Cerrado Sensu Stricto Area Research Articles

Floristic similarity of remanescents from cerrado in north regions of the legal Amazo

Considering the abundance of species from the Cerrado domain and especially from the cerrado sensu stricto phytophysiognomy, studies to analyze and better understand this richness become important. Therefore, in order to better understand and understand this richness and diversity, the study was carried out in five areas of cerrado sensu stricto belonging to three regions in the north of the Legal Amazon. The objective was to analyze the floristic composition of shrub-tree species of remnants of cerrado sensu stricto located in different regions and municipalities of Tocantins, in addition to comparing the similarity between the areas. Forty-three sampling plots of 10x100 m were installed, totaling 4.3 hectares. Area 1 - eight plots of 10x100 m, totaling 0.8 ha, in the central-west region, in Monte do Carmo. Area 2 - eight plots of 10x100 m, totaling 0.8 ha, in the central-west region, in Santa Rita do Tocantins. Area 3 - ten plots of 10x100 m, totaling 1.0 ha, in the central region, in Divinópolis do Tocantins. Area 4 - ten plots of 10x100 m, totaling 1.0 ha, in the Jalapão State Park region, in Santa Rita do Tocantins and Area 5 - seven plots of 10x100 m, totaling 0.7 ha, in the Jalapão State Park region, in Mateiros . All individuals were sampled with circumference at breast height ≥ 20 cm, measured at 1.30 m from the ground. In the five areas of cerrado sensu stricto, a total of 7,069 individuals, 264 species, belonging to 110 genera, included in 46 families, were found. The matrix for the analysis of floristic similarity encompassed 264 species recorded in the five areas of cerrado sensu stricto, being area 1 (A1) 88 species, area 2 (A2) 53 species, area 3 (A3) 45 species, area 4 (A4) 62 species and area 5 (A5) 16 species. The heterogeneity observed between the areas evaluated indicates that the species of this cerrado physiognomy are characterized by the spatial distribution in “mosaics”, with a maximum limit of 100 species per studied area, and even the existing populations in nearby areas are floristically and structurally differentiated.

Seasonality and distribution of Coleoptera families (Arthropoda, Insecta) in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

Coleoptera order in Brazil presents 105 families with approximately 28,000 species. The life cycle and diversity of Coleoptera are strongly influenced by climate and vegetation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonality and distribution of Coleoptera families in an area of the Cerrado in the Federal District (DF) of Brazil. The insects were collected monthly, between June 2015 and May 2016, using a light trap activated only in nights with a new moon, in an area of cerrado sensu stricto in Planaltina/DF, Brazil. The data were correlated with climatic variables. A total of 21,100 Coleoptera specimens belonging to 34 families were collected, with Melolonthidae (n = 11,075), Carabidae (n = 2,522), Scarabaeidae (n = 2,506), Bostrichidae (n = 1,196), and Chrysomelidae (n = 1,086) being the most abundant. Coleoptera were significantly more abundant in the first half of the rainy season. There was a significant and positive correlation between the abundance of Coleoptera and the climatic variables temperature and precipitation. The data presented in this study are related to an atypical year under the strong influence of the El Niño phenomenon, which may influence the abundance of Coleoptera. Circular analysis revealed that Coleoptera, and the most abundant families, presented seasonality throughout the year with a grouped distribution at the beginning of the rainy season (October to December). This study demonstrates that the richness and abundance of the Coleoptera order, in the Cerrado, is strongly influenced by the characteristic climatic seasons of the biome.

STRUCTURE AND DIVERSITY OF THE ARBOREAL COMPONENT IN CERRADO SENSU STRICTO IN NORTHERN MINAS GERAIS

Due to a rapid change in the land use in northern Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil, large amounts of cerrado have been converted into crops. There is little information about the structure and diversity of the remaining communities in the region. The present study aimed to characterize the structure of the tree vegetation in a cerrado sensu stricto area. We delimited thirty 20m x 20m plots and sampled tree individuals with diameter equal to or greater than 4.8 cm at 30 cm from the ground level (DGH30). We sampled a total of 2616 individuals of 76 species and 33 botanical families. The community showed a density of 2180 ind/ha and a basal area of 17.3 m2/ha. Qualea grandiflora, Terminalia fagifolia, and Dimorphandra mollis showed high importance values. Standing dead individuals stood out in the community. The Shannon diversity index (3.10) and Pielou’s evenness (0.70) indicate that the community is in an intermediate stage of succession in comparison with others. Despite the signs of disturbance, the community still includes species of great social and economic importance for the local population. This community’s floristic and structural patterns can be used to reference extractive management, restoration, and conservation initiatives of other cerrado areas in the region.

Canopy and Litter Cover Do Not Alter Diaspore Removal by Ants in the Cerrado

Diaspore removal by ants is a crucial stage for successful myrmecochory and can be directly or indirectly affected by natural or anthropic changes to environments. Among the consequences of such changes is variation in habitat attributes, such as changes in conditions and resources and, consequently, decreased diaspore removal or even the loss of this ecological function. The aim of this study was to assess whether canopy and litter cover affect diaspore removal by ants in the Cerrado. We considered canopy and litter cover as proxies of humidity and temperature and evaluated whether changes in these environmental conditions could affect diaspore removal by ants. We hypothesized that the greater the canopy and litter cover (higher humidity and lower temperature), the greater the number of diaspores removed by ants. We tested this hypothesis by establishing three classes of cover for each proxy: low, intermediate, and high. We placed artificial diaspores under each cover class and quantified the number of diaspores removed. We found that variation in canopy and litter cover did not affect the number of diaspores removed by ants in areas of cerrado sensu stricto. Variation in habitat attributes in natural environments were less important for diaspore removal than in modified areas. Our results indicate that understanding the processes and habitat atributes involved in diaspore removal by ants is important for conserving the Cerrado.

Spatial structure of the diversity of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in savanna formations of Central Brazil

Great losses of biodiversity in natural ecosystems are occurring as a result of growing anthropic threats. A better understanding of the contributions of spatial scales to biodiversity organization would allow improved spatial management to conserve biodiversity in those regions that are strongly impacted by anthropic activities, such the Brazilian Cerrado. The aim of this study was to evaluate how dung beetle diversity is spatially organized along the cerrado sensu stricto, a common savanna formation in central Brazil. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) dung beetle diversity shows nonrandom patterns that vary between spatial scales within the same phytophysionomy, and (2) different functional groups and the abundant and rare species display distinct and nonrandom spatial patterns of diversity along spatial scales due to different life histories. We collected dung beetles in eight areas of cerrado sensu stricto distributed in two fragments and analyzed the spatial organization of dung beetle diversity using additive diversity partitioning. A total of 6130 individuals and 54 species were collected. Additive partitioning of diversity showed a prominent importance of the scale of areas in the organization of diversity, demonstrating a stronger influence of local factors on this organization. Assemblages divided into functional groups showed differential contributions of diversity components, indicating distinct habitat influences on these groups. This work provides new insights into the spatial organization of dung beetle diversity, encompassing three spatial levels for the same phytophysionomy in the Brazilian Cerrado. These findings demonstrate the importance of maintaining spatial heterogeneity of habitats. Thus, multiple localities within a region must be preserved because of their unique diversity structuring.

Population structure and spatial distribution of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.

The aim of this work was to analyze the population structure and the spatial distribution of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. in two areas of the Cerrado biome. The study was carried out in two physiognomies of the Cerrado biome: cerrado sensu stricto and cerradão, both located in the southern region of the state of Tocantins. The spatial distribution was evaluated using Morisita and dispersion indices, as well as the population structure of C. langsdorffii. We quantified 318 individuals of C. langsdorffii in the two studied areas. There were 200 individuals sampled in the cerrado sensu stricto and 118 in the area of cerradão. Regarding the type of spatial distribution of individuals of C. langsdorffii, the value found for the Morisita index was 2.67 in the physiognomy of cerrado sensu stricto, suggesting grouped spatial distribution (I >1). The dispersion index calculation showed that, in fact, the spatial distribution of the individuals sampled in the two areas was the grouped type; for the area of cerrado sensu stricto, the variance (S2) found was 24.21 and for the cerradão it was 9.67, higher than their means 10.00 and 9.67 respectively. By analyzing the age structure of the population of C. langsdorffii, we found a typical trend of the inverted-J curve, suggesting that the areas studied are self-regenerating communities composed of young and developing individuals.

Litter decomposition in wet and dry ecosystems of the Brazilian Cerrado

Decomposition of plant litter is a crucial process in carbon and nutrient cycling in all ecosystems, but our understanding of drivers of this process in Brazilian Cerrado (savanna) ecosystems is limited. We determined the decomposition rate and the stabilisation factor in areas of cerrado sensu stricto and palm swamp (vereda) in Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil. These two major Cerrado ecosystems differ markedly in environmental conditions, but primarily in water and soil conditions. We used the standardised Tea Bag Index method, characterised soil parameters, and microbial activity to evaluate the decomposition process between these ecosystems. We found higher decomposition rates in the palm swamp compared to cerrado sensu stricto, possibly due to higher soil temperature and humidity conditions and higher microbial biomass.

Conversion of Cerrado savannas into exotic pastures: The relative importance of vegetation and food resources for dung beetle assemblages

Replacing native savannas with exotic pastures not only alters vegetation structure, but it also increases herbivorous cattle dung quantity consequently changing the food resource available for dung beetles. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the relative importance of vegetation structure regarding food resource types to determine dung beetle assemblage in Cerrado savannas and exotic pastures. We carried out a sampling of dung beetles in 30 areas of Cerrado sensu stricto and 30 in areas of exotic pastures across nine municipalities of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, by using pitfall traps baited with cattle dung and human feces. We also characterized these areas according to their herbaceous density, complexity (fractal dimension) and canopy cover. Our study demonstrates that the complete conversion of Cerrado sensu stricto into exotic pasture has a negative effect on dung beetle assemblages. The same dung types differed completely in dung beetle assemblages in native savannas and exotic pasture regarding richness, abundance, species composition and dominance patterns. These findings suggest that environmental filters in exotic pastures, as low cover canopy and herbaceous complexity simplification, probably restrict the establishment of species from Cerrado. We also found different dung beetle communities by comparing pitfall traps baited with cow dung and human feces within the same land use. Thus, alterations in food resources played a secondary role, but were also important. We suggest that increasing herbaceous complexity and canopy cover along with diversifying livestock in exotic pastures could potentially avoid the loss of dung beetles species and their associated ecosystem services.

Chave de identificação dendrológica das espécies mais comuns de uma área de Cerrado <i>Sensu Stricto</i>, Gurupi, Tocantins

Estudos com chave de identificação dendrológica e o comportamento fenológico aliado ao conhecimento das espécies ameaçadas de extinção da flora arbustivo-arbórea do Cerrado no Estado do Tocantins ainda são escassos ou incipientes, promovendo assim uma lacuna de informações técnicas e científicas. Portanto, esta pesquisa visa respaldar o estabelecimento de prioridades para futuras estratégias de conservação e planos de manejo de espécies botânicas do Cerrado. Diante do contexto, objetivou-se elaborar uma chave dicotômica, baseada em caracteres vegetativos das espécies arbustivo-arbórea de uma área de cerrado sensu stricto em Gurupi – TO. Foram alocadas, sistematicamente, cinco parcelas permanentes de 20×50m, ou seja, 1000 m² cada, sendo as mesmas distanciadas 10 m entre si. Amostrou-se todos os indivíduos arbustivo-arbóreos, com circunferência a 1,30 m do solo (CAP) maior ou igual a 10 cm. Os materiais botânicos das espécies foram herborizados seguindo as técnicas convencionais. Para a elaboração da chave de identificação, foi realizada uma seleção dentre as 106 espécies amostradas, considerando apenas as espécies que possuíam densidade absoluta maior ou igual a 5 indivíduos, desta forma foram selecionadas 54 espécies. Cabe ressaltar que essa seleção teve como objetivo incluir apenas as espécies de maior recorrência no cerrado sensu stricto, com finalidade de viabilizar a funcionalidade da chave. A chave de identificação baseada em caracteres vegetativos foi composta por 54 espécies arbustivo-arbóreas de eudicotiledôneas e angiospermas basais, distribuídas em 47 gêneros, incluídos em 26 famílias botânicas. A confecção da chave de identificação dendrológica demonstrou-se uma ferramenta funcional, ou seja, permitiu uma rápida e fácil identificação das espécies vegetais amostradas.

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Plant Fragment Removal by Two Species of Atta Leaf-Cutting Ants

Leaf-cutting ants are responsible for much of living plant fragment removal in Neotropical regions, causing major damage in both in natural and agricultural systems. To understand the variation in plant fragment removal by leaf-cutting ants and the influence that temporal and spatial factors have on such variation, we evaluated plant fragments collected by two ant species, Atta laevigata and A. sexdens rubropilosa in different seasons (rainy and dry) and in different forest systems (natural area of cerrado sensu stricto and monoculture of Eucalyptus sp.) in 2014 in Goianesia, Goias, Brazil. Heavier plant fragments were removed during the dry season and in monoculture areas; A. laevigata removed heavier fragments than A. sexdens rubropilosa. Furthermore, we observed a positive association between the weight of collected fragments and the weight of worker ants and higher weights in A. laevigata. The study shows that the weight of plant fragments removed by leaf-cutting ants is conditioned temporally and spatially, and by the ant species involved. More detailed studies of each of these factors are need to better understand the dynamics of these foraging ants and how abiotic and biotic factors affect this process.

Conteúdo de nutrientes na serapilheira em três fisionomias do Cerrado do Distrito Federal

O estudo foi realizado na Fazenda Água Limpa, DF, em três fisionomias: Cerrado típico, mata de galeria e povoamento de Eucalyptus urograndis, e teve por objetivo analisar o conteúdo de macro e micronutrientes via estoque de serapilheira, durante as épocas seca e chuvosa. Procedeu-se a coleta mensal de serapilheira no período de setembro de 2011 a agosto de 2012. As amostras foram coletadas aleatoriamente, com três repetições em cada fisionomia sendo secas para posterior determinação dos teores de nutrientes. Os resultados foram avaliados por análise de variância, teste de Tukey e correlação de Pearson. Os conteúdos de macronutrientes no estoque de serapilheira na Mata de Galeria e eucalipto apresentaram-se na ordem de N > Ca > K > Mg > S > P no período chuvoso, e no seco o S foi superior ao Mg para o eucalipto, não sendo observada alteração na Mata de Galeria. No Cerrado típico, a ordem foi N > Ca > S > Mg > K > P no período chuvoso, alterando para N > Ca > K > S > Mg > P no período seco.

Post-fire resprouting strategies of woody vegetation in the Brazilian savanna

Post-fi re response by vegetation may refl ect the severity of the damage suff ered, but we still know little about the species-specifi c nature of responses to fi re or their predictors. Here, we evaluated 26 woody species before and after a fi re event in an Cerrado sensu stricto area (typical Brazilian savanna-type) in order to evaluate mortality rates and the type of resprouting (epigeal, hypogeal or epigeal + hypogeal). We evaluated the relative importance of stem diameter, height, and bark thickness as predictors of the type of post-fi re resprouting, using a sequential logistic regression model (SLRM). Mortality was 4 %, while epigeal resprouting was recorded in 57 % of the individuals, hypogeal resprouting was recorded in 24 %, and epigeal + hypogeal resprouting in 15 %. Our SLRM analysis indicated that bark thickness, followed by stem diameter, were the best predictors of the type of resprouting. Th ere was a greater than 60 % probability that individuals with bark thicker than 1.6 cm resprouted only epigeally. Our results confi rm the resistance (low mortality) and resilience (high resprouting capacity) of the woody vegetation of the Cerrado sensu stricto to fi re, and that thick bark is an eff ective protection against fi re damage.

Dynamics of the woody vegetation of two areas of Cerrado sensu stricto located on different substrates

Abstract Differences in substrates can provoke distinct responses in the dynamics of a plant community. We compared changes the floristic, structural and dynamic parameters of the woody vegetation between burned sites dominated by cerrado típico (CT) and cerrado rupestre (CR), which is characterized by the presence of rocky outcrops, over time. We set up 10 plots (20 m × 50 m) at each site. All individuals (diameter of ≥ 3 cm at 30 cm height above the ground) were identified in the two censuses (2009 and 2012) and measured (stem diameter), after an accidental fire in 2008. Changes in floristic parameters between the CT and CR were not significant. However, we found significant differences (p < 0.05) in structural and dynamic parameters, such as density (CT = 1,523; CR = 2,171 ind.ha-1), basal area (CT = 8.70; CR = 13.00 m2.ha-1), recruitment rates (CT = 24.35; CR = 15.14% year-1; p = 0.01), gain (CT = 8.58; CR= 3.58% year-1), and the loss rates of basal area (CT = 3.88; CR= 2.45% year-1). These differences emphasize the need for a differential evaluation of these sites for the development of effective conservation strategies.

The superior re-sprouting performance of exotic grass species under different environmental conditions: the study case of Paspalum atratum (Swallen) and Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich. - Stapf.)

The invasive success of exotic grass species has been linked to a better physiological performance under a variety of environmental conditions. Several studies showed that disturbances such as fire and herbivory might favor invasions by exotic grasses in detrimental of native species. However, studies comparing how native and exotic grasses respond to variation in environmental resources under natural conditions after a disturbance are scarce. A clear understanding on how disturbances and environmental resources influence plant populations’ resistance and resilience is important, and might contribute for management actions to control invasive processes in natural ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate how variations in light, nutrient and water availability influence the regrowth of native and exotic grasses after a simulated disturbance (defoliation). Two C4 grass species with similar morphological and physiological characteristics were selected: the native Paspalum atratum and the African exotic Urochloa brizantha. The study was set up in a Cerrado sensu stricto area that was cleared for the experiment. Biomass production was monitored at regular intervals, and absolute growth rates for both grasses were calculated. Although irrigation did not promote further growth for both grasses, U. brizantha benefited more from fertilization and shade than P. atratum, sustaining higher growth rates until the end of the rainy season. We show that under natural conditions the exotic grass presented a higher regrowth ability than the native grass species, suggesting a stronger resilience to the variation in resource availability. Thus, natural disturbances might further stimulate the invasion and dominance of this exotic grass.

VEGETATION SUCCESSION IN THE CERRADO–AMAZONIAN FOREST TRANSITION ZONE OF MATO GROSSO STATE, BRAZIL

The occurrence of cerrado (as tree and shrub savanna is called in Brazil) and forest formations side by side is common at the southern margin of the Brazilian Amazonian Forest, and previous studies have demonstrated the advance of forests over cerrado areas. The aim of the present study is to provide an accurate documentation of the transition process between the two major biomes. Tree data (≥ 5 cm diameter at 0.3 m above soil level) from three plots of cerrado sensu stricto lying near three of cerradão (the taller, denser form of cerrado) were inventoried starting in 2002 in an area of 1.5 ha made up of 150 subplots of 10 × 10 m (50 in each area). This showed that the most important species of the cerradão were invading areas previously occupied by smaller, lower forms of cerrado (although it is sometimes difficult to define which are ‘forest’ and which ‘cerrado’ species as many are flexible in size – for instance Emmotum nitens can often be intermediate, establishing in cerrado that develops into cerradão and on to forest). Some typical species such as Eriotheca gracilipes and Emmotum nitens, established since the first inventories, have increased their populations (between 27 and 210%). Tachigali vulgaris, a typical, weedy, adventive species of the Cerrado–Amazonian Forest transition, showed the largest increase in abundance in areas of cerrado sensu stricto (between 100 and 1200%), and is probably the most important pioneer species in the initial advance of the forest into cerrado at the Southern Amazonian border.

Floristic survey of the Brazilian Ages Memorial: a Cerrado sensu stricto area with an educational relevance

The Cerrado Biome is currently classified as one of the most diverse savannas in the world. The anthropic destruction of this biome led the Cerrado to be recognized as one of the world’s hot spots for bioconservation. Cerrado sensu stricto phytophysiognomy represents 70% of the original Cerrado Biome surface and floristic surveys are basic and important studies for conservation initiatives in these areas. Our survey area is a Cerrado sensu stricto of 6 ha attached to the Memorial das Idades do Brasil, an open air museum located in Distrito Federal, in the center of the Cerrado Biome. Our list counted 225 species of angiosperms, with the families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malpighiaceae and Myrtaceae being the richest ones. Our work contributes towards a better understanding of the Cerrado biome and also may help future educational programmes in the museum.

Influence of diameter measuring height on the adjustment of volume and biomass equations of cerrado in minas gerais

Different tree diameter measuring heights are displayed in the literature, which in some cases can lead to different results in the final estimates, if the model used is not compatible with the diameter measurement height. The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate equations of volume and biomass, adjusted by Goal Programming and regression by Ordinary Least Squares Method for the Cerrado Sensu Stricto and Campo Cerrado in Minas Gerais state, using information on diameters measured at 0. 10, 0.30 and 1.30 meters from the ground level. Thus, we rigorously scaled 868 trees in areas of Cerrado Sensu Stricto and Campo Cerrado of Minas Gerais. Two different models were subsequently adjusted, one being dual input with the diameter measured at different heights and total height and the second with only the diameter. The results showed that the height where the diameter was taken may influence the accuracy of the models, the diameter measured at 1.30 m presenting the best fits with more accurate estimates. It was possible to generate an equation that can support the monitoring of deforested areas, using the stump diameter (0.10 cm from the soil).

Accidental Fire in the Cerrado: Its Impact on Communities of Caterpillars on Two Species ofErythroxylum

Among the mechanisms that influence herbivorous insects, fires, a very frequent historical phenomenon in the cerrado, appear to be an important modifying influence on lepidopteran communities. The purpose of this study was to compare the richness, abundance, frequency, and composition of species of caterpillars in two adjacent areas of cerradosensu stricto, one recently burned and one unburned since 1994, on the experimental farm “Fazenda Água Limpa” (FAL) (15∘55′S and 47∘55′W), DF, Brazil. Caterpillars were surveyed on two plant species, genusErythroxylum: E. deciduumA. St.-Hil. andE. tortuosumMart. (Erythroxylaceae). We inspected a total of 4,196 plants in both areas, and 972 caterpillars were found on 13.3% of these plants. The number of plants with caterpillars (frequency) differed significantly between the areas. The results indicate that recent and accidental fires have a positive effect on the abundance of caterpillars up to one year postfire, increase the frequency of caterpillars associated withErythroxylumspecies in the cerrado and do not affect the richness of caterpillars on these plants. Moreover, the fires change the species composition of caterpillars by promoting an increase in rare or opportunistic species.

Can Host Plant Richness be Used as a Surrogate for Galling Insect Diversity?

Galling insects are the only insects capable of manipulating plant tissues to form complex structures. The number of known species of galling insect is small compared to the large diversity that statistical estimates suggest for this group. The study of galling insect diversity can be a difficult task in mega-diverse environments such as in tropical regions, thus justifying the use of surrogates. This study investigated whether or not host plant richness and super-host taxa can be used as surrogates for galling insect diversity. Surveys were conducted in 15 areas of cerrado sensu stricto in different localities of the Brazilian Cerrado. The results showed that host plant richness was the main predictor of galling insect diversity. The plant genus Qualea (Vochysiaceae), with 18 galling species, was the super-host taxon used in the analyses. Despite the influence of genus on galling insect richness, the abundance of Qualea was not related to galling insect diversity. Surrogates can be a useful tool for estimating galling insect richness and diversity patterns, both of which are relevant for conservation assessments.

Levantamento florístico e sua distribuição diamétrica da vegetação de um cerrado sensu stricto e de um fragmento de floresta de galeria no ribeirão Dois Irmãos na APA de Cafuringa, DF, Brasil

Foram identificadas todas as espécies vegetais ocorrentes em uma área de 2.500m² de cerrado sensu stricto e de 5.000m² de um fragmento de uma floresta de galeria do ribeirão Dois Irmãos na APA de Cafuringa, localizada na região norte do Distrito Federal, próximo à divisa do Estado de Goiás, nas coordenadas geográficas 15º30’19”S e 48º06’18”W. Foram medidos os diâmetros de todos os indivíduos arbóreos com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) a partir de 5cm, tanto do cerrado sensu stricto como do fragmento da floresta de galeria. A composição florística do cerrado sensu stricto ficou composta por 100 indivíduos arbóreos distribuídos em 25 espécies, e da floresta de galeria por 155 árvores distribuídas em 50 espécies. A regeneração natural constituída por indivíduos de hábito arbóreo com DAP inferior a 5cm, no cerrado sensu stricto foi de 211 indivíduos distribuídos em 38 espécies, e na floresta de galeria foram 287 indivíduos, distribuídos em 55 espécies. A área basal ocupada pelos componentes arbóreos foi de 3,40m2.ha-1 na área do cerrado sensu stricto e 5,08m2.ha-1 na floresta de galeria. A curva da distribuição diamétrica de ambas as comunidades ajustada pela equação de Meyer apresentou a tendência típica do “J” invertido e mostrou forte intervenção antrópica nas classes de 11 a 17cm.