In search of generality: Revised distribution data and regionalization of Cerrado endemic tetrapods

Author(s)

Vieira-Alencar, Joao Paulo Santos ; Carmignotto, Ana Paula ; Sawaya, Ricardo Jannini ; Silveira, Luis Fabio ; Valdujo, Paula Hanna ; de Nogueira, Cristiano Campos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Biogeography; v. 51, n. 4, p. 14-pg., 2023-12-08.

Abstract

AimTo search for a general regionalization pattern using verified records of endemic terrestrial vertebrates. To test previous hypotheses of congruent distribution patterns for Cerrado biotas. To study the role of elevation as a driver of endemism and distribution in the Cerrado region.LocationCerrado domain, central South America.TaxonTetrapoda.MethodsWe used a species occurrence matrix to implement a biotic element (BE) analysis to test for non-random spatial congruence of raw distributions of Cerrado endemic amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We implemented a Kruskal-Wallis test on elevational records to classify species as occurring predominantly in plateaus or depressions, and to classify all delimited BEs in such categories.ResultsWe compiled and revised 13,800 unique distribution records of 340 Cerrado endemic tetrapods and detected a significant, non-random co-distribution pattern formed by 29 BEscomprising 182 species, corroborating the first general prediction of the vicariant model. Most BEs were composed of at least three vertebrate groups, reflecting general tetrapod endemism patterns. Congeneric species were segregated among different BEs, corroborating the second prediction of the vicariant model. Our regionalization scheme was broadly congruent with previous results and revealed three previously undetected areas. Most (89%) partial or restricted BEs are clearly segregated in elevation, and we recognized 14 'Plateau units' and 12 'Depression units'.Main ConclusionsOur results support an emergent consensual biotic regionalization pattern in the Cerrado. We also revealed three novel regions and complex biogeographical patterns. The clear altitudinal segregation among BEs validates previous hypotheses on the role of geomorphological changes in shaping Cerrado and Neotropical endemism patterns. Our recovered units should serve as a template for the description of new taxa, for delimiting poorly studied ranges, and for guiding urgent conservation action in the richest and most imperilled tropical savanna in the globe. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/07014-9 - How effective is the Brazilian protected areas network in relation to snake conservation?
• Grantee: João Paulo dos Santos Vieira de Alencar
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 02/00015-3 - Diversity and distribution patterns of Cerrado lizard fauna
• Grantee: Cristiano de Campos Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 07/51956-6 - Diversity patterns and distribution of Amphibians in Brazilian Cerrado
• Grantee: Paula Hanna Valdujo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 00/06642-4 - Small terrestrial mammals of the Cerrado bioma: local and regional faunistic patterns
• Grantee: Ana Paula Carmignotto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/20215-7 - Biogeography, biodiversity and conservation of cis-Andean squamate reptiles
• Grantee: Cristiano de Campos Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/12658-4 - Challenges to the conservation of amphibians and squamate reptiles, with emphasis on the Brazilian fauna: from basic information to conservation actions
• Grantee: Marcio Roberto Costa Martins
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/23548-2 - Evaluation, recovering and conservation of endangered animal species from the Pernambuco Centre of Endemism
• Grantee: Luís Fábio Silveira
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 98/05075-7 - Systematics, Evolution and Conservation of Eastern Brazilian Mammals
• Grantee: Mario de Vivo
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/20022-3 - Systematics of the small non-volant mammals from the open formations of South America: the case of the genus Cryptonanus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)
• Grantee: Ana Paula Carmignotto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants