Vegetation type of the sand coastal plains of the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of Guaibim, Valença, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The occurrence and distribution of the vegetation types of the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of Guaibim were assessed from field visits and satellite images. Were recognized eight vegetation formations whose distribution and amplitude are influenced by the proximity of the sea, wind direction, topography and level of water table. The vegetation types recognized are similar to other areas of “restinga” of Brazil, however, the occurrence of open schrub vegetation non-flood near the beach related to the dense ticket vegetation type (“pós-praia”), showing the restrictions on current nomenclature used to characterize the formations plants this ecosystem. Several antropic impacts were observed which may compromise the conservation of remnant vegetation of this ecosystem before it is minimally known. In addition, the occurrence of endangered species Scaevola plumieri (L.) Vahl (Goodeniaceae) suggests that this region may harbor other endangered or rare species, relictual in the fragments of the surrounding rainforest.