Publications
Parque Nacional da Tijuca sob o Olhar dos Seus Visitantes:
A significant portion of visitors to Tijuca National Park, particularly at Tijuca Peak, engage in superficial and narcissistic behaviors, primarily captured on Instagram. This study analyzed 72 images and captions, revealing that 83% depicted solo visitors and 66% involved posing for the camera, transforming the park into a setting for self-affirmation rather than meaningful ecological engagement. Such behavior contributes to environmental impacts like vegetation trampling and social trail formation, potentially encouraging inappropriate practices among other visitors. The research suggests implementing targeted environmental education initiatives leveraging Instagram’s visual language to promote responsible public use and protect the park's natural heritage.
Tijuca Massif, Its Forests, and the Social Metabolism of the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the Nineteenth to the Early Twentieth Century
Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca Massif and its forests, including the largest planted urban forest in Brazil, played a pivotal role in the city's expansion and cultural identity from the 19th to early 20th century. This study reveals that the massif and Tijuca Forest were not merely natural landmarks but structuring vectors influencing territorial growth, social practices, and Carioca identity. The research identifies key factors guiding land use and transformation, demonstrating how urban development reflects a complex interplay of social, ecological, and political interactions. By analyzing historical processes, the study reframes the significance of green spaces in Rio de Janeiro as both biological and cultural heritage, illustrating their central role in the city's socio-environmental metabolism.
Uncovering the First Reforestation Project in the 19th-Century Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest: Insights from Wood Anatomy and Historical Analysis
A groundbreaking study has uncovered the first large-scale reforestation project in 19th-century Brazil, mapping trees planted as early as 1862 in Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca Forest. Using tree-ring dating, wood anatomy, and historical analysis, researchers identified Cedrela odorata, Copaifera lucens, and Lafoensia glyptocarpa as key species employed in this pioneering effort to restore the Atlantic Rainforest. This approach not only sheds light on one of the world's earliest successful urban reforestation programs but also provides critical insights for modern forest management and climate change research. The findings underscore the importance of ecological restoration in Brazilian ecosystems, offering a historical blueprint for addressing today's environmental challenges.
Ants (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from the Floresta da Tijuca sector, Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A groundbreaking inventory of ants (Formicidae) in the Floresta da Tijuca sector of Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Brazil, reveals a striking diversity of 80 species, including 18 new records for this area and 37 for the entire park. This study significantly expands the known ant biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest biome, with one species' range extended northward and others adjusted southward or eastward. The research used pitfall traps and Winkler extractors across three preservation levels—primary forest, disturbed areas, and advanced restoration—showing that primary forests harbor the highest species richness, though this shifts seasonally in disturbed zones. Notably, Holcoponera moelleri emerged as the most abundant species, underscoring its ecological dominance. The findings highlight the park's critical role in conserving Neotropical ant diversity amid ongoing habitat fragmentation.
Assessment of the Variation in Faunistic Parameters of Mosquitoes (Culicidae: Diptera) Across Different Forest Gradients in the Tijuca National Park Area, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Mosquito species richness, diversity, and evenness peak at the forest edge of Tijuca National Park, suggesting that edge effects significantly influence mosquito distribution in Atlantic Forest remnants. This finding emerges from a study assessing 27 mosquito species across three environmental gradients—forest edge, 35 m inland, and 500 m inland—using CO₂-baited CDC light traps, Shannon traps, and human-protected attraction methods over 19 months. Statistical analysis revealed higher abundance and diversity at the forest edge compared to deeper interior points, challenging assumptions about uniform distribution in conserved areas. The study highlights the need for expanded sampling to fully capture ecological patterns, underscoring the park's role as a biodiversity hotspot and its importance for both conservation and public health monitoring.
Mycophagy in the yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus): feeding trial experiments at Tijuca National Park (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
A feeding trial experiment revealed that yellow-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis denticulatus) in Tijuca National Park, Brazil, actively consume a diverse range of macrofungi. The study, conducted by Refauna Association and researchers from the University of Rio de Janeiro, offered 21 basidiomycete specimens representing 13 taxa to seven tortoises. Only one individual rejected the mushrooms entirely, while ten species were consumed or partially accepted. This finding highlights the importance of mycophagy in the diet of this threatened species, particularly in fragmented Atlantic Forest habitats like Tijuca National Park. The study also underscores the need for further research to identify the specific fungal species consumed by tortoises and their nutritional contributions.
“Éden Fluminense:” from a reforestation area on the Tijuca massif to a Europeanized public space in Rio de Janeiro in the latter half of the nineteenth century
In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the Tijuca massif in Rio de Janeiro underwent a significant transformation from a reforestation area to a Europeanized public space, reflecting broader shifts in the social uses of forests. This study reveals how planted forests evolved into spaces for recreation and contemplation while retaining their economic value, embodying ideals of nationalism and modernity. The research leverages primary sources from Brazilian archives, including the Hemeroteca Digital collection, to trace this resignification process. By analyzing these historical documents, the authors demonstrate how Eurocentric notions of nature influenced the perception and utilization of green spaces in Rio de Janeiro, contributing to a deeper understanding of urban landscape development during this period.
A new species of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) hiding in the shades in an urban Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Researchers have identified and described Phyllanthus celatus, a new and critically endangered species of Phyllanthus endemic to the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, an urban Atlantic Forest within Rio de Janeiro's UNESCO World Heritage Site. This discovery highlights the biodiversity hidden in shaded urban environments, with P. celatus distinguished by unique morphological traits such as reddish veins on its leaves and a 5-lobed pistillate disc, setting it apart from closely related species like P. augustinii, P. lobatus, and P. niruri. The study employs systematic taxonomy to establish its position within the genus, providing illustrations, field photographs, a distribution map, and preliminary conservation assessments. This finding underscores the importance of urban forests as refuges for endemic and endangered flora.
Bamboo (Poales, Poaceae): An Important Maintainer of Immature Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Biodiversity Hotspot in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A study conducted in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reveals that bamboo species—Guadua tagoara and Bambusa vulgaris—serve as critical habitats for immature mosquitoes, supporting a diverse range of 19 mosquito species. Over the course of one year, researchers collected 1,845 mosquito immatures from artificially drilled bamboo plants, with 72% found in one sampling area and 28% in another. Among these, 1,162 individuals reached adulthood, including several potential arbovirus vectors such as Culex iridescens and Wyeomyia species. The findings highlight the ecological significance of bamboo in maintaining mosquito populations within this urban biodiversity hotspot, which attracts large numbers of tourists, thereby increasing the risk of human-mosquito interactions and disease transmission.
Insect galls of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brazil): richness and characterization
A first-of-its-kind study of insect galls in the Tijuca National Park, Brazil's largest urban forest, revealed 72 distinct gall morphotypes across 43 plant species. The research identified Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae, Salicaeae, and Melastomataceae as the most gall-rich families, with Psychotria cf. bahiensis DC. (Rubiaceae) and Serjania sp. (Sapindaceae) emerging as 'super host' plants. Among the findings, five endemic Brazilian plant species harbored eight unique gall morphotypes, suggesting co-endemism in their gall-inducing insects—primarily Cecidomyiidae. While leaf galls were predominant, the study's data indicate a relatively lower gall richness compared to other Atlantic Forest regions. The research sheds light on the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of this UNESCO-listed site, offering insights into plant-insect interactions within urban ecosystems.
Solutions Based on Nature to Face Water Stress: Lessons from the Past and Present
Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer effective strategies to address water stress, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. A recent study highlights three case studies from Brazil, Panama, and Portugal, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of NbS in providing water security while also supporting ecosystem resilience and cultural heritage. The Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro demonstrates centuries of forest management that initially aimed to secure water for the city during the 19th century. Similarly, the Panama Canal Watershed and traditional weirs in Portugal's Alentejo Region illustrate how NbS can sustain water provisioning even under climate change pressures. These cases underscore the importance of integrating traditional human activities with modern conservation efforts to ensure social equity and long-term sustainability.
Two Hundred Years of Botanical Records: Leguminosae Tree Species Diversity in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest Hotspot
A comprehensive inventory of Leguminosae tree species in the Reserva Biológica do Tinguá (REBIO Tinguá), a 26,000 ha protected area in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, reveals significant biodiversity with 35 endemic and seven threatened species. The study, spanning two centuries of botanical records, identified six new occurrences for the area and used UPGMA-based floristic similarity analysis to compare REBIO Tinguá with other Atlantic Forest regions. Findings highlight its ecological importance due to its extent, altitudinal range, and central position, integrating critical biodiversity corridors in Rio de Janeiro state.
New sources of biological data supporting environmental history of a tropical forest of south-eastern Brazil
A pioneering reforestation project in the Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been re-evaluated using integrated methodologies to uncover its environmental history. The study identified surviving trees from the 19th-century plantations, pinpointed previously unknown planting locations, and revealed the strategic selection of species—prioritizing native trees for wood quality while meeting market demands. Over 33 years, approximately 155,000 trees were planted (with about 110,000 surviving), comprising at least 107 species, primarily native ones. This project, covering roughly 330 hectares, aimed to restore micro-basins while generating long-term economic value, marking a significant shift in silvicultural practices in Brazil. The research redefines the forest's ecological understanding by linking its development to broader societal and environmental dynamics.
Richness of ferns and lycophytes from Tijuca National Park, an urban forest
Tijuca National Park (TNP), covering 3.5% of Rio de Janeiro, harbors approximately 38.5% of the state's known ferns and lycophytes, with 254 taxa across 26 families and 83 genera. This study reveals that precipitation during the wettest month is a critical climatic factor influencing species richness and composition within this Atlantic Rainforest fragment. By analyzing spatial distribution patterns in relation to environmental variables, researchers identified key factors shaping biodiversity in urban forests. The findings underscore the importance of climate in determining floristic diversity, offering insights for conservation strategies in fragmented rainforests.
Tijuca forest contribution to the improvement of air quality and wellbeing of citizens in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Research reveals that the Tijuca Forest, one of the world's largest urban forests within Rio de Janeiro, significantly improves air quality compared to urbanized areas. Despite anthropogenic impacts from visitors and proximity to cities, total hydrocarbon (HC) concentrations in the forest were substantially lower than in adjacent districts like Del Castilho and Tijuca. Median HC levels measured 21.5 µg/m³ in Tijuca National Park (TNP) and 35.5 µg/m³ in Grajaú State Park (GSP), contrasting with 148.6 µg/m³ in Del Castilho. The study, employing stainless steel canisters and advanced gas chromatography, also found that urban air masses exhibited higher ozone-forming potential due to elevated reactivity of HCs, particularly alkenes and monoaromatic compounds. While the forest's role in adsorbing pollutants remains unclear, its ability to act as a natural barrier to urban emissions is evident. Improving air quality within the Tijuca Forest is deemed crucial for enhancing citizens' wellbeing.
Classificação de Imagens Hiperespectrais utilizando Redes Neurais Convolucionais para Caracterização da Ocupação Desordenada do Solo sobre um Recorte do Parque Nacional da Tijuca, RJ
A novel approach using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and deep learning algorithms achieved high accuracy—0.92 with data augmentation—in classifying hyperspectral images to map land cover, including disordered urban occupation in the Tijuca National Park (PNT), a critical Atlantic Forest fragment near Rio de Janeiro. This methodology effectively distinguished between forest and urban areas, demonstrating its potential for monitoring challenging terrains like PNT, which provides vital environmental services such as erosion prevention and carbon capture. The study highlights CNNs' efficacy in pattern recognition for land-use mapping, offering a scalable solution for sustainable development and conservation efforts.
Estimating the effect of the wMel release programme on the incidence of dengue and chikungunya in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a spatiotemporal modelling study
A large-scale deployment of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (wMel strain) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was associated with a 38% reduction in dengue incidence and a 10% reduction in chikungunya incidence despite incomplete introgression. The study used spatiotemporal modeling to analyze geocoded disease cases from 2010 to 2019, finding that wMel establishment was less stable in areas with historically high disease incidence. These findings suggest that even intermediate levels of Wolbachia can reduce arboviral disease transmission, providing insights for future release programs.
Amphibians and reptiles from the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Brazil, one of the world’s largest urban forests
A comprehensive survey of amphibians and reptiles in the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Brazil—a UNESCO-listed urban forest—reveals a rich herpetofauna with 38 amphibian species and 36 reptile species, including endemic and threatened taxa. The study, conducted over 460 hours between 2013 and 2015, identified six amphibian species and one reptile species at risk of extinction, along with two exotic reptiles. Sampling efforts proved sufficient, capturing 80% of Atlantic Forest-endemic amphibians and 28% of endemic reptiles. The findings underscore the park's ecological significance as a biodiversity hotspot within an urban landscape, highlighting the success of reforestation in preserving native species.
Diversity and microhabitat use of benthic invertebrates in an urban forest stream (Southeastern Brazil)
A study in the Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro, reveals that microhabitat diversity significantly enhances local biodiversity of benthic invertebrates. The research found that litter and stone microhabitats supported higher taxonomic richness and diversity compared to sand, which exhibited the highest dominance. Chironomidae emerged as the most abundant family among 9,800 specimens collected using a Surber sampler across three microhabitat types. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences in community structure indices (abundance, taxonomic richness, diversity, and dominance) and microhabitat composition. The findings underscore the importance of varied microhabitats in promoting biodiversity, even within urban forest streams.
Efeitos da dinâmica pluviométrica na interceptação e precipitação interna em uma encosta com Floresta Atlântica no Parque Nacional da Tijuca, RJ, Brasil.
Rainfall interception by vegetation in the Atlantic Forest of Tijuca National Park, Brazil, varies significantly with antecedent drought duration and rainfall volume, while net precipitation is more strongly influenced by initial rainfall intensity. Spatial variations in interception are most pronounced at ridge tops, where canopy openness is greater, whereas net precipitation shows less spatial variability over time. The study highlights the complex interplay between hydrometeorological dynamics and vegetation structure, offering insights into how these factors modulate water balance in forested landscapes.
The Logic of Criminal Territorial Control: Military Intervention in Rio de Janeiro
Military interventions aimed at curbing organized criminal groups (OCGs) often backfire, leading to increased militarization and violence. A study focusing on Rio de Janeiro's favelas reveals that the primary driver for violent responses by OCGs is an active territorial threat from rivals rather than the intervention itself. Conducted over 18 months of ethnographic research in three favelas occupied by the Brazilian military between 2014 and 2015, this micro-comparative analysis demonstrates that geographic recruitment patterns also influence where rivalries turn violent during interventions. This insight challenges conventional explanations, emphasizing the role of inter-criminal competition in shaping OCG responses to state crackdowns.
Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tijuca National Park, located within Rio de Janeiro's Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot, serves as a democratic and culturally rich space that provides essential ecosystem services. The park, established in 1961 to honor its afforestation program initiated in 1861, offers diverse cultural benefits including recreation, exercise, contemplation, and historical learning. Its strategic location, encompassing former water sources critical to the city's development, has been preserved due to its national park status, which also granted it international recognition. In 2004, the inclusion of Parque Lage further expanded its significance by integrating a historically and culturally rich site that extends into Rio de Janeiro's urban core.
Trophic rewilding benefits a tropical community through direct and indirect network effects
Reintroducing four frugivore species—channel-billed toucans, red-humped agoutis, brown howler monkeys, and yellow-footed tortoises—into the Tijuca National Park (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) significantly enhanced the local seed dispersal network by increasing connectance, nestedness, robustness, and indirect ecological interactions. The study found that the combined effect of reintroducing multiple species (refaunation) was greater than the sum of their individual effects, as some interaction pathways involved several reintroduced species simultaneously. These network changes were more pronounced than if four random species had been reintroduced, suggesting that strategic refaunation can restore ecological functionality more effectively than single-species reintroductions alone.
‘A mere gutter!’ The Carioca Aqueduct and water delivery in mid-nineteenth-century Rio de Janeiro
Mid-nineteenth-century Rio de Janeiro's water infrastructure relied on a dual system: gravity-fed aqueducts supplied fresh water from the Tijuca Forest to urban fountains, while enslaved individuals carried heavy jugs through streets to residences. This study reconstructs the Carioca Aqueduct's route using Thomas Ewbank's 1856 account, georeferenced historical maps, and fieldwork, then analyzes water delivery practices through firsthand traveler accounts. Findings highlight the tension between advanced engineering solutions and labor-intensive human efforts in urban water management during this period.
‘Urban biocultural diversity’ as a framework for human–nature interactions: reflections from a Brazilian favela
A novel approach to urban biocultural diversity (BCD) reveals that favelas, often perceived as environmentally degraded areas, harbor rich human-nature connections tied to popular culture, fitness ideals, and civic engagement. This study challenges conventional narratives by applying the BCD framework to Rocinha, a culturally and biologically diverse favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Through qualitative field methods, researchers examined relationships between residents and the neighboring Tijuca Forest, emphasizing interrelationships, varied group values, participation, and reflexivity. The findings highlight how urban BCD can capture nuanced aspects of nature connectedness that ecosystem services paradigms overlook, while cautioning against perpetuating service-oriented thinking. This work offers promising avenues for studying diverse cities with unequal access to natural areas.
Killing in the Slums: Social Order, Criminal Governance, and Police Violence in Rio de Janeiro
State interventions against organized criminal groups (OCGs) in Rio de Janeiro's favelas can either improve security or escalate violence, depending on the nature of the criminal regime. This study identifies five distinct criminal regimes—Insurgent, Bandit, Symbiotic, Predatory, and Split—each characterized by varying levels of confrontation or collaboration with state actors, community engagement, and territorial control. Police interventions in these regimes yield markedly different security outcomes. The research employs a multimethod approach, including quasi-experimental statistical analyses, automated text analysis, extensive qualitative research, and a large-scale survey, focusing on Rio de Janeiro's 'Pacifying Police Units' (UPPs), which aimed to reclaim favelas from criminal organizations.
Pollen preference of stingless bees ( Melipona rufiventris and M. quadrifasciata anthidioides ) inside an urban tropical forest at Rio de Janeiro city
Stingless bees Melipona rufiventris and M. quadrifasciata anthidioides exhibit distinct pollen preferences within Rio de Janeiro's urban tropical forest, the Parque Nacional da Tijuca (PNT), reducing competition for resources. Analysis of pollen pellets revealed dominant plant sources such as Alchornea, Eucalyptus, Mimosa species, and Melastomataceae, with minimal overlap in foraging between the two bee species over a year. This suggests that diverse bee populations are crucial for maintaining pollination and ecosystem resilience in urban forests. The study employed non-destructive pollen collection methods to compare taxon percentages, offering insights into the ecological roles of stingless bees in preserving Atlantic rainforest biodiversity.
Distributional effects of transport policies on inequalities in access to opportunities in Rio de Janeiro
Recent transport policies in Rio de Janeiro, aimed at preparing for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, have exacerbated socio-spatial inequalities rather than reduced them. Despite substantial investments in public transport infrastructure, cuts in service levels subsequently offset accessibility benefits, particularly penalizing lower-income groups. The study reveals that even without these cuts, higher-income groups would still have seen greater gains in access to schools and jobs. This challenges Brazil's official discourse on the positive legacy of transport policies. The research also highlights the influence of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) on equity assessments, suggesting that future studies should address this issue for more robust evaluations.
Slave Life in Rio de Janeiro, 1808-1850
A comprehensive examination of slave life in Rio de Janeiro between 1808 and 1850 reveals the intricate dynamics of enslavement, resistance, and adaptation within one of Brazil's most significant urban centers. This study challenges traditional narratives by integrating archival records, demographic data, and spatial analysis to illuminate the lived experiences of enslaved individuals in a rapidly evolving colonial city. Key findings underscore the resilience and agency of enslaved populations, highlighting their roles in shaping Rio de Janeiro's social and economic landscape during this pivotal period.
Evaluating the impacts of visitation on vegetation associated with waterfalls in Tijuca National Park (RJ, Brazil)
Visitation to waterfalls in Tijuca National Park, Brazil, significantly degrades riparian vegetation. Research comparing plots near waterfalls (directly impacted by visitors) with those 30 meters away revealed lower diversity and structural homogeneity closer to the river, indicating simplification of plant communities—a hallmark of anthropogenic degradation. Increased soil exposure and higher proportions of multi-stemmed individuals (likely due to visitor-induced breakage) further supported direct human impact on vegetation. The study used statistical analyses including NMDS, ANOSIM, and NPMANOVA to compare diversity indices, structural parameters, and edaphic conditions between the two environments. Findings provide critical guidance for park management in regulating waterfall visitation to mitigate ecological damage.
Mésentente temporelle. La fabrique du patrimoine culturel urbain de Rio de Janeiro à l’épreuve des temps du territoire carioca
This study reveals how the heritagization process of Rio de Janeiro as a UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a critical moment to interrogate the interplay between past, present, and future, particularly in relation to the city's rapid urban transformations during mega-events. By analyzing four key moments within this process, the research deciphers the temporal horizons of various actors involved, highlighting the negotiation of divergent historicity schemes and their entanglement with the timescales of urban transformation and sustainable development. The findings underscore the complex interplay between different presents at work in shaping Rio's urban landscape, offering insights into how heritage narratives are constructed and contested in dynamic urban contexts.
New species and new geographical record of Ochrotrichia Mosely 1934 Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Researchers have identified three new species of the caddisfly genus Ochrotrichia within the UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional da Tijuca, an Atlantic Forest area in Rio de Janeiro. These discoveries—Ochrotrichia nematomorpha, O. sagitta, and O. taunay—expand the known biodiversity of this region, with each species exhibiting unique morphological traits such as a plate-like tergum X (nematomorpha) or distinctive arrowhead-like and spine-like projections on tergum X (sagitta and taunay). Additionally, the study reports the first occurrence of O. caatinga in Rio de Janeiro state. The findings were based on morphological analysis and contribute to the understanding of Trichoptera diversity in Atlantic Forest ecosystems.
Tijuca Forest: An Urban Forest in the Anthropocene
Tijuca Forest, an urban remnant of the Atlantic Forest within Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park, exemplifies successful reforestation and ecological rehabilitation in the Anthropocene. As one of the world's largest urban forests, it demonstrates how degraded landscapes can be restored to mitigate air pollution and CO2 concentrations. The study revisits the history of deforestation in the Atlantic Forest, highlighting Tijuca's role as a pioneer in freshwater protection and reforestation efforts under Dom Pedro II. It also discusses ongoing initiatives like the Reforestation Joint Effort and native fauna reintroduction projects, emphasizing their potential for global environmental restoration. Air quality studies within the forest underscore its critical function in pollutant mitigation, offering hope for the future of Earth's ecosystems.
Who let the dogs out? Occurrence, population size and daily activity of domestic dogs in an urban Atlantic Forest reserve
A population of approximately 29 domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) was found to be widely distributed within the Tijuca National Park (TNP), one of Brazil's most visited protected areas and part of Rio de Janeiro's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Contrary to expectations, dog presence showed no significant correlation with proximity to paved roads or park boundaries, suggesting a more dispersed distribution across the urban Atlantic Forest reserve. The study, conducted using 42 camera-trap stations over six months in 2016, revealed that dogs were primarily diurnal, with their activity overlapping most with native species like the red humped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) and coati (Nasua nasua). The absence of pups indicated that these dogs likely originate from surrounding areas rather than being a self-sustaining feral population. These findings underscore the need for management strategies that engage local communities to mitigate potential conservation impacts.
Dipterofauna Associated With Rat Carcasses in the Atlantic Forest, Southeastern Brazil
A study on the Atlantic Forest remnant of Floresta da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, revealed that fly diversity and abundance associated with rat carcasses varied significantly across seasons. The research identified 12 families of flies, with Calliphoridae being the most prevalent (4,884 specimens), followed by Sarcophagidae, Micropezidae, Fannidae, Muscidae, Phoridae, and Neridae. While no direct correlation was found between fly abundance and seasons, carcass decomposition lasted longer in winter (12 days) compared to summer (8 days). The Margalef richness index indicated higher species richness in spring and winter, while the Shannon-Wiener index showed greater diversity in spring. Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae were particularly dominant during the fermentation stage of decomposition. These findings underscore the importance of regional studies in forensic entomology, as local environmental conditions influence insect succession patterns on carcasses.
Frugivory and potential seed dispersal by the exotic-invasive marmoset Callithrix jacchus (Primates, Callitrichidae) in an urban Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Exotic common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) introduced to Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park (TNP) demonstrate potential as seed dispersers for native plant species, despite being an invasive primate. Analysis of 60 feeding records over 361 hours revealed that fruits constituted nearly half (48.3%) of their diet, with seeds from four species swallowed intact and seven others found in feces, indicating successful dispersal. This finding is significant as it highlights the ecological role of an invasive species in an urban Atlantic Forest where native callitrichids are absent, providing critical insights for managing marmoset populations and conserving biodiversity in TNP.
Geospatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and its association with social determinants
Intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent and strongly linked to socioeconomic status in Rio de Janeiro's metropolitan area, with younger children and males at higher risk. A study analyzing 3245 individuals found that 17.5% were infected by at least one parasite, predominantly protozoa like Endolimax nana (28.8%) and Entamoeba coli (14.8%), while helminths such as Strongyloides stercoralis (4.3%) and Schistosoma mansoni (3.3%) were less common. Multiple infections were observed in 24.8% of cases, with geospatial distribution revealing a non-random pattern influenced by material deprivation. The research used stool sample analysis combined with demographic and socioeconomic data to highlight the public health burden of these infections, particularly in socially vulnerable areas.
Outbreak of human malaria caused by Plasmodium simium in the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro: a molecular epidemiological investigation
A molecular epidemiological investigation reveals that an outbreak of malaria in Rio de Janeiro's Atlantic Forest, previously attributed to Plasmodium vivax, is actually caused by Plasmodium simium, a parasite typically found in non-human primates. This discovery challenges the long-standing belief that P. simium does not infect humans and suggests it may have been misdiagnosed as P. vivax due to limited molecular typing techniques. The study analyzed 33 cases from 2015-2016, confirming zoonotic transmission through mitochondrial DNA sequencing. This finding underscores the need for thorough screening of local primates and mosquitoes to assess the public health implications and potential threat to malaria elimination efforts in Brazil.
Rewilding the Atlantic Forest: Restoring the fauna and ecological interactions of a protected area
Refaunation emerges as a promising, cost-effective strategy to restore ecological processes in defaunated Neotropical forests. A collaborative reintroduction network successfully reintroduced two key seed dispersers—the red-humped agouti and the brown howler monkey—into Tijuca National Park (TNP), Rio de Janeiro, between 2010 and 2017. Monitoring revealed that these species interacted with multiple plant species, including large-seeded ones, while 25 dung beetle species were found interacting with howler feces. The absence of medium to large frugivores in TNP before the reintroduction suggests a disproportionate positive effect on forest regeneration. Despite challenges such as environmental licensing delays and scarcity of source populations, this study demonstrates that targeted refaunation can effectively restore ecological interactions and support biodiversity recovery.
A Influência dos Microrganismos na Degradação da Rocha de Bens Tombados do Parque Nacional da Tijuca
Research identifies the significant role of microorganisms, particularly fungi from the genera Penicillium and Trichoderma, in accelerating the degradation of marble structures within Tijuca National Park. These fungi, thriving in the park's high humidity, secrete acids that contribute to the deterioration of the historic marble bathtubs, altering their aesthetics and physical integrity. The study employed chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the marble as calcitic and assess microbial impact on its degradation. Findings highlight the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate biological weathering in such culturally significant sites.
Diet, Diel Activity Pattern, Habitat Use, and Reproductive Effort ofHylodes nasus(Anura: Hylodidae) in One of the World's Largest Urban Parks (Tijuca National Park), Southeastern Brazil
Hylodes nasus, a frog species endemic to the Tijuca Massif in southeastern Brazil, exhibits distinct ecological behaviors during its reproductive period. The study reveals that H. nasus has a diverse diet, primarily consuming Diptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, larvae, and other Hymenoptera, while showing diurnal activity with reduced midday activity. It also demonstrates a shift in microhabitat use between active (diurnal) and inactive (nocturnal) periods, occupying stones during the day and low vegetation at night. Additionally, the species has a median ovarian complement of 88 oocytes with a mean diameter of 2.2 mm. This research provides the first detailed approximation of the biological and ecological characteristics of H. nasus, contributing to our understanding of this species within one of the world's largest urban parks, Tijuca National Park.
Spider diversity (Arachnida: Araneae) in Atlantic Forest areas at Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A comprehensive survey of spider diversity in Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reveals a rich and likely underestimated biodiversity. The study recorded 14,626 spider specimens, representing 49 families and 373 species or morphospecies, including at least 73 undescribed taxa. Species accumulation curves suggest the park may harbor up to 468 species, significantly surpassing previous estimates from nearby areas like Tijuca National Park (308 species) and Marapendi Municipal Park (159 species). This research expands the known distribution range of 45 spider species while highlighting the Atlantic Forest's ecological significance as part of Rio de Janeiro's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The findings underscore the need for further exploration to fully capture this region's arachnid diversity.
Do visitors attract or repel vertebrates in an urban park in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest?
High visitor presence and infrastructure significantly increase vertebrate foraging activity in urban parks, suggesting that ecotourism can negatively impact wildlife. The study, conducted in the Tijuca National Park—a protected area within Rio de Janeiro’s metropolitan region—used baited traps to measure vertebrate consumption at varying distances from roads with and without visitor facilities (e.g., parking lots, barbecue pits). Results showed that areas with constant human activity experienced higher bait removal rates, particularly near structures like playgrounds. These findings highlight the need for park managers to mitigate tourism-related disturbances to protect wildlife in urban conservation areas.
Edge effects on the blowfly fauna (Diptera, Calliphoridae) of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Anthropogenic influence significantly impacts blowfly diversity and abundance at the edge of the Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. The study identified 17 species of Calliphoridae, with species richness and diversity highest in deeper forest areas (1,200 m from the edge) and lowest near the forest edge (A), where urban and synanthropic species like Chrysomya megacephala dominated. Abundance was strongly correlated with temperature, peaking at the forest edge but with reduced diversity. Conversely, points further into the forest (B and C) showed higher diversity, with Laneela nigripes and Mesembrinella peregrina serving as indicator species for less disturbed environments. The research highlights how edge effects and human influence shape blowfly communities in protected areas.
Environmental and Sanitary Conditions of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro
Guanabara Bay, the second-largest bay in Brazil, faces severe environmental and sanitary degradation due to decades of anthropogenic impacts, particularly from industrialization since 1930. The study highlights critical issues such as heavy eutrophication, which fosters harmful algal blooms dominated by flagellated and mixotrophic species, and the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms like vibrios and KPC-producing bacteria. These pathogens, often linked to domestic or hospital waste, pose significant risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health, with antibiotic resistance genes widespread in bay plankton. The decline in fish stocks and a recent large-scale fish kill underscore the bay's deteriorating water quality. Despite these challenges, restoration efforts accelerated by the 2016 Olympic Games offer potential for recovery, making Guanabara Bay a focal point for environmental legacy.
Gentrifications in pre-Olympic Rio de Janeiro
Rapid gentrification is reshaping Rio de Janeiro's residential landscapes, driven by global mega-events, state-led urban development, and real estate speculation. Research highlights multiple forms of gentrification across four key areas: Flamengo (a central middle-class neighborhood), the Zona Portuaria (a port region undergoing state-financed revitalization), Vidigal favela in Rio's Zona Sul, and Barra da Tijuca (a suburban area with Olympic-led infrastructure investment). The study, based on data from Rio’s primary real estate search engine, newspaper reports, resident interviews, and personal observations, reveals that while rents have risen across the metropolitan region, gentrification processes vary significantly, reflecting the complex dynamics of urban transformation in a Global South megacity.
Local extinction of an important seed disperser does not modify the spatial distribution of the endemic palm Astrocaryum aculeatissimum (Schott) Burret (Arecaceae)
Despite the local extinction of its primary seed disperser, the red-rumped agouti, the spatial distribution of the endemic palm Astrocaryum aculeatissimum remains unaffected in Tijuca National Park, Brazil. The study, conducted in a 1.56-hectare plot, revealed that most individuals (228) were in the juvenile stage, with aggregation patterns typical of palm species. Seedlings and infants did not cluster near adults, while juveniles and immature individuals were found closer to adults than expected. Dispersal distances for seedlings (mean ± sd = 11.8 ± 7.8 m) mirrored those reported for agouti-mediated dispersal in other studies, suggesting that short-term absence of the disperser does not alter the palm's spatial dynamics.
Climatological Characterization and Observed Trends in Climatic Extremes in the State of Rio de Janeiro
A significant increase in climatic extremes has been observed in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 1961 and 2012. Research indicates statistically significant rises in mean maximum temperatures, particularly in the Metropolitan Region and North/Northwest areas, with rates ranging from +0.01 to +0.08°C per year. Additionally, there is a notable increase in warm nights and days across almost the entire state, at a rate of +0.1 to +0.6% days per year. Rainfall trends show significant increases in annual totals in the Baixadas Litorâneas, with rates between +4.0 and +32.0 mm per year, as well as more frequent heavy rain events in this region and parts of the Metropolitan Region, ranging from +2.0 to +20 mm per year. The study analyzed observational data to characterize temperature and precipitation patterns, providing critical insights into climate change impacts on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Homicídios e disputas territoriais nas favelas do Rio de Janeiro
Homicide risk in Rio de Janeiro's favelas is paradoxically lower within the communities themselves compared to surrounding areas, particularly where territorial disputes between armed gangs are intense. This counterintuitive finding emerges from a study analyzing mortality data from 2006 to 2009, combining geographic and ethnographic methods, including participant observation and interviews. Researchers found that while favelas themselves have homicide rates comparable to or lower than the rest of the city, areas adjacent to these communities—especially those caught in turf wars—experience significantly higher violence. The study highlights how drug trafficking and gang conflicts create an 'ecology of danger' in strategic urban zones, underscoring the complex interplay between territorial control and public safety in Rio's Carioca Landscapes.
Sea-level fluctuations and coastal evolution in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil
A groundbreaking study on the Rio de Janeiro coastline reveals a previously undocumented negative record of relative sea-level during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene transition, challenging established models. The research, utilizing topographic surveys, excavations, coring, and 14C dating, reconstructed a Holocene sea-level curve that identified rapid sea-level rise beginning around 8500 cal yr BP, peaking at +2.5 m between 4770 and 4490 cal yr BP before gradually declining to current levels. This finding aligns with broader patterns along South America's Atlantic coast, refining the understanding of coastal evolution in Brazil.
The Precarious Present: Wageless Labor and Disrupted Life in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Research reveals that the cyclical migration of catadores—workers who reclaim recyclables from Rio de Janeiro’s garbage dumps—reflects a complex negotiation between the desire for stable wage labor and the relational autonomy afforded by wageless work. This study demonstrates that returns to the dump are not a surrender to precarity but rather a strategic politics of detachment, enabling life to be lived meaningfully in fragile times. By analyzing the experiences of urban poor in Rio’s periphery, the research highlights how specific histories of capitalism in the global South shape the intersection of precarious labor and precarious life. The findings underscore the agency embedded in precarity, challenging conventional narratives about economic marginalization.
Urban forests and the conservation of threatened plant species: the case of the Tijuca National Park, Brazil
Tijuca National Park, an urban forest within Rio de Janeiro's Carioca Landscapes, serves as a critical stronghold for threatened plant species amid global habitat loss. This study quantifies its role in conserving biodiversity by analyzing 143 plant species, including 29 endangered or vulnerable taxa, demonstrating that urban protected areas can effectively counteract species extinction risks. Researchers employed field surveys, taxonomic identification, and threat assessment using IUCN Red List criteria to evaluate the park's ecological significance. Findings underscore the importance of integrating urban forests into global conservation strategies, particularly in biodiverse regions like Brazil, where such areas cover 12.4% of national land. The study advocates for strengthened protection measures to safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems.
A natureza de um sólido: desfazendo-se no ar
This article reveals that Rio de Janeiro's architectural response to the brutalist trend (1955–75) was nuanced, blending technical rigor with a delicate integration of concrete and landscape. Focusing on architect Edison Musa's 1967 Colégio Stella Maris—perched atop Morro Dois Irmãos—the study demonstrates how brutalism's raw materiality dissolved into the city's exuberant surroundings, creating a harmonious fusion of ocean, forest, mountain, and built form. Unlike São Paulo's dominant technical brutalism or Lucio Costa's formalist modernism, Musa's work embodied a hybrid approach, influenced by Le Corbusier, Wright, Neutra, and Tange, while adapting to Rio's terrain and climate. The research employs close analysis of the Stella Maris design to challenge the narrative that Brazilian brutalism was purely a São Paulo phenomenon, instead positioning it as a dialogue between materiality and place.
Detection and Projections of Climate Change in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Climate change projections for Rio de Janeiro reveal significant increases in extreme weather events, with heavy rainfall becoming more frequent and intense, particularly in the city's forest regions. Observational data from INMET's weather stations and future projections using INPE’s Eta-HadCM3 regional model indicate that by the end of the 21st century, rainfall amounts during heavy precipitation could rise substantially, while dry periods will lengthen and wet seasons shorten. Temperature trends show a marked warming, with maximum temperatures projected to increase by 2–5°C above current levels, and minimum temperatures by 2–4°C. By 2100, hot days and nights are expected to dominate, accounting for 40% to 70% of days and 55% to 85% of nights, with no cold days or nights remaining. These findings underscore the urgent need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Rio de Janeiro's vulnerable landscapes.
Festifavelisation: mega-events, slums and strategic city-staging – the example of Rio de Janeiro
Mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup and Olympics drive profound urban transformations, particularly in socio-spatially fragmented cities of the Global South. In Rio de Janeiro, these events sparked processes of 'festivalisation,' where favelas—informal settlements—were strategically altered through measures like invisibilisation (hiding), pacification (security operations), beautification (aesthetic upgrades), and touristic staging (marketing for visitors). The study critically evaluates these interventions, revealing how they reshape urban landscapes while raising questions about social equity and sustainability. Using a case-study approach centered on Rio's 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics preparations, the research combines urban policy analysis with spatial and socio-political perspectives to expose the complexities of event-driven urban development.
Local Assessment of Rio de Janeiro City: Two Case Studies of Urbanization Trends and Ecological Impacts
Rio de Janeiro's urban expansion, driven by economic growth, is significantly altering its ecological landscape, particularly within the Atlantic Forest, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. This study highlights two contrasting case studies: Misericórdia Massif, where community-led efforts aim to restore ecosystem services amid dense urbanization, and Barra da Tijuca, a newly developed area where developers complied with environmental laws by protecting ecological parks. Despite differing motivations—community-driven restoration versus regulatory compliance—the forests in both areas provide irreplaceable ecosystem services. The findings underscore the potential for biodiversity to play a central role in urban planning and ecosystem retrofitting, offering practical models for balancing urbanization with ecological preservation.
Mega-events and urban regeneration in Rio de Janeiro: planning in a state of emergency
Mega-events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro drive urban regeneration that prioritizes private interests, often at the expense of social equity. The study reveals how political and economic elites exploit event-related urgency to reshape the city, particularly through projects like Porto Maravilha's port revitalization. This 'exceptional' form of neo-liberal urban regeneration, characterized by state-assisted privatization, deepens socio-spatial segregation and inequality. The research analyzes planning dynamics under these conditions, demonstrating how such models commodify urban spaces while marginalizing affected communities.
Esporotricose urbana: epidemia negligenciada no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
A significant urban outbreak of sporotrichosis, traditionally linked to agricultural settings, was identified in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with domestic cats serving as the primary source of infection. The study analyzed 1,848 cases reported between 1997 and 2007, revealing a predominantly female, non-labor-force population affected by this zoonotic disease. Geospatial analysis pinpointed a transmission belt along the border of Rio de Janeiro and adjacent municipalities in the Greater Metropolitan Area, highlighting the urban spread of sporotrichosis through cat-related wounds. The research utilized data from the Health Surveillance Service at the Evandro Chagas Institute to estimate incidence rates and map spatial distribution, offering critical insights into this neglected epidemic.
Social Metabolism, Cultural Landscape, and Social Invisibility in the Forests of Rio de Janeiro
A significant portion of Rio de Janeiro's urban landscape, particularly its forests within the Pedra Branca and Tijuca mountain massifs, remains socially invisible despite its ecological and cultural importance. This study reveals how social metabolism—interactions between human societies and their environments—shapes these landscapes, often marginalizing local communities' contributions to biodiversity conservation. Researchers analyzed urban expansion, land use, and social dynamics using cross-cultural fieldwork methods, uncovering the tension between formal conservation efforts and informal, community-driven practices that sustain the city's unique ecosystems.
Co-adapting societal and ecological interactions following large disturbances in urban park woodlands
Large disturbances in urban park woodlands can trigger co-adaptive societal and ecological responses that reshape both social and natural systems. This study demonstrates how such disturbances—whether natural (e.g., a tornado) or anthropogenic (e.g., land-use changes)—alter interactions between society and ecology, often leading to shifts in plant community composition and management practices. Using the Panarchy model, researchers analyzed two case studies: Cherokee Park in Louisville, where bottom-up societal responses post-tornado restored native plant dominance, and Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro, where top-down interventions during the 18th century created a vast urban forest. Current threats like fire in Tijuca Forest again elicit societal action to protect native species. These examples highlight how disturbances can drive co-adaptation, altering structures and processes in both social and ecological domains.
Mobile phone appropriation in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Mobile phone use in Rio de Janeiro's favelas reveals subversive tactics shaped by cyclic power dynamics between high- and low-income populations. Residents navigate economic barriers through illegal or creative means, highlighting how technology adoption in marginalized communities transcends simple access issues. The study suggests future research should focus on the nuanced relationship between people and technology rather than binary access frameworks.
Parasitismo humano por carrapatos na Mata Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
A comprehensive epidemiological investigation spanning from 1997 to 2007 identified 6,072 cases of human tick parasitism (ixodidosis) in Rio de Janeiro's Atlantic Forest, involving seven tick species. The study highlighted the significant role of these ticks—Amblyomma aureolatum, A. cajennense, A. dubitatum, A. ovale, A. varium, Ixodes loricatus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus—in transmitting pathogens, including those causing recurrent or newly introduced infectious diseases in Brazil. Researchers analyzed statistical indicators such as prevalence, abundance, dominance, and risk factors (sex, age, social activity) to assess the phenomenon's impact on local communities near protected areas like the Pedra Branca State Park and Tijuca Forest National Park. The findings underscore the need for public health interventions in regions where human encroachment intersects with tick habitats.
Impacto das Estradas na Distribuição de Besouros em um Fragmento de Mata Atlântica de Encosta no Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
A study on the impact of roads on beetle distribution in the Atlantic Forest slope fragment of Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, found no significant edge effects influencing beetle families or trophic groups. The research, conducted from May 2008 to April 2009 using pitfall traps at varying distances (5–100m) from a road, inventoried 7449 individuals across 17 families, with Staphylinidae being the most abundant. While seasonal and structural/historical factors appeared to shape beetle responses, no clear pattern emerged due to environmental heterogeneity or the taxonomic level analyzed. The findings suggest that road impacts on beetles in this fragment may be less pronounced than expected, potentially influenced by local conditions rather than edge effects.
Mega-events and socio-spatial dynamics in Rio de Janeiro, 1919-2016
Research reveals that mega-events in Rio de Janeiro, such as the Pan American Games and World Cup, have shifted from promoting social inclusion to serving neo-liberal agendas under accelerated globalization. These events impose a 'shock doctrine,' installing temporary regimes of extra-legal governance that permanently alter socio-spatial dynamics in the city. The study analyzes infrastructure investments—totaling billions—from 1919 to 2016, tracing how discourses of urban development and spatial discipline have materially transformed Rio's landscape while reflecting broader capitalist exigencies.
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