Paleoclimatic distribution simulations
The model from the present climatic scenario confirms the disjunct
distribution of the species, with A. alalia occurring in southern
Brazil (in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná),
and A. mantiqueira occurring in southeastern mountains (in the
states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro) (Fig. 6).
Paleoclimate spatial simulations show a wider spatial distribution
during all 19 glacial periods for both species, with A. alaliaexpanding its potential distribution to inland areas, reaching northern
Argentina and southern Paraguay, while A. mantiqueira had an
expanded potential range in the Serra do Mar mountain range, reaching
the coastal mountains of the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, as
well as the interior of the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. On the
other hand, both species reduce their distribution area in the
mountainous regions of the Atlantic Forest in 19 interglacial periods
(Fig 6). These findings show that during the glacial eras, the two
species could persist in lower elevations in the region that is
currently a distribution gap between them both, revealing the possible
connection between both areas via the Serra do Mar mountain range.
Discussion