Distribuição da fauna de colêmbolos cavernícolas em matriz de minério de ferro no Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil

Abstract

In general, cave species have changes in their morphology and physiology as way of adaptation to the environment and are classified as troglobites; eutroglophiles; subtroglophiles and trogloxenes. Compared to epigean ecosystem, the cave ecosystem has low species diversity, dependence of nutrients from the external environment, humidity and stable temperature in the year, therefore, this environment is strongly influenced by external environmental changes, such as mining, deforestation, urbanization, etc. This study examines the distribution of troglobite species of Collembola caves in different lithologies in areas of mining interest. Located in Minas Gerais, the Quadrilátero Ferrífero represents one of the main metallogenetic provinces of Brazil. We examined the biological material deposited in the Reference Collection in the Paraíba Soil Fauna in the Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Held up the organization of a database with records of occurrence and geographical distribution of species, for the geo-referencing of all wells. We performed the analysis of 1.589 specimens, divided into 16 families, 59 genera and 131 species. Of these, 13 were considered possible troglobites. The species Pararrhopalites sp4, Pararrhopalites sp7, Pseudosinella sp4, Trogolaphysa sp6, Troglobius ferroicus e Troglobius sp2 were confirmed troglobite. Arrhopalites sp2 and Arrhopalites sp3 can be the same specie and is believed that Pseudosinella sp4 move around on MSS and Trogolaphysa sp6 may be experiencing a vicarious process. Human activities and the use of natural resources in this environment entails degradation and local or regional extinction of species. The cave environment acts as excellent places for ecological studies and frequently have endemic species, so it is extremely important to preserve this environment and your fauna.