Monitoring of <i>Amazona rhodocorytha</i> (Psittacidae) reveals new population of <i>Handroanthus riodocensis</i> (Bignoniaceae) in the Rio Doce basin, Brazil

Monitoring of Amazona rhodocorytha (Psittacidae) reveals new population of Handroanthus riodocensis (Bignoniaceae) in the Rio Doce basin, Brazil Amazona rhodocorytha (chau), a bird endemic to the Atlantic Forest, is categorized as Vulnerable on both the IUCN and Brazilian Fauna Red Lists.The main threats to its survival are forest fragmentation and degradation, and the collection of eggs and chicks for the illegal trade.Recently, monitoring of A. rhodocorytha led to the discovery of new populations of Handroanthus riodocensis (ip-amarelo), a tree endemic to the Atlantic Forest that was first described in and is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN and Brazilian Flora Red Lists, and as Critically Endangered in the state of Esprito Santo.Its showy, abundant yellow flowers are an important food source for birds; the nectar is consumed by hummingbirds and the petals are eaten by psittacids.We located eight H. riodocensis in September in Linhares, Esprito Santo, near the ES- highway: six in forest remnants, one in pasture and one in a cacao Theobroma cacao monoculture.Individuals were - m tall, with circumference at breast height of - cm; all were in flower.These trees stand out in the canopy, and provide both food and resting sites for A. rhodocorytha.These new records indicate that H. riodocensis plays an important role in the diet of A. rhodocorytha in early spring, a period that coincides with the avian breeding season in the Rio Doce basin.This region has suffered severe anthropogenic impacts, including contamination of waterbodies, soil and riparian forest by mine tailings as a result of the collapse of the Fundo dam in .These impacts are long-lasting and directly threaten the biodiversity of this region (Batista et al., Oryx, published August , doi.org/./S).Our findings, besides expanding knowledge of the extent of occurrence of H. riodocensis, highlight the additional importance of conserving this species as a resource for A. rhodocorytha.We recommend joint monitoring of these two threatened species so that integrated and effective conservation strategies can be devised.