Forest structural analysis of a seasonal semideciduous area in the northeast Brazil

Abstract

As a prominent aspect of forest fragmentation, arboreal individuals’ diameter and height structure are impaired. The forest structure allows identifying each population’s behavior and habit and collects information on growth and survival that assists in establishing and managing conservation strategies. This work aimed to perform the diametric and height distribution of an adult tree community and the five highlighted species of the area located in the Northeast Brazil. We implanted 20 permanent plots with 250 m² and measured all arboreal individuals sampled with a circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 15 cm in addition to heights. The tree community presented a graph of the negative exponential type in the diametric distribution and a higher concentration in the 6-8 m in height median class, a typical pattern found in remnants of Atlantic Forest. Guapira nitida, Manilkara sp., Byrsonima crassifolia, and Sloanea obtusifolia presented the same pattern as the community due to their ecological attributes as succession group and dispersion syndrome. These data are compatible with the ecological succession process of Brazilian’s northeast Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. Moreover, the species Buchenavia tetraphylla diverged because of its ecological characteristics that do not allow new individuals to develop in the study area. The fragment was classified according to CONAMA Resolution n°. 31 as secondary vegetation in the medium regeneration stage. The analyzed remnant is still in the regeneration process, resulting from the disturbances caused. The most important species of the fragment still present young individuals, representing young communities with potential for establishment.