Publications
An efficient low-cost method for sampling floral visitors on down-facing flowers
A novel, low-cost method for sampling floral visitors in down-facing flowers has been successfully developed and tested. The Entomological Rod method, utilizing a light stem with a 50 ml Falcon tube attached, enables direct capture of insects without the need for pruning or sudden movements. This approach was applied to Clusia grandiflora (Clusiaceae) in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, demonstrating its efficiency and ease of use in accessing difficult-to-reach flowers. The method offers a practical solution for studying pollinator interactions with pendent flowers, which are known for their protective mechanisms against resource loss.
Analysis of the Bathing Suitability of Lagoons in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park exhibit excellent water quality, posing no health risks to visitors. A study analyzed bathing suitability using microbiological and physical-chemical assessments, following CONAMA resolution No. 274/00 standards. The research, conducted by Santos and Novaes (2025), found that the lagoons—Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita—met safety criteria for swimming and water sports on most sampled days. While the findings confirm current suitability, the authors highlight the need for further studies to evaluate other potential environmental factors affecting bathing conditions. This work provides critical data for ICMBio, aiding conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed site.
Featuring the ovarian morphological of Cichla kelberi Kullander & Ferreira, 2006 introduced in a Basin adjacent to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Northeastern Brazil
Research on the peacock bass (Cichla kelberi) in a basin adjacent to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, reveals distinct ovarian morphological characteristics compared to other regions. The study identified various stages of female germ cell development, including primordial follicles and atretic follicles, with size variations ranging from 16.7 µm to 453.5 µm in diameter. Unlike findings from other reservoirs in Maranhão State or Brazil, this species appears to be adapting to the lotic environment of Preguiças River. The study highlights the need for further research to understand long-term reproductive and ecological impacts, supporting sustainable management of the basin.
Floristic study of the Bromeliaceae in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, MA, Brazil
A comprehensive floristic study of the Bromeliaceae family within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, identified four distinct species across three genera: Aechmea, Ananas, and Bromelia. This research contributes critical taxonomic data to the understanding of bromeliad diversity in the park's unique ecosystems, which include mangrove, cerrado, and restinga vegetation. Fieldwork conducted in Barreirinhas and Santo Amaro municipalities revealed species adapted to the park's sand dune landscapes, with detailed descriptions, identification keys, photographs, and ecological insights provided for each. The study highlights the importance of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park as a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for bromeliads, while emphasizing the need for further research on their geographic distribution and conservation status.
The influence of socioeconomic factors on the knowledge of reptiles and mammals in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Northeast Brazil
A study on Lençóis Maranhenses National Park reveals that locality is the sole socioeconomic factor significantly influencing local knowledge of reptiles and mammals. The research, conducted through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, documented 36 species (including 53% non-avian reptiles and 47% mammals) across 10 orders, highlighting dietary, medicinal, and conflict-related interactions between residents and fauna. Despite analyzing variables like age, sex, education, and locality, only locality proved significant in shaping traditional faunal knowledge, underscoring the importance of geographic context in ecological understanding.
Tracking Microplastics in Paradise: First Evidence of Pollution in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Maranhão, Brazil), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Microplastic pollution, previously undocumented in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP) has been detected for the first time. The study identified significant variability in microplastic (MP) size, color, and polymer types, including rare materials like poly(ether–ether–ketone) (PEEK). Analysis revealed strong anthropogenic influences on MP distribution, particularly near urban areas and tourism hotspots, with Area 2 adjacent to the park emerging as a key source. Spectral analysis and dispersion modeling based on ocean currents and wind patterns confirmed transport connections between Areas 1 (inside LMNP) and 2, providing critical insights into pollution pathways. These findings establish a baseline for MP pollution in this vulnerable ecosystem and underscore the need for targeted conservation and waste management strategies.
Conflitos socioambientais entre a preservação ambiental e a reprodução camponesa no Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses
Socioenvironmental conflicts within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park reveal divergent priorities between peasant communities and conservation management. Peasant inhabitants seek to maintain traditional territorial practices, while managers of the Chico Mendes Institute of Conservation and Biodiversity aim to enforce environmental legislation as an Integral Protection Unit. The study highlights tensions arising from differing ideologies, where one group feels threatened by the other's actions, leading to defense mechanisms. Through a dialectical analysis, the research examines conflicts in six communities—three from the 'sand region' (Buriti Amarelo, Bracinho, Tucuns) and three from the 'beach region' (Canto dos Antis, Ponta do Mangue, Santo Inácio)—revealing the complex interplay between environmental preservation and peasant livelihoods. This work underscores the need for balanced approaches to reconcile conservation goals with local community needs.
Gastropods potential intermediate hosts of parasites in the region of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park/Brazil, an international tourist destination
A study conducted between June 2016 and November 2019 identified 3,244 specimens of freshwater gastropods across the Microregion of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, highlighting a significant presence of potential intermediate hosts for parasites. The most abundant species was Biomphalaria straminea, accounting for 73.45% of the specimens, followed by Pomacea sp. (57.15%), which showed constant frequency across lentic and lotic ecosystems. The research also noted the occurrence of other gastropod species, including Biomphalaria schrammi and Drepanotrema lucidum, with varying abundances. Forecast maps suggest these snails could establish themselves throughout the region, posing a risk to human health due to their role as parasite hosts. The study underscores the importance of monitoring limnic gastropods for both conservation purposes and public health, particularly in a tourist destination like Lençóis Maranhenses.
Limnic gastropods and trematodes of public health concern in Barreirinhas, Maranhão State, Brazil
A survey of limnic gastropods in Barreirinhas, Maranhão State, Brazil, identified 1273 specimens of three species: Biomphalaria straminea (61%), Melanoides tuberculata (27.3%), and Pomacea sp. (11.7%). The study revealed that B. straminea, a vector for Schistosoma mansoni, was predominant, while Pomacea sp. hosted trematode larvae from the Microphallidae and Gymnophallidae families. Conducted between October 2021 and August 2022, this research highlights the potential public health risks posed by these gastropods in a region experiencing significant tourist influx within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP). The findings underscore the need for further investigation into zoonotic diseases in this ecologically and culturally significant area.
Seasonal dynamics of sand flies in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: a tourist destination and endemic area for leishmaniasis
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP) in Northeast Brazil, a popular tourist destination, is also an endemic area for leishmaniasis due to the presence of sand fly species that serve as vectors for Leishmania. A seven-year study revealed that Lutzomyia longipalpis and Nyssomyia whitmani were the most abundant sand fly species, with their populations peaking from April to June. These patterns were influenced by environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and wind speed, which showed a significant correlation with sand fly abundance. Notably, tourist visits to LMNP coincide with high sand fly activity during the rainy months (May-June) and the start of the rainy season (January-February), but no cases of infected tourists have been recorded, likely due to daytime visitation when sand flies are inactive. However, there is a potential risk if tourists engage in nighttime cultural visits to nearby villages where leishmaniasis cases occur annually.
Zooplankton community heterogeneity and trophic interactions in response to environmental drivers in a mesotidal estuary on the Brazilian equatorial margin—Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
A pioneering study in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park reveals that environmental heterogeneity, particularly driven by salinity, temperature, and suspended organic matter, significantly shapes zooplankton community structure and trophic interactions in a tropical mesotidal estuary. The research identifies distinct indicator species across three zones—Temora turbinata in the coastal zone, Rhizodomus tagatzi in the mixing zone, and Moina micrura in the tidal river zone—highlighting how these environmental filters influence biodiversity patterns. Notably, zooplankton abundance is linked to phytoplankton blooms, suggesting top-down control in the trophic network. The study underscores the importance of β-diversity as a tool for conservation, distinguishing between vulnerable and resilient estuarine environments. These findings provide critical insights for sustainable management of similar coastal ecosystems worldwide.
Geo-environmental Analysis of Watersheds on the Eastern Coast of the State of Maranhão, Brazil and Interface with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
A comprehensive geo-environmental analysis of the Eastern Coast Watersheds of Maranhão (ECWSM) reveals critical insights into the region's natural potential and vulnerability to anthropogenic changes. The study, utilizing geotechnologies and secondary data, maps key components such as altimetry, declivity, soils, vegetation, water resources, geology, and geomorphology, providing a detailed characterization of the ECWSM within the Western Atlantic Hydrographic Region. This mapping contributes significantly to environmental zoning and land management planning in the region, which interfaces with the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The analysis highlights the ecological potential and biological productivity of conservation units within these watersheds, supporting traditional economic activities while revealing proxies of Holocene landscape evolution. The research underscores the importance of integrating geological, hydrological, and climatic data to understand the complex interactions shaping the region's environment.
Inventory reveals non-native species and variation in spatial-temporal dynamics of fish community in a Brazilian protected area
A study conducted in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, reveals the expansion of non-native fish species, including Oreochromis niloticus and the first records of Oreochromis mossambicus and Cichla monoculus. The research, spanning from 2016 to 2020, identified a total of 31 fish species, indicating a lag in diversity compared to previous studies. The findings highlight the fragility of conservation efforts in the area due to the lack of monitoring and containment measures for invasive species, which pose significant threats to biodiversity. The study utilized gill nets, cast nets, and cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequencing for species identification, emphasizing the need for proactive management strategies to mitigate biological invasions.
Loss and Gain in Mangrove Surrounding the Lençóis Maranhense National Park: An Integrated Approach Using Remote Sensing and SIG Data
Mangrove ecosystems surrounding the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, have experienced significant loss and spatial changes from 1985 to 2019, driven by aeolian dune dynamics, tourism pressure, and climate change. This study reveals a reduction in central mangrove areas, particularly near Caburé and Paulino Neves, due to sand dune encroachment and wind patterns, with northeast trade winds (6–8 m/s) playing a pivotal role in landscape transformation. Using remote sensing and GIS data, the research maps mangrove migration, attenuation, and stability, highlighting critical conservation challenges for this globally significant biodiversity hotspot.
Perspectivas sobre a concessão de serviços de apoio ao turismo no Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses: um estudo preliminar em tempos de COVID-19
A preliminary study on the potential impacts of tourism service concessions at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, reveals significant concerns among local stakeholders. Key findings include fears of reduced social participation, livelihood restrictions, and increased environmental impacts due to socioeconomic shifts from imminent management changes. While concessions may offer benefits like financial investments and improved tourist services, they also pose risks such as unrestricted visitation and land speculation. The study highlights the need for robust social control mechanisms to guide future public-private partnerships, ensuring alignment with national park objectives. Conducted via qualitative interviews with 13 stakeholders in late 2021, this research underscores the importance of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and community rights.
A Produção Camponesa no Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses: Desafios e Conflitos Socioambientais / Peasant production in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park: challenges and socio-environmental conflicts / La producción campesina en el Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses: desafíos e conflictos socioambientales
Peasant production within the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park faces significant socio-environmental challenges due to restrictive conservation policies. The study reveals that while peasant communities rely on subsistence agriculture, their territorial practices are often at odds with environmental protection measures, leading to conflicts over land use and resource management. Researchers employed active methodologies to analyze the socio-spatial dynamics of these communities, uncovering their strategies for survival and sustainable coexistence within the park's boundaries. This work highlights the need for conservation policies that better integrate traditional practices and local knowledge.
Experiências de base comunitária na região dos Lençóis Maranhenses (Brasil): potencialidades e limitações
Community-based tourism in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, faces significant potential and limitations. While offering opportunities for sustainable development, income diversification, and the preservation of traditional practices, it also grapples with challenges such as rapid tourist influx, unsustainable hotel construction, and threats to indigenous communities. A qualitative study of two communities in Barreirinhas revealed that despite being marketed as community-based experiences, they often fall short of adhering to sustainable tourism principles due to a lack of collaboration and effective management. The research highlights the need for stronger community involvement and more sustainable practices to maximize the park's potential while mitigating its limitations.
Monitoring the Dynamics of Interdunal Ponds in the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Researchers have uncovered significant seasonal dynamics in the movement of interdunal ponds within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. Using Sentinel-2 satellite data from 2017 to 2018, they found that these ponds migrate an average distance of 21.6 meters at a 72.6° angle, aligning with the predominant west-southwest wind direction. The study employed spectral mixture analysis and rule-based classification to quantify vegetation, mineral, and water proportions in each pixel, followed by extraction of interdunal areas to assess their dynamics. This work highlights the vulnerability of this unique coastal dune field—a critical biodiversity reservoir—to anthropogenic pressures like tourism, emphasizing the need for further long-term monitoring.
Traditional Communities and Mental Maps: Dialogues between Local Knowledge and Cartography from the Socioenvironmental Atlas of Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
Researchers have developed interactive cartographic materials that integrate traditional local knowledge with modern mapping techniques to document the movements, practices, and environmental dynamics of communities in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. This approach bridges indigenous mental maps—shaped by centuries of interaction with the region's diverse landscapes—and scientific cartography, offering a tool for sustainable resource management and community rights protection. The study combines sketches from residents and health agents with geospatial data to create digital representations that reflect both local livelihoods (agriculture, extraction, fishing) and ecological patterns, serving as a foundation for socioenvironmental planning.
Where humid and arid meet: Sedimentology of coastal siliciclastic successions deposited in apparently contrasting climates
A detailed sedimentological analysis of Late Jurassic coastal successions in eastern Spain reveals that deposits indicative of both arid and humid climates coexisted under a seasonal, monsoonal-type precipitation regime. The study identified sediments from flood plains, fluvial channels (both ephemeral and perennial), aeolian dunes, deltas, and shallow water bodies, alongside abundant plant and dinosaur remains, suggesting permanent water sources and vegetation. This complex palaeoenvironmental reconstruction is analogous to modern conditions in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, where a subhumid tropical climate with seasonal precipitation prevails. The findings highlight the importance of integrating facies analysis and depositional process interpretation to accurately reconstruct palaeoclimatic settings.
Honey pollen spectra of two species of stingless bee (Apidae: Meliponini) in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Research reveals that honey produced by two species of stingless bees, Melipona fasciculata and Melipona subnitida, in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park contains diverse pollen spectra, reflecting the plant communities of its Restinga environment. The study identified 19 pollen types, with significant contributions from Eucalyptus and Vachellia species, highlighting the ecological role of these bees in pollination within this unique coastal ecosystem. By analyzing honey samples using melissopalynological techniques, the research provides insights into the dietary habits of stingless bees and their potential for conserving biodiversity in Restinga areas.
New records of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) for the state of Maranhão, Brazil
Researchers have documented the first occurrences of two Utricularia species, U. cutleri and U. resupinata, within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. This discovery extends their known distribution in the country, contributing new data to the region's flora. The study relied on field collections and taxonomic analysis, highlighting the park's ecological significance as a biodiversity hotspot. Such findings are critical for understanding species diversity and conservation priorities in northeastern Brazil.
Modelling Dunes from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Brazil): Largest dune field in South America
Researchers have identified a negative volumetric balance of erosion and a dominant wind-driven sediment transport pattern in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. This finding sheds light on the dynamic processes shaping one of South America's largest dune fields, located at the intersection of three major neotropical ecosystems. The study utilized advanced geodetic techniques, including multi-temporal satellite imagery and high-precision GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning, to create a detailed digital elevation model (DEM). Annual surface surveys conducted between 2015 and 2017 revealed the complex dynamics of dune formation, challenging conventional mapping methods due to their limitations in precision and cost-effectiveness. The results provide critical insights into coastal erosion patterns and sediment movement, offering a foundation for further studies on dune evolution in this ecologically significant region.
Vascular flora of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão State, Brazil: checklist, floristic affinities and phytophysiognomies of restingas in the municipality of Barreirinhas
A floristic survey of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, identified 289 vascular plant species across 73 families, with notable richness in Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Eriocaulaceae, and Myrtaceae. The study recorded 56 new occurrences for the state of Maranhão and revealed low floristic similarity among restinga areas in North and Northeastern Brazil, suggesting high endemism or potential collection bias. The research combined herbarium data with field collections (2015–2017) and applied UPGMA clustering using Jaccard index to analyze affinities.
Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. in Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Researchers identified four Leishmania species infecting sand flies in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, highlighting potential risks for leishmaniasis transmission. The study found Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and L. (Viannia) lainsoni in multiple sand fly species, including Lutzomyia whitmani, while Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum was prevalent in Lutzomyia wellcomei and Lu. sordellii. Molecular analysis of 2,190 female sand flies collected from peridomiciliary areas between September 2012 and August 2013 revealed infection rates up to 20%. These findings underscore the need for surveillance and control measures to mitigate cutaneous leishmaniasis and prevent visceral leishmaniasis outbreaks in this UNESCO-listed conservation area, a major tourist destination.
Flowering phenology of Mouriri guianensis (Melastomataceae) and its interaction with the crepuscular bee Megalopta amoena (Halictidae) in the restinga of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
A rare crepuscular pollination system was identified in the Brazilian endemic plant Mouriri guianensis, where flowering peaks at twilight to evade less effective daytime pollinators. The study observed that bees, particularly Megalopta amoena and Xylocopa cearensis, exhibit buzz pollination behavior, with M. amoena using its jaws to access anthers. Over 86 bee visits were recorded, with activity concentrated between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. The research highlights the plant's extended anthesis as a strategy to attract specialized pollinators while minimizing interactions with less beneficial visitors.
Species richness and activity pattern of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in the restinga area of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Barreirinhas, Maranhão, Brazil
A study in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park revealed that the bee community in coastal dune vegetation exhibits seasonal activity patterns, with increased abundance during the rainy season. Researchers collected 1211 individuals from 59 species using entomological nets and Moerike traps over a one-year period (August 2009 to July 2010). The findings align with known patterns in Maranhão and other northeastern Brazilian coastal areas, highlighting the dominance of species such as Trigona sp. gr. fulviventris, Apis mellifera, and Centris spp. This research contributes to understanding bee diversity and ecological dynamics in unique restinga ecosystems, which are critical for biodiversity conservation.
An ecological study of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the vicinity of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil
A study in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, confirms the presence of two sand fly species—Lutzomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis—in homes near the park. These species are linked to cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, respectively, with their abundance likely explaining endemic cases in the region. While L. whitmani is a primary vector for cutaneous leishmaniasis, other sand fly vectors may also contribute. The research highlights the urgent need for sustained surveillance to curb the expansion of these vectors and prevent outbreaks of leishmaniasis. The study employed ecological sampling methods to assess sand fly populations in peridomestic environments.
Reptiles from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, northeastern Brazil
A comprehensive survey of reptiles in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP), Brazil, reveals 42 species, with restinga areas—shrubby coastal habitats—hosting a remarkable 81% of the recorded fauna. This study underscores the unique biodiversity of LMNP, situated at the intersection of three major Neotropical ecosystems: Amazonia, Caatinga, and Cerrado. Conducted over 235 days of fieldwork, the research highlights the critical importance of conserving restingas, which, despite comprising only 20% of the park's protected area, support the majority of reptile species in this complex habitat. The findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these ecologically rich but vulnerable environments.
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