Abstract Background: Altas Cumbres is a protected natural area located in the center of the state of Tamaulipas, which has not been sufficiently studied. Although legumes are a family well represented in the area, until now, no studies had been carried out to reveal their richness and distribution. Questions: How many and which legume species are found in the study area and how are they distributed along an environmental gradient? Species study: Fabaceae family. Study site and dates: Altas Cumbres, Tamaulipas, Mexico, during 2022 and 2023. Methods: Botanical material was collected and identified using specialized bibliography; Herbarium specimens and online databases were reviewed. An analysis of similarity was carried out with the sites studied, using the Jaccard index to obtain β diversity and observe its distribution. Results: A total of 132 species were obtained, belonging to 57 genera and three subfamilies. The greatest diversity of legumes belonged to the subfamily Papilionoideae (86 species / 37 genera), followed by Caesalpinoideae (41/18) and finally Cercidoideae (5/2). Herbaceous plants were dominant with respect to woody plants. Most species were recorded in an elevation range between 300 and 499 m asl, in submontane scrub and pine-oak forest communities. Conclusions: Altas Cumbres is an important reservoir for legumes from Tamaulipas and Sierra Madre Oriental considering its high richness and endemism (33 species restricted to Mexico).

Resumen Antecedentes: Altas Cumbres es un área natural protegida ubicada en el centro del estado de Tamaulipas, la cual no ha sido suficientemente estudiada. A pesar de que las leguminosas son una familia bien representada en la zona, hasta ahora, no se habían realizado estudios que dieran a conocer su riqueza y distribución. Preguntas: ¿Cuántas y cuáles especies de leguminosas se encuentran en el área de estudio y cómo se distribuyen en un gradiente ambiental? Especies de estudio: Familia Fabaceae. Sitio y años de estudio: Altas Cumbres, Tamaulipas, México, de 2022 a 2023. Métodos: Se colectó material botánico y se identificó taxonómicamente utilizando bibliografía especializada; además de revisar ejemplares de herbario y bases de datos en línea. Se realizó un análisis de similitud con los sitios estudiados, utilizando el índice de Jaccard para obtener la diversidad β y observar su distribución en un gradiente ambiental. Resultados: Se registró un total de 132 especies, pertenecientes a 57 géneros y tres subfamilias de Fabaceae. La subfamilia Papilionoideae presentó la mayor diversidad (86 especies / 37 géneros), seguidas por las Caesalpinoideae (41/18) y por último las Cercidoideae (5/2). Las plantas herbáceas fueron dominantes con respecto a las leñosas. La mayoría de las especies se registraron en un rango de altitud entre los 300 a 499 m snm, en matorral submontano y bosque de pino-encino. Conclusiones: Altas Cumbres es un reservorio importante para las leguminosas de Tamaulipas y de la Sierra Madre Oriental, considerando su alta riqueza y endemismo (33 especies restringidas para México).

RESUMO Anthurium Schott é o gênero mais rico em espécies da família Araceae Juss. com 154 espécies no Brasil, sendo 123 endêmicas, das quais 45 espécies ocorrem no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, sendo 43 endêmicas do país. Na Mata Atlântica fluminense, há uma lacuna de estudos na região Metropolitana, pois os existentes focam apenas em áreas das regiões serranas e litorâneas. Assim, o objetivo foi inventariar as espécies de Anthurium ocorrentes na Serra da Tiririca. Foi feita chave de identificação e descrição das espécies, fornecendo dados fenológicos e de distribuição. Foram inventariadas 11 espécies, ou seja, cerca de 25% das espécies ocorrentes no Rio de Janeiro. Dessas, duas são endêmicas do Estado e nove do Brasil. Duas espécies são ameaçadas de extinção: A. luschnathianum (EN) e A. lucidum (CR). Os resultados evidenciam os principais pontos que devem ser conservados nessa Unidade de Conservação, controlando a visitação e impedindo a abertura de trilhas na matriz florestal.

ABSTRACT Anthurium Schott is the most species-rich genus in the Araceae Juss. family with 154 species in Brazil, 123 of which are endemic and then 45 species occur in the state of Rio de Janeiro, 43 of which are endemic to the country. In the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, there is a gap in studies in the Metropolitan region, as existing studies only focus on areas in the mountainous and coastal regions. Therefore, the objective was to inventory the Anthurium species occurring in Serra da Tiririca. An identification key and descriptions of the species was created, providing phenological and distribution data. 11 species were inventoried, that is, around 25% of the species occurring in Rio de Janeiro. Of these, two are endemic to the State and nine to Brazil. Two species are threatened with extinction: A. luschnathianum (EN) and A. lucidum (CR). The results highlight the main points that must be preserved in this Conservation Unit, controlling visitation, and preventing the opening of trails in the forest matrix.

Resumen: La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo realizar un análisis multitemporal de cambio de uso de suelo y cobertura vegetal en el municipio de Linares, Nuevo León México, en cinco períodos de tiempo diferentes: 1995-2008, 2008-2014, 2014-2021 y 1995-2021. Para el análisis, se realizó una clasificación supervisada de ortofotos e imágenes satelitales de alta resolución GeoEye-1 y Birdseye. La precisión de la clasificación de imágenes presentó valores promedio de índice de Kappa de 0.76, considerados dentro de un nivel de precisión sustancial. Con los datos obtenidos se calculó la tasa de deforestación anual mediante la ecuación propuesta por Puyravaud. Los resultados indican que en un lapso de 26 años el municipio perdió el 61.77% de sus bosques de encino-pino, pino-encino y encino, mostrando tasas de deforestación anual de -5.82%, -3.31% y -3.06%, respectivamente; así mismo, se perdió el 27.58% de matorral submontano y el 4.8% de matorral desértico rosetófilo, con tasas deforestación anual de -1.24 y -0.19%, respectivamente. A diferencia de la selva baja espinosa caducifolia y el pastizal, que mostraron un incremento de cobertura vegetal de 310.58 y 18.09%, con tasas de cambio anual de 5.43 y 0.64%, respectivamente. Estos cambios de cobertura y uso de suelo pueden llegar a afectar procesos atmosféricos y climáticos globales, por lo que este estudio pretende servir de referencia para el diseño de políticas públicas y programas de conservación y manejo sostenible de los recursos naturales.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to perform a multi-temporal analysis of land use change and vegetation cover in Linares, Nuevo León, México, at five different time periods: 1995-2008, 2008-2014, 2014-2021 and 1995-2021. For the analysis, a supervised classification of orthophotos and high-resolution satellite images GeoEye-1 and Birdseye was performed. The accuracy of the image classification presented average values of Kappa index of 0.76, considered within a substantial level of accuracy. With the data obtained, the annual deforestation rate was calculated using the equation proposed by Puyravaud. The results indicate that in a period of 26 years the municipality lost 61.77% of its oak-pine, pine-oak and oak forests, showing annual deforestation rates of -5.82%, -3.31% and -3.06% respectively; Likewise, 27.58% of submontane scrubland and 4.8% of rosetophilous desert scrubland were lost, with annual deforestation rates of -1.24 and -0.19%, respectively. Unlike the low deciduous spiny forest and the grassland, which showed an increase in plant cover of 310.58 and 18.09%, with annual exchange rates of 5.43 and 0.64%, respectively. These changes in land cover and use can affect global atmospheric and climate processes, so this study aims to serve as a reference for the design of public policies and programs for conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Abstract A new species of Annonaceae, Duguetia leucotricha M.L.Bazante & Maas, from lowland to submontane forests of southern Bahia, Brazil, is described. It differs from other species of the genus mainly by the dense greyish white stellate hairs on vegetative and reproductive structures, rather widely-spaced flowers, the large bract in the upper part of the well-developed pedicel, sepals and petals almost equal in length, and the few-carpellate fruits with rounded apex of the areoles. Commentaries concerning its morphological aspects and relationships of affinity, geographic distribution, conservation status and photos are provided, as well as a key to all Atlantic Coastal Forest species of Duguetia.

Abstract Mixed flocks are associations of two or more species that are formed and maintained through mutual behavioral responses, with advantages such as maximizing foraging and protecting against predation. This study aimed to evaluate the composition, temporal dynamics, and presence of core species in mixed flocks of birds in a remnant of the Submontane Atlantic Rain Forest in the Parque Nacional Aparados da Serra, southern Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Data collection took place from October 2016 to September 2017 through monthly campaigns, consisting of three consecutive observation days, with sampling sessions of six hours per day, resulting in a total effort of 216 h of observations. For each contact with the flocks, we recorded the species and number of individuals, stratum of occurrence, substrates of search, and agonistic interactions. We recorded 152 mixed flocks, with a total of 76 species belonging to 24 families, and five orders, with Thraupidae, Tyrannidae, Furnariidae, and Rhynchocyclidae being the richest. The flocks had an average of 4.5 ± 2.7 species and 8.7 ± 5.8 individuals, with richness and the number of individuals being positively correlated (R² = 0.8). Mixed flocks occurred throughout the year. There was a great variation in the number of contacts from October to February (from 5 to 20 contacts). Meanwhile from March to September, the coldest period of the year in the region, the number of contacts did not vary (from 9 to 14 contacts). However, there was no difference in the number of contacts between these months (z = 0.37; p = 0.691). Basileuterus culicivorus and Habia rubica were the core species because, in addition to their high participation (46.7 and 32.9%, respectively), they showed frequent and conspicuous movement and vocalization. Thus, a high capacity to enlist a greater number of individuals from different species for the flocks was demonstrated.

Resumo Eschweilera tetrapetala é uma árvore endêmica das Florestas Sazonais Submontanas (SSF) da Chapada Diamantina, remanescentes de floresta Atlântica, Brasil. Os efeitos das mudanças climáticas no padrão de distribuição espacial dessa espécie foram investigados para identificar áreas prioritárias de conservação. Os padrões de distribuição e as densidades populacionais foram obtidos por amostragem de indivíduos em dez transectos de 200 x 10 m e trinta parcelas adicionais de 10 x 10 m situadas em borda e interior de uma área da SSF. Esses dados de ocorrência foram submetidos à Modelagem de Nicho Ecológico usando os algoritmos Bioclim, Maxent e Support Vector Machine. O modelo previsto para sua distribuição atual, usando os algoritmos Bioclim, Maxent e Support Vector Machine (SVM), evidenciou áreas de forte adequabilidade ambiental a leste da Serra do Sincorá. Os modelos determinaram expansão da área de adequabilidade ambiental durante o Holoceno Médio, retração no presente e maiores reduções previstas em cenários futuros. O número de indivíduos nas parcelas variou de zero a 14, indicando distribuição agregada. O índice de Morisita indicou distribuição aleatória ao longo da borda da floresta, mas agregada no interior da floresta. Eschweilera tetrapetala é sensível às mudanças climáticas e pressão antropogênica, em escalas regional e local.

Abstract Eschweilera tetrapetala is a tree endemic to Submontane Seasonal Forests in inland Atlantic forest areas of the Chapada Diamantina Mountains, Northeastern Brazil. The effects of climate change on the spatial distribution pattern of that species were investigated to identify priority areas for its conservation. Distribution patterns and population densities were obtained by sampling individuals in ten 200 x 10 m transects, and in thirty additional 10 x 10 m border and interior forest plots. The occurrence data were subjected to Ecological Niche Modelling using Bioclim, Maxent, and Support Vector Machine algorithms. The predicted model for the current distribution of E. tetrapetala, using the Bioclim, Maxent, and Support Vector Machine algorithms, evidenced stable areas of strong environmental suitability in the east of the Chapada Diamantina. The models also show an expansion of areas with environmental suitability during the Mid-Holocene, with retraction in the present and greater reductions predicted in future global warming scenarios. The number of individuals in the plots varied from zero to 14, indicating an aggregated distribution. Morisita’s index indicated a random distribution along a forest edge but aggregated in the forest interior. Eschweilera tetrapetala is sensitive to climatic change and anthropogenic pressure, at both regional and local scales.

Resumo Comparamos a diversidade funcional de comunidades em áreas de borda e interior de um fragmento de Floresta Atlântica para testar a hipótese de que existe maior diversidade funcional ao longo da borda em consonância com sua maior abundância e diversidade florística quando comparada com o interior da floresta. Considerando um conjunto de características vegetais, reprodutivas fenológicos, e serviços ecossistêmicos dos ambientes de borda e interior, foram definimos grupos funcionais de plantas usando Análise de Cluster, e por uma análise de silhueta, juntamente com índices de diversidade funcional de riqueza, divergência, uniformidade e dispersão. Os principais grupos funcionais formados são semelhantes ao longo da borda e do interior. Riqueza funcional foi o único índice de diversidade que apresentou diferença entre borda e interior. Alterações foram percebidas em relação à riqueza de espécie e ao índice de Shannon. Efeitos de borda não foram significativos na formação de grupos funcionais. Em contraste com nossa hipótese original, grupos semelhantes foram formados tanto na borda quanto no interior, indicando que espécies desempenharam papeis ecológicos semelhantes em ambos ambientes, com respostas similares a diferentes fatores ambientais, de modo que as bordas da floresta foram colonizadas por uma série de espécies diferentes que mantinham padrões de diversidade como os encontrados no interior.

Abstract We compared the functional diversity of community at edge and interior areas of an Atlantic forest fragment to test the hypothesis that higher functional diversity exists along edges - in consonance with their higher abundance and floristic diversity as compared to the interior of the forest. By considering a set of vegetative, reproductive and phenological traits and ecosystem service aspects of edge and interior environments, we defined plant functional groups using Cluster Analysis, followed by a silhouette width analysis, together with functional diversity indices of richness, divergence, evenness and dispersion. The main functional groups formed were similar between the edges and interior. Functional richness was the only index that demonstrated differences between edge and the interior. Alterations were perceived in relation to species richness and the Shannon index. Edge effects were not significant in the formation of functional groups. In contrast to our original hypothesis, similar groups were formed both along the edge in the interior - indicating that species played similar ecological roles in both environments, with similar responses to different environmental factors - so that forest edges were colonized by a series of different species that maintained diversity patterns similar to those found in the forest interior.

ABSTRACT We analyzed the phenological responses of shrub-tree species of lowland deciduous (LDF) and submontane deciduous (SFD) forests in the Pantanal, and assessed their relationships with climatic factors at the community level and with strategies for seed dispersal. Vegetative and reproductive phenophases of 50 tree-shrub species were monitored monthly (12 months), and their relationship with climatic variables was tested using multiple linear regression. Time of leaf budding differed between areas for autochoric species and between autochoric and anemochoric species at LDF. Leaf fall in communities and functional groups was seasonal and highly synchronous during the dry season (95 % of species). Leaf budding peaked at the end of the dry season with > 80 % synchrony. In general, the species presented low synchrony or asynchrony for flowering phenophases, while fruiting phenophases were weakly seasonal but differed between functional groups. Temperature and precipitation were the regulating factors of vegetative phenophases in LDF, while daylength regulated them in SDF. Abiotic factors only influenced flowering phenophases at the dispersion group level. Only ripe fruits were related to reduced daylength. The phenophases of the deciduous forests of the Pantanal seem to be regulated not only by climatic factors but also by strong endogenous control.

Resumo Apresentamos o tratamento taxonômico das espécies de Simaroubaceae ocorrentes no Espírito Santo, Brasil. Este estudo é resultado da combinação de trabalho de campo e análise de espécimes depositados em herbários que abrigam coleções relevantes do Espírito Santo. A família está representada no estado por seis espécies pertencentes a três gêneros: Homalolepis (4 spp.), Picrasma (1 sp.) e Simarouba (1 sp.). Todas as espécies são arbóreas florestais e foram registradas em fisionomias de floresta ombrófila densa submontana, floresta de tabuleiro e floresta de restinga. O tratamento inclui chaves de identificação, descrições morfológicas detalhadas, ilustrações, fotografias, e comentários sobre taxonomia, distribuição, habitat e fenologia de cada espécie.

Abstract We present the taxonomic treatment of Simaroubaceae species occurring in Espírito Santo state, Brazil. This study is the result of the combination of fieldwork and analysis of specimens deposited in herbaria that house relevant collections of the Espírito Santo. The family is represented in the state by six species belonging to three genera: Homalolepis (4 spp.), Picrasma (1 sp.) and Simarouba (1 sp.). All species are forest trees, recorded in submontane dense ombrophilous forest, tabuleiro forest and restinga forest. The treatment includes identification keys, detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, photographs, and comments on taxonomy, distribution, habitat and phenology of each species.

Resumen Introducción: las ranas de bosque que se desarrollan directamente (sin etapa de renacuajo) dependen en gran medida de los microhábitats húmedos para sobrevivir. Objetivo: describir la abundancia y el uso de microhábitats y algunos aspectos del comportamiento reproductivo ante la amenaza de la rana del bosque Platymantis hazelae en el Parque Natural Twin Lakes Balinsasayao, Isla Negros, Filipinas. Métodos: de septiembre 2016 a febrero 2017, examinamos Platymantis hazelae utilizando 27 parcelas (400 m2) en el Parque Natural Twin Lakes Balinsasayao-Danao en Negros Oriental, Filipinas. Resultados: Después de un muestreo total de seis meses, se encontró que P. hazelae era abundante en la zona montañosa, con una densidad media que oscila entre 30.56±6.94 y 86.11±15.65 ind./ha. Catorce variables ambientales se midieron y se sometieron a un análisis de componentes principales multivariantes (PCA). El PCA reveló que la lluvia, la altitud, la humedad relativa y la temperatura del aire influyeron en la densidad de P. hazelae. Los microhábitats preferidos para la especie fueron las axilas foliares y hojas (51.56 %) y las hojas de palma (14 %). También se describen los detalles de los caracteres físicos de embriones y ranas. Conclusiones: P. hazelae se encontró abundante en elevaciones más altas (zonas sub-montanas y montanas) donde la temperatura ambiente fue generalmente más baja, las precipitaciones y la humedad relativa más altas y los microhábitats (por ejemplo, screwpines) permanecen intactos y abundantes.

Abstract Introduction: Forest frogs that undergo direct development (no tadpole stage) rely heavily on moist microhabitats for their survival. Objective: To describe the abundance and microhabitat use and some aspects of the breeding behaviour of the threatened forest frog Platymantis hazelae at Twin Lakes Balinsasayao Natural Park, Negros Island, Philippines. Methods: From September 2016 to February 2017, we surveyed Platymantis hazelae using 27 (400 m2) plots in Twin Lakes Balinsasayao-Danao Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines. Results: After a total of six months survey P. hazelae was found abundant in the montane zone with mean density ranging from 30.56±6.94 to 86.11±15.65 ind./ha. Fourteen environmental variables were measured and subjected to multivariate principal component analysis (PCA). PCA revealed that rainfall, altitude, relative humidity, and air temperature influenced the density of P. hazelae. Screwpines (Pandanus) leaf axils and leaves (51.56 %) and palm leaves (14 %) were the preferred microhabitats for the species. Details of physical characters of embryos and froglets are also described. Conclusions: P. hazelae was found abundant in higher elevations (sub-montane and montane zones) where ambient temperature was generally lower, higher rainfall and relative humidity and microhabitats (e.g. screwpines) remain intact and abundant.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work is to identify environmental and ecosystem services provided by trees from the perception of family farmers in the Serra dos Tapes, southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, addressing the relevance of species for ecosystem sustainability of family farming. Environmental and ecosystem services offered by the tree flora of semi-deciduous submontane forest are presented according to the perception of farmers who use accumulated knowledge for social, cultural and economic reproduction in family farming. Four farmers were selected for their remarkable knowledge related to the agro-ecosystem and the local floristic composition, and they answered semi-structured interviews about 115 native tree species relating them to environmental and ecosystem services. The knowledge of farmers regarding the importance of forest cover for beekeeping, agroforestry system installation, source of biological materials for environmental recovery, conservation of hydric resources and for feeding mammals and birds was evidenced.

Abstract Montane and submontane forest patches in the state of Bahia, Brazil, are among the few large and preserved Atlantic Forests remnants. They are strongholds of an almost complete elevational gradient, which harbor both lowland and highland bird taxa. Despite being considered a biodiversity hotspot, few ornithologists have surveyed these forests, especially along elevational gradients. Here we compile bird records acquired from systematic surveys and random observations carried out since the 1980s in a 7,500 ha private protected area: Serra Bonita private reserve. We recorded 368 species, of which 143 are Atlantic Forest endemic taxa. Some 16 and 13 species are threatened at the global and national levels, respectively. If one accounts for subspecies, the number of Brazilian threatened taxa raises to 21. Species composition differs between lower and higher elevations, in which case lowlands harbor Amazonia-related taxa, whereas highlands are the home of Atlantic Forest-related taxa.

BACKGROUND: The Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve (RHFR) is a montane forest area in south-western Cameroon. Although RHFR is presumed to be rich in biodiversity and vegetation types, little information exists regarding its floristic composition and vegetation patterns. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to characterise vegetation patterns in the reserve and to understand how elevation influences distributions and diversity of species. We aimed to provide a first detailed plant species inventory for this important forest area, as well as basic information on forest structure. METHOD: We characterised floristic composition and vegetation patterns of the reserve in 25 1-ha plots along an elevational gradient from 50 m to 1778 m. In each plot, trees and lianas of diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 10 cm were measured; shrubs < 10 cm were measured in nested plots of 0.01 ha. RESULTS: In all, 16 761 trees, shrubs and lianas with dbh ≥ 1 cm were censused, representing 71 families, 279 genera and 617 morphospecies. Floristic composition ranged from 94 to 132 species, with a mean of 117.5 species per hectare in lowland forest (50 m - 200 m) and 36-41 species, with a mean of 38.5 species per hectare in montane cloud forest (1600 m - 1778 m) near the summit of Mount Rata. Two-way indicator species analysis classified the 25 plots into six vegetation types corresponding to lowland evergreen rainforest, lowland evergreen rainforest on basalt rocks, middle-elevation evergreen forest, submontane forest, transitional submontane forest and montane cloud forest. In all, 0.006% of the reserve was included in our sample plots. Detrended correspondence analysis highlighted the importance of elevation in shaping vegetation patterns. CONCLUSION: The RHFR is composed of different vegetation types, which show impressive variation in terms of structure, species composition and diversity. The detailed, fine-scale inventory data obtained in this study could be useful in planning efficient management of this and other montane tropical forests.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar levantamento florístico e estrutural em um fragmento florestal urbano no Parque Ecológico Municipal José Milanese, no município de Criciúma, Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil, enfatizando a importância deste fragmento para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas. O levantamento consistiu na instalação de 100 parcelas contíguas de 10 × 10 m em Floresta Ombrófila Densa Submontana, sendo amostradas todas as espécies arborescentes com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) ≥ 5 cm. Foram registradas 137 espécies, sendo Myrtaceae a família mais rica. Cryptocarya moschata Nees & Mart. apresentou o maior valor de importância, principalmente pelo maior diâmetro de seus caules, seguida por Psychotria vellosiana Benth., Myrcia pubipetala Miq. e Guatteria australis A.St.-Hil., evidenciando a possibilidade de suas utilizações em programas de restauração ecológica em fragmentos florestais da região. Conclui-se que o fragmento estudado apresenta elevada riqueza específica, quando comparado com outros na região, tornando-o uma importante fonte de propágulos para áreas adjacentes. Além disso, o conhecimento produzido a partir deste estudo poderá fornecer alternativas de uso e manejo em áreas similares, ou mesmo, ambientes florestais alterados, de forma geral.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to carry out a floristic and structural survey of an urban forest fragment at ‘Parque Ecológico Municipal José Milanese’, in the municipality of Criciúma, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, emphasizing the importance of this fragment for the conservation of endangered species. Survey consisted in the installation of 100 contiguous plots of 10 × 10 m in Submontane Dense Ombrophilous Forest, all tree species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were sampled. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) species were recorded, being Myrtaceae the richest family. Cryptocarya moschata Nees & Mart. presented the highest value of importance, mainly due to the larger diameter of its stems, followed by Psychotria vellosiana Benth., Myrcia pubipetala Miq. and Guatteria australis A.St.-Hil., evidencing the possibility of their use in ecological restoration programs in forest fragments of the region. We concluded that the fragment studied has a high specific richness when compared to others in the region, making it an important source of propagules for adjacent areas. In addition, the knowledge produced from this study may provide alternatives for use and management in similar areas, or even altered forest environments, in general.

ABSTRACT We compared the reproductive phenology and floral visitors of Eschweilera tetrapetala growing along the edge and in the interior of a submontane forest in the Chapada Diamantina mountains, Bahia State, Brazil. We sought to determine if there were inter-annual differences in intensity and seasonality associated with environmental conditions, and if there were differences in floral visitors between the two environmental contexts. Phenological observations were performed for three years, and included the occurrence of an El Niño event. We applied circular statistics to detect seasonal trends, performed cross correlations between phenophases and climate, Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for inter-annual variation, and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for edge-interior differences in the species richness of floral visitors. We observed inter-annual variations in the intensity and seasonality of flower production that accompanied variations in rainfall, possibly associated with El Niño events. Floral visitor richness differed between the forest edge and interior, with seven species recorded for the interior and only one for the edge. Reduced fruit set was also observed at the forest edge. This study contributes to our understanding of the influence of El Niño and edge effects on the reproductive phenologies of tropical plants.