Floristic and structural variations in Lowland Atlantic Forests with different histories and their use in conservation planning

Abstract

ABSTRACT We sought to evaluate the floristic and structural variations between three areas with distinct backgrounds in the Sooretama Biological Reserve, remnantd of Lowland Atlantic Forest in Brazil. For vegetation sampling, 30 transects were established in three different areas: post-pasture (PAS), post-fire (FIR), and preserved (PRE) remnants, totaling a sample area of 0.3ha. All individuals in the woody layer with diameter at breast height ≥ 2.5cm were sampled. Variations in floristic composition were evaluated by means of NMDS, based on the presence or absence of species. There are clear variations between the three areas evaluated, in which the PRE area presents greater species richness, floristic diversity, and basal area, with parameters similar to forests of high diversity in northern Espírito Santo and southern Bahia. The performance of inventories and monitoring of the remnants of Lowland Atlantic Forests in neglected regions are fundamental for planning conservation and enrichment measures of these vegetations