Discovery and characterization of a large population of Parodia linkii (Lehm.) R. Kiesling (Cactaceae) in Southern Brazil: Challenges and conservation implications

Fernando Augusto Bertazzo-Silva; Cassiane  Furlan-Lopes; Mariele Cristine Tesche Küster; Lilian Pedroso Maggio; Kamille Rodrigues Ferraz; Alice  Lemos Costa; Ana Luiza Klotz-Neves; Jorge  Renato Pinheiro Velloso; Evelise  Leis Carvalho; Vanessa  dos Anjos Baptista; Jair Putzke

doi:10.1590/2236-8906e212025

##article.authors##

Fernando Augusto Bertazzo-Silva Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2179-1492
- Writing – Original Draft Preparation
Cassiane Furlan-Lopes Federal University of Santa Maria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4783-4315
- Writing – Review & Editing
Mariele Cristine Tesche Küster University of Santa Cruz do Sul https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3143-2300
- Writing – Review & Editing
Lilian Pedroso Maggio Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3837-3131
- Writing – Review & Editing
Kamille Rodrigues Ferraz Federal University of Santa Maria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2622-8874
- Writing – Review & Editing
Alice Lemos Costa Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4620-2989
- Writing – Review & Editing
Ana Luiza Klotz-Neves Universidade Federal do Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4273-0816
- Writing – Review & Editing
Jorge Renato Pinheiro Velloso Universidade Federal do Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7787-0336
- Writing – Review & Editing
Evelise Leis Carvalho Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9035-2867
- Writing – Review & Editing
Vanessa dos Anjos Baptista Faculdade do Centro Educacional Santa Isabel https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0652-9191
- Writing – Review & Editing
Jair Putzke Federal University of Pampa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6345-8869
- Writing – Review & Editing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/2236-8906e212025

Keywords:

Cactus, flora, Pampa, vulnerable to extinction

Abstract

Parodia comprises 62 cactus species inhabiting the Pampas plains
and Andes slopes. Notably, Parodia linkii is vulnerable to extinction in Brazil but classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. This study describes an area in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where P. linkii occurs. Research was conducted in a transitional zone between the Pampa and Atlantic Forest biomes in Santiago municipality. Data collection involved 23 linear transects, each
25m long and spaced 1m apart, covering about 600 m². Individuals and sprouts from different colonies were quantified. For analysis, 14 quadrants (1 x 1 m) were established along the population, spaced 5m apart, including sloped and flat rocky areas with mixed vegetation. Diameter measurements and floral sprout recordings were taken. A total of 1,205 P. linkii individuals were recorded, thriving in basalt rock crevices, averaging 2.08 individuals per square meter, with approximately 50 (±2.39) individuals along each transect. The study highlights the importance of habitat cataloging for preserving P. linkii, especially in its transitional habitat. This research enhances understanding of P. linkii’s ecological needs and supports conservation efforts for diverse landscapes that sustain various biological communities, ensuring the species’ long-term survival.