Abstract
Understanding the plant communities affected by human activities related to urbanization is an important tool to conserve these. In this way, this study on an urban forest fragment aimed to evaluate, through a phytosociological study and investigation of the germination of the seed bank, the current forest structure, the successional strata, and the regenerative capacity of the remnant. Three different stages comprised this research, the first with a floristic survey of the entire forest remnant, then the phytosociological study of the canopy (PAP above 10 cm) and regeneration strata (PAP 5-10 cm), and at last, the study on the seed bank. The phytosociological survey of the canopy stratum presented 1,368 individuals, with 41 species distributed into 24 families. The stratum of natural regeneration had 665 individuals, being 38 species distributed into 24 familie s. The seed bank was made up by only 8 native species, and 3 exotic species. The floristic diversity of the seed bank in all samples was low due to few species provide seeds to the soil. In addition, the strata and the seed bank had a low similarity, confirming thus the fragility and the need for preservationist attitudes.
Highlights
The forest fragmentation and isolation of these fragments within an urban environment interfere with the dynamics and structure of the remnant
Studies on altered landscapes addressing biological characteristics are important to establish the dynamics of these environments and adequate measures for recovery and conservation (SAUNDERS et al, 1991)
The forest remnant is located at Chácara 5R, in the city of Campo Mourão, Paraná State, with borders with the urban area, with the backs limited by the flooplain of the km 119 River
Summary
The forest fragmentation and isolation of these fragments within an urban environment interfere with the dynamics and structure of the remnant. 203-209, Apr.-June, 2013 as: the edge effect, prevention or reduction of migration rate between fragments, decrease in the effective population size with consequent loss of genetic variability, and invasion of exotic species are the main deteriorating mechanisms of a landscape formed by forest fragments (FEARNSIDE et al, 2009; GEIST; LAMBIN, 2002; SILVA et al, 2008). The seed bank is able to indicate the recovery and sustainability, and can determine the species richness and the proportion between native and invasive species, and detect any natural disturbance It can be identified the potential of invasive species to colonize the area, competing with native species, and affecting the sustainability of the forest fragment (SCHMITZ, 1992). This study was conducted in an urban forest fragment and aimed to evaluate, through a phytosociological study and investigation of the germination of the seed bank, the current forest structure, the successional strata, and the regenerative capacity of the remnant
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