Relationship between intrinsic geodiversity and habitat structuring at the geosite scale: examples in the geosites Serra do Segredo and Pedras das Guaritas (Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brazil)

Abstract

Geosites are points or areas that represent better the geodiversity of a territory, i.e. its natural range of geological elements. Among the criteria used for the quantitative assessment of geosites is its relevance for structuring habitat, related with its functional or ecological support value. This paper aims at presenting the relationships between the intrinsic geodiversity of a geosite (its geological features) and the existing habitat diversity. Thus, the geosites Serra do Segredo and Pedras das Guaritas, both located in Caçapava do Sul, south-central Rio Grande do Sul State, were analyzed in detail. Literature review, satellite and aerial photograph images were analyzed, as well as data collected during fieldtrips in different seasons. It is highlighted here the importance of depositional, tectonic and weathering features, at the geosite scale, for the structuring and maintaining various types of environments and organisms: from lichens to forest fragments, from amphibian tadpoles to medium-sized mammals.