Floristic Composition and tree community structure of a Seasonal Semideciduous forest fragment in Coqueiral, MG, Brazil

Abstract

Studies about the floristic characterization and it’s behavior in forest fragments are necessary to better understand the ecosystem, mainly of the Atlantic Domain. This study aimed to describe the floristics and tree community structure of a fragment of a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest in the city of Coqueiral – MG, to subsidize future interventions and management strategies of the Atlantic Domain. To analyze the structure, 20 plots were installed with dimensions of 20x20 m, totaling a sample area of 0.8 ha. Were sampled individuals trees with circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 15.7 cm. To identify patterns of species distribution that could reflect environmental variations, was made a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Posteriorly, was used a second matrix containing edaphic variables, to compare and correlate, a posteriori, with the distribution of the species. There was a separation of the plots into two groups: one group formed due to organic matter and pH, and the other due to P-rem and silt. In the sample area were identified 879 subjects belonging to 144 species, 98 genera and 51 families. The diversity index was 4.310 nat/individual and equability 0.867. The total density was 1098.75 ind./ha and basal area was estimated at 23.76 m²/ha, which infers that this fragment is found in a late secondary successional stage. The studied fragment shows great relevance for the conservation of biodiversity, because it presents one of the largest diversities of tree species from the Alto Rio Grande region.