Floristic and ecological attributes of a Seasonal Semideciduous Atlantic Forest in a key area for conservation of the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT We evaluated the floristic and ecological attributes of a seasonal semideciduous forest remnant (SSF) (500-1,050 m) located in a key area for biodiversity conservation. The importance of the fragment to the ecosystem conservation was revealed by its species richness (253), diversity (Shannon index = 4.6; Simpson's complementary index = 0.98) and evenness (Pielou index = 0.83), which are considered high values for a SSF. Zoochory occurred in 77% of the species, indicating the existence of important biotic interactions that ensure the occurrence of gene flow. We recorded 14 endangered species, among which two are rare (Trigynaea oblongifolia and Trattinnickia ferruginea) and two are indicators of mature forests (Trattinnickia ferruginea and Virola bicuhyba). We confirmed the importance of key areas for biodiversity conservation and of the Atlantic SSF located at the 0-1,000 m altitudinal range. These areas deserve attention from conservationists due to the high species richness and high number of endemic and endangered species.