The role of evolutionary potential to the conservation of frugivorous birds and its implications for seed dispersal in the Atlantic Forest

• Grant number: 24/06792-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Aprígio Assis
• Grantee: Mariana Franciscão Costa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest is one of the world's richest and most endangered tropical forests. Despite ongoing threats, numerous species persist in this biome, showcasing diverse responses to habitat modification. Generally, a trend is observed wherein there is a decline in the population of many specialists, accompanied by the proliferation of a few generalists-a process referred to as biotic homogenization. Hence, evaluating evolutionary potential (EP) can assist in species conservation, given the intimate link between population loss and the capacity to respond to selective pressures. As selective pressures and demographic changes can modify the (co)variation of morphological traits intra- and interspecifically, there may be also potential consequences for the establishment and success of ecological interactions. My aim is to examine if EP influences the persistence capacity of various fruit-eating species in the Atlantic Forest. Moreover, comprehend how variations in EP may influence the seed dispersal function. I will assess the EP by measuring the phenotypic (co)variation in the traits of length, depth, and width of the beak. The data will be obtained from specimens deposited in museums and through capture using mist nets. To study interaction networks, I will complement the data with focal observations and camera traps. I anticipate a correlation between "winners/losers" and "high/low" EP values, respectively. Urban areas are expected to reduce EP for all species, affecting interactions and seed dispersal traits (e.g., morphotype, quantity, size, weight). I expect to underscore the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches to Atlantic Forest bird conservation.