Design Experiments Repo
Amazonia/
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Insights

Várzea Floodplain

2 findings

EcosystemBiodiversitySpecies Richness

Várzea inundation pulse shifts species richness seasonally

Monthly sampling reveals that species richness peaks in the receding flood phase (May–July), driven by concentrated aquatic resources.

As floodwaters recede, fish and waterbird concentrations create transient biodiversity hotspots that are missed by annual snapshot monitoring. This finding recommends shifting the primary biodiversity survey window to May–July rather than the current September baseline, which captures post-recession recovery rather than peak richness.

MF
M. Figueiredo
VegetationLand Cover

Land cover transition to floating meadow accelerating

Time series analysis shows floating meadow (macrófitas) coverage expanding at 2.1%/year, displacing open water in the southern lagoon complex.

The expansion is consistent with increased nutrient loading from upstream agricultural runoff. While floating meadows support certain waterbird species, the loss of open water reduces habitat for obligate aquatic species. This trend has not yet breached the alert threshold but warrants annual review.

AD
A. Duarte