Among flowers and thorns: the natural history and the role of macambira bromeliads for the biodiversity and humans of the Brazilian semiarid

Abstract

The present doctoral thesis offers a comprehensive view of the ecological importance of non-phytotelmata bromeliads (Macambiras) in the Neotropical region, with a special focus on Encholirium spectabile in the Semi-arid region of Brazil. The thesis is structured through various studies that come together in five chapters, addressing the relevance of these bromeliads to the local fauna and the implications of these interactions for the involved groups, as well as the conservation of these ecosystems. Research conducted from 2011 to 2018 reveals associations with a wide variety of fauna, including arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals from various groups. E. spectabile performs various ecological functions, such as providing habitat, foraging grounds, and food resources. Chapter 1: Bromeliads are highlighted for their role as ecosystem engineers, functioning as nursery plants and keystone species, forming diverse microecosystems. Despite their crucial role, these plants face a severe threat due to mining activities, emphasizing the need for conservation policies. Chapter 2: Birds, especially in the semiarid region, use bromeliads in various ways, including as feeding sites, nesting grounds, and resting places, highlighting the interconnectedness between the conservation of these plants and the preservation of bird species involved. Chapter 3: Explores the role of Encholirium spectabile in arthropod diversity, emphasizing its importance in sustaining diverse taxa, especially during the rainy season. The research highlights the ecological relevance of macambiras in challenging environments. Chapter 4: Discusses hymenopterans, clarifying the Ecosystem Services provided by these insects, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect their interactions with bromeliads. Finally, Chapter 5: Highlights local knowledge about bromeliads, specifically macambiras, among the sertanejo people, revealing its multifaceted importance in providing Ecosystem Services, cultural identity, and support for biodiversity. Despite its crucial role, this knowledge is currently underrepresented, underscoring the need for broader dissemination. Overall, these studies emphasize the importance of intricate ecological relationships, ecosystem services, and the cultural significance of bromeliads and their interactions, especially, in the Semi-arid region of Brazil, highlighting the urgency of conservation measures.