distribution data, habitat, and conservation status of the species. Bulbostylis cangae is characterized mainly by presenting a thickened base, forming a caudex covered by persistent senescent sheaths. The new species is morphologically similar to Bulbostylis medusae, but differs by presenting trichomes on the sheath apex castaneous, glumes membranaceous, cordiform achene and discoid stylopodium.

Three new species of Xyris from Brazil are described and illustrated. Xyris nevata is characterized by bracts with conspicuous veins and a reddish androecium and gynoecium; X. pulchella also exhibits a reddish androecium and gynoecium, and is further characterized by its small size and terete to subterete leaf blades; X. rostrata has a turbinate spike and bracts with a rostrate-acuminate apex. Commentary is provided for each species on habitat, distribution, phenology and conservation status, and the new species are compared with morphologically similar species.

A checklist of the 14 genera and 34 species of Bromeliaceae from the Parque Estadual do Rio Preto in Sao Goncalo do Rio Preto municipality, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil, is presented. The Tillandsioideae was the most diverse subfamily and was found to be concentrated in rocky field areas. Bromelioideae is also a species rich subfamily, but its taxa have shown a preference to forested areas and savannas at lower altitudes. Pitcairnioideae is highlighted by its level of endemism, but has only four species. Cryptanthus micrus, a new species found in this area is described and illustrated. Our cluster analysis indicated that the Rio Preto State Park has a Bromeliaceae flora more similar to that from Pico do Itambe and Grao Mogol State Parks. Taxa like Dyckia glandulosa, Orthophytum itambense and Vriesea medusa, which were previously considered to be endemic to Pico do Itambe, now have their area of occurrence extended to Rio Preto. These new occurrences highlight the importance to create a corridor joining these neighboring reserves to connect populations of narrowly ranged or rare species. In this work we present pictures of 19 species in their habitats within the park, and we hope that these illustrations will help in the identification and conservation of these taxa.

Resumo Mollinedia ovata é a única espécie de Monimiaceae registrada para as cangas da Serra dos Carajás. Trata-se de uma espécie de ampla distribuição nas Antilhas e América do Sul, porém localmente foi encontrada apenas na Serra Sul (S11A e S11B), e Serra Norte (N7). Uma descrição detalhada, desenho e comentários sobre morfologia, distribuição e hábitat desta espécie são apresentados aqui.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta o tratamento florístico da família Styracaceae nas formações de canga da Serra dos Carajás, no estado do Pará, com descrições detalhadas das espécies, ilustrações e comentários morfológicos. Foram registradas duas espécies de Styrax: S. griseus e S. pohlii. Styrax griseus foi descrito com base em material coletado na Serra dos Carajás, mas não é endêmico da área. Styrax pohlii é amplamente distribuído na porção norte da América do Sul.

This study presents a floristic survey of the vascular plants of restingas of Lençóis Maranheses National Park, in the municipality of Barreirinhas, Maranhão, Brazil, including descriptions of the principal phytophysiognomies and similarity analyses including other restinga areas in North and Northeastern Brazil. Samples from the study area deposited in the herbaria MG, IAN and MAR were inventoried and fieldwork for the collection of additional botanical samples was undertaken between September 2015 and August 2017. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) using Jaccard index was used to calculate the similarity among floras of the restingas of the states of Pará, Piauí, Ceará and Maranhão. A total of 289 species in 189 genera and 73 families was recorded, including 56 new occurence records for the state of Maranhão. The richest families were Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Eriocaulaceae and Myrtaceae. Similarity indexes revealed low similarity among the selected areas, suggesting high floristic identity for each area, as well as possible collection bias among the areas.

This study presents the only species of Thymelaeaceae recorded for the cangas of the Serra dos Carajas, in Para state: detailed description, illustration and morphologic comments on the species are given. Daphnopsis filipedunculata is described to the Serra dos Carajas and this species is considered restricted to the canga formations in the region, recorded in only three areas of Serra Norte so far: N1, N2 and N5 plateaus.

Resumo Nas cangas da Floresta Nacional (FLONA) de Carajás e no Parque Nacional dos Campos Ferruginosos (PNCF) foram registradas 856 espécies, distribuídas em 116 famílias de fanerógamas. As famílias mais ricas foram Poaceae (86), Fabaceae (65) e Rubiaceae (46). O hábito herbáceo foi o melhor representado. Dois gêneros, 24 espécies e uma subespécie são apontadas como endêmicas das cangas da área de estudos. Na FLONA de Carajás, a Serra Norte, com maior amostragem, possui 659 espécies de fanerógamas e na Serra Sul foram registradas 545 espécies. Aproximadamente 60% das espécies documentadas na área de estudos, incluindo espécies endêmicas, não possuem registro para o PNCF. Através da lista taxonômica aqui apresentada, foi possível demonstrar considerável distinção entre as cangas da Serra dos Carajás e as do Quadrilátero Ferrífero, em Minas Gerais, apontando também pouca correspondência dessas duas listas com a canga de Corumbá, no Mato Grosso do Sul. A riqueza e singularidade da flora da região, que inclui diversas espécies endêmicas, associada à ameaça a que estão submetidos estes ambientes por atividades de mineração, apontam para a necessidade de um planejamento para conservação das espécies da flora das cangas de Carajás. Abstract The Floresta Nacional de Carajás (FLONA of Carajás) and the Parque Nacional dos Campos Ferruginosos (PNCF) are home to canga vegetation where 856 species distributed in 116 families of seed plants were recorded. The richest families were Poaceae (86), Fabaceae (65) and Rubiaceae (46) and the best represented habit was herbaceous. Two genera, 24 species and one subspecies are considered endemic from the canga of the studied area. Within the FLONA of Carajás, the Serra Norte was the best sampled site, and is home for 659 species of seed plants, while 545 species were recorded for the Serra Sul. Approximately 60% of the species documented, including the endemics, have no record within the PNCF. Through the taxonomic list here presented, it was possible to demonstrate considerable distinction between the canga of the Serra dos Carajás and the same formation in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, in Minas Gerais, with little correspondence between these two lists and the one from Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul state. The richness and singularity of the regional flora, which includes many endemisms, associated to the current threats to these environments due to mineral exploration, point to the need for careful and consistent planning to ensure the conservation of the flora of the canga of Carajás.

Resumo Gnetaceae é uma pequena família monotípica de Gimnospermas com aproximadamente 40 espécies do gênero Gnetum de distribuição pantropical. Na FLONA Carajás, são registradas três espécies de Gnetum: G. leyboldii e G. schwackeanum, exclusivas de formações florestais, e G. nodiflorum, registrada em canga. Para G. nodiflorum são apresentados descrição detalhada, ilustrações, distribuição e comentários morfológicos.

This is a taxonomic study of the species of Plantaginaceae from the cangas of Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil. We recorded five species, all members of the tribe Gratioleae: Bacopa monnierioides, B. myriophylloides, B. reflexa, Scoparia dulcis and Stemodia verticilata. All five species are widespread in Brazil, and B. myriophylloides is here cited for the first time for the State of Pará. We present detailed descriptions, illustrations, photographs and notes on morphology, distribution and phenology of these species.

This is a taxonomic study of the representatives of Orobanchaceae from the cangas of Serra dos Carajás, Pará state, Brazil. We recorded Buchnera carajasensis and B. longifolia in Serra dos Carajás, but only the former occurs in areas of canga and will be treated in this work. Here we present a detailed description, photographs and notes on morphology, distribution and phenology of this species.