Distintos padrões de composição e diversidade de espécies podem ser observados ao longo de comunidades que variam em relação ao ambiente e à posição geográfica, sendo possível a identificação de potenciais espécies indicadoras destas mudanças. Diversos estudos sobre a variação na diversidade de espécies têm demonstrado a influência de condições ambientais (teoria de nicho) e/ou da limitação na dispersão (teoria neutra), com diferentes proporções de explicação. Esta dissertação aborda a especificidade de espécies arbóreas no sudeste da Mata Atlântica e alguns padrões de variação da diversidade beta em Florestas com Araucária, na região nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Na abordagem de especificidade de espécies, analisamos um gradiente ambiental e espacial a partir de 21 trabalhos abrangendo diferentes tipologias florestais: Floresta de Restinga (3), Floresta Ombrófila Densa (7), Floresta Ombrófila Mista (8) e Floresta Nebular (3). Foram observados diferentes níveis de riqueza e de espécies indicadoras para cada tipo florestal. Além disso, a altitude foi a principal variável ambiental associada aos padrões florísticos observados neste estudo, que formam um continuum de substituição de espécies ao longo do gradiente. Para a abordagem da diversidade beta, foram realizados levantamentos quantitativos do estrato inferior e superior em três áreas de conservação de Floresta com Araucária, onde foram explorados a partição aditiva da diversidade em diferentes escalas espaciais e o papel do ambiente e do espaço na substituição de espécies. Ao todo foram registradas 86 espécies, contemplando 22% do pool de espécies da região sul para esta formação. A partição aditiva da diversidade revelou que a diversidade beta é significativa apenas na maior escala para ambos os estratos. Pela Análise de Redundância parcial, o espaço foi responsável pela maior fração de explicação (21%) para o estrato inferior, enquanto para o superior, o ambiente estruturado pelo espaço obteve a maior fração de explicação (36%). Sugere-se que para o estrato inferior algumas espécies da encosta apresentam limitação de dispersão em relação à distância das áreas da encosta ou mesmo pelo padrão de deposição de diásporos pelos dispersores. Para o estrato superior, a relação do ambiente com o espaço está na distância entre as áreas e como ela atua na variação do ambiente, sendo a distância destas em relação ao mar provavelmente a variável mais correlacionada, pois esta influencia a temperatura e o regime de chuvas. / Distinct patterns of species composition and diversity can be observed throughout communities that change in relation to environment and geographic position, making possible to identify potential indicator species of these changes. Several studies on species diversity variation have demonstrated the influence of environmental conditions (niche theory) and / or dispersal limitation (neutral theory), with different proportions of explanation. This thesis emphasizes tree specificity in southern Atlantic forest and some patterns of beta diversity variation in Araucaria forests in northeastern Rio Grande do Sul. In the approach of species specificity, we analyzed environmental and spacial gradients from 21 studies covering different forest types: Restinga forest (3), Tropical Rainforest (7), Araucaria forest (8) and Cloud forest (3). We observed different richness levels and different indicator species for each forest type. Furthermore, altitude was the main environmental variable associated to the floristic patterns observed in this study, which form a continuum of species turnover along the gradient. For the approach of beta diversity, quantitative surveys of the inferior and superior strata were taken out in three conservation units of Araucaria forest, where additive diversity partitioning were exploited in different spatial scales, as well as the role of environment variables and the space in species turnover. Altogether, 86 species were recorded, comprising 22% of the southern region species pool for this forest type. The additive partitioning revealed that beta diversity is significant only in larger scale for both strata. Through partial Redundancy Analyses, the space was responsible for the largest fraction of explanation (20.70%) for the inferior stratum, while the environment structured by space had the most fraction of explanation (36.43%) for the superior one. It is suggested that some colonizing species from the inferior stratum show dispersal limitation in relation to distance from the slope or even due to seeds deposition patterns. For the superior stratum, the presented relationship between environment and space seems to indicate that the distance between areas acts on the environmental variation, where the sea distance is probably the most correlated variable, since it affects temperature and rainfall.

Distintos padrões de composição e diversidade de espécies podem ser observados ao longo de comunidades que variam em relação ao ambiente e à posição geográfica, sendo possível a identificação de potenciais espécies indicadoras destas mudanças. Diversos estudos sobre a variação na diversidade de espécies têm demonstrado a influência de condições ambientais (teoria de nicho) e/ou da limitação na dispersão (teoria neutra), com diferentes proporções de explicação. Esta dissertação aborda a especificidade de espécies arbóreas no sudeste da Mata Atlântica e alguns padrões de variação da diversidade beta em Florestas com Araucária, na região nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Na abordagem de especificidade de espécies, analisamos um gradiente ambiental e espacial a partir de 21 trabalhos abrangendo diferentes tipologias florestais: Floresta de Restinga (3), Floresta Ombrófila Densa (7), Floresta Ombrófila Mista (8) e Floresta Nebular (3). Foram observados diferentes níveis de riqueza e de espécies indicadoras para cada tipo florestal. Além disso, a altitude foi a principal variável ambiental associada aos padrões florísticos observados neste estudo, que formam um continuum de substituição de espécies ao longo do gradiente. Para a abordagem da diversidade beta, foram realizados levantamentos quantitativos do estrato inferior e superior em três áreas de conservação de Floresta com Araucária, onde foram explorados a partição aditiva da diversidade em diferentes escalas espaciais e o papel do ambiente e do espaço na substituição de espécies. Ao todo foram registradas 86 espécies, contemplando 22% do pool de espécies da região sul para esta formação. A partição aditiva da diversidade revelou que a diversidade beta é significativa apenas na maior escala para ambos os estratos. Pela Análise de Redundância parcial, o espaço foi responsável pela maior fração de explicação (21%) para o estrato inferior, enquanto para o superior, o ambiente estruturado pelo espaço obteve a maior fração de explicação (36%). Sugere-se que para o estrato inferior algumas espécies da encosta apresentam limitação de dispersão em relação à distância das áreas da encosta ou mesmo pelo padrão de deposição de diásporos pelos dispersores. Para o estrato superior, a relação do ambiente com o espaço está na distância entre as áreas e como ela atua na variação do ambiente, sendo a distância destas em relação ao mar provavelmente a variável mais correlacionada, pois esta influencia a temperatura e o regime de chuvas. / Distinct patterns of species composition and diversity can be observed throughout communities that change in relation to environment and geographic position, making possible to identify potential indicator species of these changes. Several studies on species diversity variation have demonstrated the influence of environmental conditions (niche theory) and / or dispersal limitation (neutral theory), with different proportions of explanation. This thesis emphasizes tree specificity in southern Atlantic forest and some patterns of beta diversity variation in Araucaria forests in northeastern Rio Grande do Sul. In the approach of species specificity, we analyzed environmental and spacial gradients from 21 studies covering different forest types: Restinga forest (3), Tropical Rainforest (7), Araucaria forest (8) and Cloud forest (3). We observed different richness levels and different indicator species for each forest type. Furthermore, altitude was the main environmental variable associated to the floristic patterns observed in this study, which form a continuum of species turnover along the gradient. For the approach of beta diversity, quantitative surveys of the inferior and superior strata were taken out in three conservation units of Araucaria forest, where additive diversity partitioning were exploited in different spatial scales, as well as the role of environment variables and the space in species turnover. Altogether, 86 species were recorded, comprising 22% of the southern region species pool for this forest type. The additive partitioning revealed that beta diversity is significant only in larger scale for both strata. Through partial Redundancy Analyses, the space was responsible for the largest fraction of explanation (20.70%) for the inferior stratum, while the environment structured by space had the most fraction of explanation (36.43%) for the superior one. It is suggested that some colonizing species from the inferior stratum show dispersal limitation in relation to distance from the slope or even due to seeds deposition patterns. For the superior stratum, the presented relationship between environment and space seems to indicate that the distance between areas acts on the environmental variation, where the sea distance is probably the most correlated variable, since it affects temperature and rainfall.

A bacia do rio Piracicaba tem recebido atenção especial das autoridades municipais, pois possui grandes problemas de aproveitamento de seus recursos hídricos. A bacia do rio Corumbataí, um dos principais afluentes da margem direita do rio Piracicaba, é regionalmente importante, não só porque ainda possui águas de boa qualidade, mas também por apresentar elementos raros na paisagem do interior do estado. Esta tese teve o objetivo de caracterizar as assembléias de peixes na bacia do rio Corumbataí e fornecer ferramentas para avaliação de seu status ambiental. Foram escolhidos 4 rios principais com 3 pontos de coleta em cada um. Foram realizadas coletas no período de março a junho e setembro a dezembro de 2001, totalizando 24 coletas. Os dados bióticos foram avaliados através de medidas de diversidade. Para testar a hipótese de variação espaço-temporal da assembléia de peixes foi aplicado o modelo linear ANCOVA onde a variável resposta foi a riqueza de espécies; o fator foi ordem do rio; sendo utilizadas 2 covariáveis ambientais: temperatura e número de indivíduos, revelando uma variação espaço-temporal e padrões reconhecidos no meio acadêmico: relação espécie-área e conceito de rio contínuo. Técnicas multivariadas foram aplicadas para determinar a correlação entre a riqueza e a paisagem no entorno do ponto de coleta, revelando que existem mais espécies em locais com maior cobertura vegetal e mata ciliar preservada. Algumas espécies de peixes se mostraram bons indicadores ambientais: Hypostomus strigaticeps, Hoplosternum littorale e Salminus hilarii; por outro lado o Astyanax altiparanae não se mostrou um bom indicador / The Piracicaba river basin has received special attention from local authorities because it has presented a lot of problems about the misutilization of its hydric resources. The Corumbataí river basin, one of the major streams of the right side of the Piracicaba river, is regionally important, not only because it still has good water quality but also because it has unique elements inside the landscape of São Paulo state. This thesis aims to characterize the fish assemblage of the Corumbataí river basin and provide tools to assess the present environmental status of the basin. It has been chosen 4 major streams with 3 unit samples in each one of the streams. The samples were carried out from March to June and from September to December in the year of 2001, making up a total of 24 samples. The biotic data were assessed using diversity measurement. An ANCOVA was used to test the hypothesis of time-space variation of the fish assemblage, where the dependent variable was the species richness; the factor was the stream order and 2 environmental co-variates were used: temperature and number of individuals, thus revealing both time-space variation and some patterns which are recognized academically: species-area relationship and river continuum concept (RCC). Multivariate techniques were used to determine the correlation between richness and the landscape characteristics in the sampling unit, revealing that there is a greater number of species along the sites with a larger riparian zone. Some fish species have showed to be a good indicator: Hypostomus strigaticeps, Hoplosternum littorale and Salminus hilarii; on the other hand Astyanax altiparanae has not showed to be a good indicator species

Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris ) has been established in Uluṟu‐Kata Tjuta National Park since 1968. To date, the influence of buffel grass on the Park's flora and fauna has been largely unassessed. The objectives of this study were to determine if buffel grass dominates vegetation communities at the base of Uluṟu and if buffel grass habitats are associated with lower reptile and amphibian species richness than endemic vegetation communities. We used vegetation transects to measure the amount of buffel grass and genera of endemic vegetation at 26 sampling locations around the base of Uluṟu. The vegetation survey data were paired with pitfall trap data from reptile and amphibian captures at the same sampling locations. Indicator species analysis and non‐metric multidimensional scaling were used to analyse the vegetation and herpetofaunal community data. Our analyses determined five distinct vegetation communities around Uluṟu. At the base of Uluṟu, buffel grass dominated half of sampled areas and the rest of the inselberg's base was dominated by Themeda grasses. Buffel grass habitats had significantly higher herpetofaunal species richness than the Themeda habitats that dominated other areas at Uluṟu's base. Herpetofauna species richness in buffel grass‐dominated habitats was also significantly higher than all vegetation communities except for Triodia‐dominated habitats. These observations do not directly indicate that buffel grass presence promotes higher species richness of reptiles and amphibians since the observed patterns may be driven by factors such as proximity to breeding sites and abiotic variables not directly related to the grass itself.

Freshwater turtles are among the most threatened groups of taxa globally, and the bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii is among the most imperiled in North America. In Virginia, USA, bog turtles are restricted to occupying Appalachian Mountain fens. Fens are naturally small and fragmented wetlands characterized by elevated water tables and an open canopy. Although there is a strong need to document and monitor populations of bog turtles, efforts to do so are often limited by the low detection of the species. The first objective of this thesis was to assess proposed methodologies for locating populations of turtles on the landscape. My first chapter assessed a previously-developed habitat distribution model for bog turtles using an occupancy modeling approach. I conducted 216 surveys of 49 discretely predicted patches of habitat, recording conditions such as weather, size of wetland and time of year, hypothesized to affect detection during each survey. In addition, I assessed factors including stream entrenchment, grazing presence and surrounding impervious surfaces for each surveyed patch to identify data sources that could improve future models or better assess sites. I found that sites with larger total wetland area had higher detection per survey, possibly due to larger sites having higher densities of turtles (among other explanations), and that sites with higher amounts of impervious surfaces within their drainage were less likely to be occupied. In addition to the bog turtle, several plant species also occur in mountain fens. These species usually have a locally rare distribution or are disjuncts from a more northern latitude. Because of these traits, a high diversity of specialist plants may be indicative of a fen with a robust hydrology that has historically been less disturbed. Past site quality analyses have proposed using indicator diversity to assess sites, but no study has found if these species to tend to co-occur. My second chapter examines this hypothesis. I first chose a list of plant species that would most likely have habitat requirements similar to those of turtles. Then, at 12 sites, 6 with turtles and 6 without, I conducted a complete floral inventory. I first tested community-wide differences between the floral communities of these sites and found no difference, but when I narrowed my analysis to examining occurrence patterns of plant species determined a priori to be fen specialists and Glyptemys muhlenbergii, a pattern of co-occurrence was found. This lends support to the idea that indicator plants could be used as a tool to better evaluate sites that may have bog turtles. My last chapter investigated movement of bog turtles in a landscape impacted by anthropogenic development. Movement of turtles between adjacent sites is critical to maintaining genetic diversity and maintaining metapopulation integrity. Despite this importance, records of long distances movements among wetlands are scarce in the literature, likely due to the lack of long-term studies for areas with multiple adjacent sites. In Virginia, mark recapture monitoring has been done intermittently in a cluster of sites for over 32 years. To determine the prevalence of movement among sites for bog turtles, I examined the dataset for all instances of turtles found at sites different from their last capture. I calculated the straight-line distance for each recorded movement. I also examined the sex of the turtle to test whether sex influences movement the frequency and distance of movements. For a subset of movements, I calculated least-cost pathways to identify possible barriers to movement using a previously published resistance model. I found 21 instances where a turtle was caught at a different site than its last capture over 32 years of monitoring. Neither sex was more likely to move farther than the other. Although the study's observed rate of movement may appear low, it is likely an underestimate when detection and asymmetric sampling are taken into account. The least cost pathways analysis suggested that roads or driveways were likely crossed for a significant portion of movement events. Finally, to examine how movement may be affecting the current distribution of bog turtles, I described a method to test whether adjacency to known populations influences the probability of a new site being occupied by turtles. I prove the utility of the method by applying it to a map of bog turtle occurrences collected over this study and show that it can account for habitat differences and barriers to movement between sites as well. In spite of plausibility of the method, limitations in how occurrence data are currently collected prevent its immediate application. Together, this thesis will help managers not only find and assess wetlands on the landscape, it will also provide information about the network of connected patches on the landscape. Knowing where bog turtles are and what wetlands or sub-populations are potentially connected will allowed for a more directed and informed regional management strategy. / Master of Science / Freshwater turtles are facing population declines worldwide, and the bog turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii is among the most imperiled in North America. Bog turtles occupy naturally small, specialized wetlands called Appalachian Mountain fens. The prevalence of fens on the landscape has declined over recent decades due to agricultural practices. Although there is a strong need to document and monitor bog turtle populations due to their threatened status, bog turtles are difficult to find due to their small size and ability to burrow completely into substrate. Thus, considerable effort must be expended to find populations and track their status. The first overall objective of this thesis was to assess methods for locating populations of bog turtles. My first chapter tests a habitat distribution model that uses publicly available landscape data such as topopgraphy and land cover to predict areas likely to contain turtles. To do this, I systematically surveyed 49 predicted sites multiple times each over 2 years. Simultaneously, I recorded variables such as the time of year, size of the wetland and the weather to determine whether any factor significantly explained the ability to find turtles on any given survey. In addition, I was able to record several variables relating to wetland quality and isolation that were not in the initial model. I found that larger wetlands were easier to search than smaller wetlands, possibly due to larger sites having more turtles, and that wetlands near more impermeable surfaces (such as roads and buildings) were less likely to have bog turtles. As another potential method to find bog turtles and assess sites, we tested the use of 'pristine indicator' plants as a metric for potential wetlands. Mountain fens have specific attributes, such as high groundwater influence and exposure to a large amount of sunlight. Several species, including the bog turtle, are specialized to these factors and are rarely found in the surrounding landscape. Because a distinct community exists for mountain fens in this region, sites with a higher diversity of fen specialist plants may be indicative of a higher quality site which can support more specialists, including the bog turtle. My second chapter tests this hypothesis. I first chose a list of species that would most likely have habitat requirements similar to those of bog turtles. Then, at 12 sites I documented every plant species I encountered within the wetland. I compared the plant community as a whole between bog turtle-occupied and unoccupied sites and found no significant difference between the two. When I narrowed my analysis to focus on plants I previously identified as sharing habitat requirements with the bog turtle, I found a strong pattern of their co-occurrence with bog turtles. This lends support to the idea that these 'pristine indicator' plants could be used as a tool to better evaluate sites that may have bog turtles. My last chapter investigates movement of bog turtles in a landscape impacted by human development. Movement of turtles between adjacent wetlands is critical to maintaining long term regional viability of the species, as it lets turtles colonize new sites and exchange genes. Despite the importance of these movements, records of turtles moving long distances between two wetlands is scarce in the literature, likely due to the lack of long-term studies for areas with multiple adjacent wetlands. One method of recording movements is by marking turtles with a unique ID and recording where it was encountered as wetlands are surveyed on the landscape. In Virginia, this procedure has been conducted at multiple sites over 32 years. To understand the prevalence of movement between sites for this species, I examined this dataset and examined all instances of a turtle being found at a site different from its last capture. I recorded the straight-line distance moved for each recorded movement as well as the sex of the turtle, to test if either sex was more or less likely to undertake these movements. Then, for a subset of movements, I calculated least-cost pathways, a metric that accounts for landscape features and plots the easiest route for turtles to move. This way, I could evaluate the prevalence of barriers to movement, such as roads or development, on the landscape. I found 21 documented movements among sites over 32 years of monitoring. Neither sex was more likely to move further than the other. Compared to studies looking at other freshwater turtles, the observed rate of movement appeared low, but this was likely an underestimate due to the difficulty of capturing specific individuals. I also found evidence of significant barriers to movement in 13 out of 17 evaluated least-costs paths, usually roads or driveways. Finally, to examine how movement affects bog turtle distribution, I describe a methodology of testing if adjacency to known populations influences the probability of a new site being occupied by turtles. I demonstrate the plausibility of the method by applying it to a map of occurrences collected over this study and show that it can account for habitat differences and barriers to movement between sites as well. However, limitations in my sampling scheme limit conclusions from my dataset. Together, these findings will help future managers find where turtles are and which sites may be connected. These results will help managers make more informed decisions for managing bog turtles at a statewide level.

No description available.

As diatomáceas constituem um dos grupos de algas mais representativos nas comunidades perifíticas, exercem importante papel como produtoras primárias em ambientes lóticos de baixa ordem e são consideradas boas indicadoras ambientais, sendo utilizadas no biomonitoramento de ecossistemas aquáticos. Porém, as informações existentes sobre a estrutura das comunidades de diatomáceas epilíticas em rios brasileiros são ainda muito escassas, especialmente em riachos de altitude. Assim, objetivou-se determinar a estrutura da comunidade de diatomáceas epilíticas em um riacho de altitude no Rio Grande do Sul impactado por atividade de piscicultura. De julho de 2005 a fevereiro de 2006 foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras de diatomáceas sobre seixos e feitas medições de uma série de variáveis ambientais, em quatro estações amostrais, sendo duas a montante e duas a jusante da piscicultura, em trecho de 3a. ordem do Rio das Antas, município de São José dos Ausentes, a uma altitude de aproximadamente 1000 m. A análise quantitativa das diatomáceas foi realizada com material fixado, sob microscópio invertido, considerando a viabilidade das células, sendo posteriormente preparadas lâminas permanentes para identificação dos táxons. A comunidade de diatomáceas epilíticas esteve representada por 48 táxons e os resultados demonstraram a ocorrência de um gradiente de impacto associado aos efluentes da piscicultura, com significativo incremento nos teores de nutrientes e sólidos totais a jusante. A comunidade de diatomáceas respondeu ao enriquecimento trófico através de uma nítida substituição de espécies características de ambientes oligotróficos por espécies indicadoras de ambientes eutróficos. A Análise de Espécies Indicadoras identificou nove espécies que puderam ser separadas em dois grupos. Gomphoneis rhombica, Navicula angusta e Planothidium frequentissimum indicaram ambientes pouco impactados, com baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes, pouca quantidade de sólidos totais e baixa turbidez. Já Luticola goeppertiana, Melosira varians, Nitzschia palea, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula cryptotenella e Psammothidium subatomoides indicaram águas eutróficas. Assim, as diatomáceas epilíticas demonstraram ser uma útil ferramenta no biomonitoramento de impactos causados por eutrofização. / Diatoms are one of the most representative groups of algae in periphytic communities, acting as important primary producers in low order streams. They are considered good environmental indicators, being widely used in freshwater ecosystems biomonitoring. However, informations about the ecology and structure of epilithic diatom communities in brazilian streams is still very scarce, especially in altitudinal streams. The aim of this study is to evaluate the structure of epilithic diatom community in an altitudinal stream located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, impacted by fish farm effluents. Antas River is a third order stream at the study sites, and is located at Campos de Cima da Serra, the highest region of Rio Grande do Sul. Epilithic diatoms and physical and chemical variables of the water were sampled monthly, from July 2005 to February 2006, in four sample stations. Two sample stations were located upstream the fish farm and the other two were downstream. Diatoms were counted under an inverted microscope for observing cells viability, and permanent slides were prepared for further identification. Diatom community was represented by 48 taxons and the results had shown a pollution gradient along the stream, with significant increase of nutrients and total solids concentrations downstream the fish farm. Diatom community has answered to the trophic enrichment through a clear change in density and species composition. Typical oligotrophic species were substituted for eutrophic ones. Indicator Species Analysis identified nine indicator species that can be distinguished in two groups. Gomphoneis rhombica, Navicula angusta and Planothidium frequentissimum, indicated environments with less anthropogenic impacts, characterized by low nutrient and total solid concentrations. Yet Luticola goeppertiana, Melosira varians, Nitzschia palea, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula cryptotenella and Psammothidium subatomoides had indicated eutrophic waters. Thus, epilithic diatoms had demonstrated to be a useful tool for biomonitoring impacts caused by eutrophication.

Magistro darbe aprašomi samanų tyrimai Biržų girios skirtingų gupių miškuose. Darbo objektas - Biržų girios skirtingų grupių miškai. Darbo tikslas - ištirti Plunksninės pliusnės, Tridantės bazanijos, Tikrosios garbuonės, Plokščiosios pliusnės, Paprastosios šilsamanės ir Šilinės plunksnės gausą ir gyvybingumą Bižų girios skirtingų grupių miškuose. Darbo metodai – Tyrimams atlikti buvo pasirinkti skirtingų grupių miškai, po 2kv., apie 1ha. Šie suskirstyti į 6 objektus. Kiekviename objekte buvo tirta samanų įvairovė, gyvybingumas ir gausa pagal trys samanų grupes išskiriant po dvi rūšis iš kiekvienos grupės. Naudojamos samanų grupės: Specializuotosios buveinių rūšys; Indikatorinės rūšys ir Lyginamosios rūšys. Darbo rezultatai. Atlikus tyrimus, nustatyta, kad botaniniuose draustiniuose bendras specializuotųjų samanų rūšių padengimo proc. 27,5%, indikatorinių - 40%, o lyginamųjų 45%; Ūkiniuose miškuose: Specializuotųjų buveinių rūšių nerasta, indikatorinių apie 10%, lyginamųjų - 27%. Kertinėse miško buveinėse: Specializuotosios samanų rūšys užima 32%, indikatorinės- 31%, lyginamosios 52,5%. Surinkti duomenys rodo, kad vertingiausias objektas samanų rūšių gausumo ir gyvybingumo atžvilgiu KMB 267/260 kv. / Master’s work describes the research journal of forest moss gruops different woods. Work items - juornal of forests of different groups of forests.The aim – to explore Plunksninės pliusnės, Tridantės bazanijos, Tikrosios garbuonės, Plokščiosios pliusnės, Paprastosios šilsamanės and Šilinės plunksnės Biržų bundance and vitality of forests of different groups of forests. Working methods – the tests were carried out to select groups of different woods, after 2kv. about 1ha. These are divided into 6 sites. Each vitality and abundance of moss under the three groups after the exclusion of two species from each group. Used moss group: Specialized habitat types, indicator species, and comparative views. Results of the work. After the tests, found that the total reserves in its botanical specialized moss species percent coverage - 27,5%, indicator - 40%, and 45% of the comparative; Commercial forests: specialized habitant types were found, indicative of 10%, comparable - 27%. KEB: specialized moss species occupies - 32%, indicator - 31%, and 52,5% comparision; The data collected indicate that the most valuable object of moss species abundance and vitality in respect of KEB 267/260 kv.

As diatomáceas constituem um dos grupos de algas mais representativos nas comunidades perifíticas, exercem importante papel como produtoras primárias em ambientes lóticos de baixa ordem e são consideradas boas indicadoras ambientais, sendo utilizadas no biomonitoramento de ecossistemas aquáticos. Porém, as informações existentes sobre a estrutura das comunidades de diatomáceas epilíticas em rios brasileiros são ainda muito escassas, especialmente em riachos de altitude. Assim, objetivou-se determinar a estrutura da comunidade de diatomáceas epilíticas em um riacho de altitude no Rio Grande do Sul impactado por atividade de piscicultura. De julho de 2005 a fevereiro de 2006 foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras de diatomáceas sobre seixos e feitas medições de uma série de variáveis ambientais, em quatro estações amostrais, sendo duas a montante e duas a jusante da piscicultura, em trecho de 3a. ordem do Rio das Antas, município de São José dos Ausentes, a uma altitude de aproximadamente 1000 m. A análise quantitativa das diatomáceas foi realizada com material fixado, sob microscópio invertido, considerando a viabilidade das células, sendo posteriormente preparadas lâminas permanentes para identificação dos táxons. A comunidade de diatomáceas epilíticas esteve representada por 48 táxons e os resultados demonstraram a ocorrência de um gradiente de impacto associado aos efluentes da piscicultura, com significativo incremento nos teores de nutrientes e sólidos totais a jusante. A comunidade de diatomáceas respondeu ao enriquecimento trófico através de uma nítida substituição de espécies características de ambientes oligotróficos por espécies indicadoras de ambientes eutróficos. A Análise de Espécies Indicadoras identificou nove espécies que puderam ser separadas em dois grupos. Gomphoneis rhombica, Navicula angusta e Planothidium frequentissimum indicaram ambientes pouco impactados, com baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes, pouca quantidade de sólidos totais e baixa turbidez. Já Luticola goeppertiana, Melosira varians, Nitzschia palea, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula cryptotenella e Psammothidium subatomoides indicaram águas eutróficas. Assim, as diatomáceas epilíticas demonstraram ser uma útil ferramenta no biomonitoramento de impactos causados por eutrofização. / Diatoms are one of the most representative groups of algae in periphytic communities, acting as important primary producers in low order streams. They are considered good environmental indicators, being widely used in freshwater ecosystems biomonitoring. However, informations about the ecology and structure of epilithic diatom communities in brazilian streams is still very scarce, especially in altitudinal streams. The aim of this study is to evaluate the structure of epilithic diatom community in an altitudinal stream located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, impacted by fish farm effluents. Antas River is a third order stream at the study sites, and is located at Campos de Cima da Serra, the highest region of Rio Grande do Sul. Epilithic diatoms and physical and chemical variables of the water were sampled monthly, from July 2005 to February 2006, in four sample stations. Two sample stations were located upstream the fish farm and the other two were downstream. Diatoms were counted under an inverted microscope for observing cells viability, and permanent slides were prepared for further identification. Diatom community was represented by 48 taxons and the results had shown a pollution gradient along the stream, with significant increase of nutrients and total solids concentrations downstream the fish farm. Diatom community has answered to the trophic enrichment through a clear change in density and species composition. Typical oligotrophic species were substituted for eutrophic ones. Indicator Species Analysis identified nine indicator species that can be distinguished in two groups. Gomphoneis rhombica, Navicula angusta and Planothidium frequentissimum, indicated environments with less anthropogenic impacts, characterized by low nutrient and total solid concentrations. Yet Luticola goeppertiana, Melosira varians, Nitzschia palea, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula cryptotenella and Psammothidium subatomoides had indicated eutrophic waters. Thus, epilithic diatoms had demonstrated to be a useful tool for biomonitoring impacts caused by eutrophication.

As diatomáceas constituem um dos grupos de algas mais representativos nas comunidades perifíticas, exercem importante papel como produtoras primárias em ambientes lóticos de baixa ordem e são consideradas boas indicadoras ambientais, sendo utilizadas no biomonitoramento de ecossistemas aquáticos. Porém, as informações existentes sobre a estrutura das comunidades de diatomáceas epilíticas em rios brasileiros são ainda muito escassas, especialmente em riachos de altitude. Assim, objetivou-se determinar a estrutura da comunidade de diatomáceas epilíticas em um riacho de altitude no Rio Grande do Sul impactado por atividade de piscicultura. De julho de 2005 a fevereiro de 2006 foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras de diatomáceas sobre seixos e feitas medições de uma série de variáveis ambientais, em quatro estações amostrais, sendo duas a montante e duas a jusante da piscicultura, em trecho de 3a. ordem do Rio das Antas, município de São José dos Ausentes, a uma altitude de aproximadamente 1000 m. A análise quantitativa das diatomáceas foi realizada com material fixado, sob microscópio invertido, considerando a viabilidade das células, sendo posteriormente preparadas lâminas permanentes para identificação dos táxons. A comunidade de diatomáceas epilíticas esteve representada por 48 táxons e os resultados demonstraram a ocorrência de um gradiente de impacto associado aos efluentes da piscicultura, com significativo incremento nos teores de nutrientes e sólidos totais a jusante. A comunidade de diatomáceas respondeu ao enriquecimento trófico através de uma nítida substituição de espécies características de ambientes oligotróficos por espécies indicadoras de ambientes eutróficos. A Análise de Espécies Indicadoras identificou nove espécies que puderam ser separadas em dois grupos. Gomphoneis rhombica, Navicula angusta e Planothidium frequentissimum indicaram ambientes pouco impactados, com baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes, pouca quantidade de sólidos totais e baixa turbidez. Já Luticola goeppertiana, Melosira varians, Nitzschia palea, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula cryptotenella e Psammothidium subatomoides indicaram águas eutróficas. Assim, as diatomáceas epilíticas demonstraram ser uma útil ferramenta no biomonitoramento de impactos causados por eutrofização. / Diatoms are one of the most representative groups of algae in periphytic communities, acting as important primary producers in low order streams. They are considered good environmental indicators, being widely used in freshwater ecosystems biomonitoring. However, informations about the ecology and structure of epilithic diatom communities in brazilian streams is still very scarce, especially in altitudinal streams. The aim of this study is to evaluate the structure of epilithic diatom community in an altitudinal stream located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, impacted by fish farm effluents. Antas River is a third order stream at the study sites, and is located at Campos de Cima da Serra, the highest region of Rio Grande do Sul. Epilithic diatoms and physical and chemical variables of the water were sampled monthly, from July 2005 to February 2006, in four sample stations. Two sample stations were located upstream the fish farm and the other two were downstream. Diatoms were counted under an inverted microscope for observing cells viability, and permanent slides were prepared for further identification. Diatom community was represented by 48 taxons and the results had shown a pollution gradient along the stream, with significant increase of nutrients and total solids concentrations downstream the fish farm. Diatom community has answered to the trophic enrichment through a clear change in density and species composition. Typical oligotrophic species were substituted for eutrophic ones. Indicator Species Analysis identified nine indicator species that can be distinguished in two groups. Gomphoneis rhombica, Navicula angusta and Planothidium frequentissimum, indicated environments with less anthropogenic impacts, characterized by low nutrient and total solid concentrations. Yet Luticola goeppertiana, Melosira varians, Nitzschia palea, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula cryptotenella and Psammothidium subatomoides had indicated eutrophic waters. Thus, epilithic diatoms had demonstrated to be a useful tool for biomonitoring impacts caused by eutrophication.