Dynamics of natural regeneration in a fragment of a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest in the upland region of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the temporal changes in the floristic composition and regeneration structure in a remnant of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest that has been without interventions for decades. Two surveys were undertaken for the study; the first survey was conducted in 2012, and the second in 2017. The experimental area comprised 20 circular plots of 2.5 m radius, where was it performed the quantification of the regenerants, measurement of individual tree heights, and identification of the ecological group that each surveyed species belonged. All individuals with a minimum height of 0.50 m and a circumference at breast height of less than 15 cm were measured. Approximately 12,382 ind ha-1 were found in 2012 and 11,185 ind ha-1 in 2017. Only the following species increased their abundance per hectare in 2017 compared to the previous survey: Dalbergia frutescens (280.3 ind ha-1), Myrsine coriacea (178.3 ind ha-1), Allophylus guaraniticus (76.4 ind ha-1), Bernadia pulchella (51.0 ind ha-1), Casearia obliqua (50.9 ind ha-1), Casearia decandra (25.5 ind ha-1), and Luehea divaricata (25.5 ind ha-1).  The remaining species had a negative balance or disappeared from the study. Ecological group analysis indicated the gradual replacement of shadow-tolerant climax species by pioneer and light-demanding climax species. The most representative species identified on both occasions did not undergo major changes, indicating that they are more likely to remain in the studied area. The results indicated that the studied remnant forest is in an advanced phase of succession; however, it presents punctual alterations that reflect its floristic and ecological dynamics.