Fern and lycophytes of the Taquari River riparian forests at different stages of succession

Abstract

Abstract Riparian forests are important biodiversity corridors among groups. Such forests were greatly altered or suppressed in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This study investigates the variation of species richness and distribution of ferns and lycophytes of eighteen study areas at different stages of succession in riparian forests of the Taquari River region. Fern and lycophyte samples were collected using the pathway methodology along the Taquari River during two years. The richness was compared at the different succession stages (advanced remnant formations, intermediate and initial) through analysis of variance and a randomized test, in which about 22 species were recorded: 19 species were at the advanced stage of succession, nine species were at the intermediate stage and seven species were at the initial stage of succession. The average richness was significantly higher in areas at advanced stage of succession. The high value of common species found at intermediate stages highlights the importance of preserving riparian forests at all stages of succession in the Taquari River as alternative for preserving the local biodiversity.