Ombrophilous Forest Research Articles

Floristic composition and vertical zonation of epiphytic bryophytes in Dense Montane Ombrophilous Forest in southern Brazil

Dense High-montane Ombrophilous Forest possesses environmental characteristics that give it unique structure and floristic composition. Assuming that elevation and associated variables act as filters for bryophyte communities, the purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution of bryophytes in relation to vertical phorophyte zonation within the nebular forest, a type of rainforest in a high altitude environment, characterized by the occurrence of constant cloud, in Parque Estadual Pico do Marumbi, Parana, Brazil. All bryophytes occurring on twenty-eight trees in the elevation range of 1000 to 1500 m were sampled and analyzed in six predefined vertical zones. Samples were identified using standard methods and references for bryophytes, and their coverage and abundance was characterized for each tree. Comparisons among zones were done using cluster analysis and diversity. A total of 96 species and 31 families were recorded, with Lejeuneaceae being the richest family followed by Frullaniaceae. Some species were common to all areas, and eight new occurrences for the state of Parana are reported. This study found high diversity (ranging from H′ = 2.6 to H′ = 4.1) and abundance (0.01 to 0.07) of bryophytes, with a predominance of liverworts. Among the areas analyzed, the floristic compositions of only two differed by more than 50%. This study represents the first evaluation of bryophytes in this elevation range, and the results confirm the importance of conserving high montane regions.

Spatial Distribution and Diametric Structure of Tree Species in a Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Spatial Distribution and Diametric Structure of Tree Species in a Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The advertisement call of the Hoogmoed’s harlequin toad Atelopus hoogmoedi Lescure, 1974 from northern Brazil (Anura, Bufonidae)

Harlequin toads (Atelopus) are distributed over a wide range in the Amazon Rainforest, mostly associated with streamlets in dense ombrophilous forests in lowland and sub-montane regions. Atelopus hoogmoedi Lescure, 1974a was considered as bearing full species status by Lötters et al. (2005), although until that moment this species had been assigned to a subspecies of A. pulcher (Boulenger, 1882) (Lescure 1974a, 1976) or of A. spumarius Cope, 1871 (Lescure et al. 1980; Lescure Marty 2000; Lötters et al. 2002). More recently, Noonan Gaucher (2005) subscribed to Lötters et al. (2005)'s statement that A. s. hoogmoedi should belong to a distinctive species (A. hoogmoedi), based on phylogeographic evidence. The species' range is currently restricted to the Guiana Shield of French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and in adjacent regions of northern Brazil (Lötters et al. 2005).

Eremocaulon triramis (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Guaduinae): a new species from the Atlantic rainforest of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

An unusual new species of Eremocaulon, a Neotropical woody bamboo genus, is here described and illustrated. Eremocaulon triramis occurs in dense ombrophilous forest and is apparently endemic to Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The diameter and indument of the culms, number of branches in the branch complement, and occurrence of two different forms of fimbriae on the foliage leaves allow this taxon to be recognized as distinct from its congeners, even in the vegetative condition. Reproductively, E. triramis differs from its congeners in having laminiferous subtending bracts in the pseudospikelets and four stamens. Illustrations, photos, a detailed description, comments on morphology, habitat, distribution, and conservation status are provided, as well as a key to all species of Eremocaulon.

Dynamics of Natural Regeneration in a Fragment of Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Urban Area

Dynamics of Natural Regeneration in a Fragment of Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Urban Area

Two new species of Anthurium (Araceae) from Caparaó National Park, southeastern Brazil

Two new species of the genus Anthurium are described from Caparaó National Park in the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern Brazil. Presently known collections indicate that the two species occur in distinct elevation zones. A. caparaoense occurs in the semideciduous seasonal montane forest at 1400−1970 m, and A. erythrospadix in both semideciduous seasonal montane forest and dense ombrophilous forest, at 890−1280 m. Descriptions, illustrations, photographs and comparison with other similar species of Anthurium sect. Urospadix are provided, together with commentaries on geographical distribution, ecology and phenology.

PASSIVE RESTORATION OF MIXED OMBROPHILOUS FOREST A DECADE AFTER FOREST PLANTATION REMOVAL IN THE SOUTH OF BRAZIL

The objective of this study was to evaluate the floristic composition, diversity and ecological characteristics of riparian forest tree species under passive restoration a decade after removing Pinus and Eucalyptus genus forest plantations and comparing the data to a reference ecosystem. The study was conducted in a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest fragment in the municipality of Ponte Alta, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A total of 30 plots of 200 m² were installed, 15 in the area under passive restoration and 15 in the reference ecosystem, covering the arboreal and regenerating strata. In these areas, rarefied richness, Shannon index, Pielou evenness, floristic dissimilarity, ecological group representativeness and the tree species dispersal syndromes were evaluated. The families with the highest specific richness were: Myrtaceae (14 species) in the reference ecosystem, and Lauraceae (eight species) in the area under passive restoration. Considering the ecological indicators used and the use of the reference ecosystem, it can be considered that the passive restoration after a decade in forest succession proved to be efficient for enlarging the riparian forests in the studied area.

FLORÍSTICA E ESTRUTURA DE DUAS COMUNIDADES ARBÓREAS SECUNDÁRIAS COM DIFERENTES GRAUS DE DISTÚRBIO EM PROCESSO DE RECUPERAÇÃO

Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a composição florística e a estrutura da comunidade arbórea de áreas em processo de recuperação ambiental no município de Bocaiúva do Sul-PR. A produção e divulgação de dados e informações sobre a florística e fitossociologia da cobertura florestal em duas áreas com condições ambientais e intervenções distintas é uma contribuição relevante para compreender a dinâmica na estrutura arbórea em áreas de recuperação ambiental. Para isso, foram selecionadas duas áreas com distintos graus de degradação: Floresta Secundária Inicial (FSI), área na qual houve corte raso, isto é, retirada das camadas superficiais do solo e revegetação com Mimosa scabrella Benth; e Floresta Secundária Avançada (FSA), que representa um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista em que houve exploração seletiva de espécies de interesse comercial. A amostragem da vegetação foi realizada em 10 parcelas de 150 m² em cada área (0,15 ha), nas quais foram mensurados todos os indivíduos arbóreos, incluindo as árvores mortas com circunferência a altura do peito (CAP) igual ou superior a 15 cm. Na FSI, foram amostradas 40 espécies pertencentes a 24 famílias, enquanto na FSA foram amostradas 57 espécies pertencentes a 27 famílias botânicas. Os resultados apontaram que a estrutura da vegetação na FSA é distinta da FSI, com menor densidade de árvores, maior área basal e diversidade florística.

Local varieties of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Pinales: Araucariaceae) in southern Brazil: A brief discussion about landscape domestication

A Araucária é uma espécie emblemática da Floresta Ombrófila Mista – FOM. O comércio do “pinhão”, sua semente, é economicamente relevante para grupos regionais, influenciando no manejo e uso da espécie. As populações da espécie foram historicamente manipuladas pela ação humana, que identificam variedades locais, caracterizando certo grau de domesticação da espécie e da paisagem. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi identificar essas variedades, caracterizar o uso e manejo do “pinhão” em comunidades locais circundantes ao Parque Nacional de São Joaquim – PNSJ, e discutir interações homem-plantas que possam ser relevantes na estruturação de paisagens culturais domesticadas. Aplicamos questionários semi-estruturados a quinze agricultores-extratores no entorno do PNSJ. Realizando turnês guiadas, montamos nove parcelas de 1600 m2 para coleta de dados populacionais da Araucária. Nos questionários, quatro variedades foram citadas: “Cajuvá”, “Macaco”, “Do cedo” e “Do tarde” além de duas variedades identificadas nas turnês-guiadas (N=52). Todos entrevistados afirmaram usar, direta/indiretamente, o “pinhão”, além de citarem variedades que conhecem e/ou manejam na FOM, evidenciando processo de domesticação. A conservação da Araucária pode ser favorecida ao considerar populações humanas locais que usam e manejam os recursos dessa espécie, fortalecendo sua conservação ao nível de paisagens manejadas junto às Unidades de Conservação do estado.

O Monocultivo da Araucaria angustifolia na Floresta Nacional de Passo Fundo, Brasil (1947-1960)

A região de ocorrência endêmica da Floresta Ombrófila Mista no sul do Brasil foi, no início do século XX, transformada pela indústria madeireira, o que ocasionou a redução da área florestal contendo espécies nativas madeiráveis. Em contrapartida, o Instituto Nacional do Pinho aplicou o “Plano de Reflorestamento” como tentativa de repor a matéria-prima florestal que se tornou escassa. Este artigo dedica-se a narrar e analisar as atividades desenvolvidas no então Parque Florestal José Segadas Viana – atualmente a Floresta Nacional de Passo Fundo – durante os anos de 1947 a 1960, período no qual o Parque teve por função desenvolver técnicas experimentais de plantio e manejo da espécie arbórea nativa Araucaria angustifolia. A partir da interpretação de diversas fontes de pesquisa, grande parte inédita, concluiu que o conhecimento produzido no Parque serviu aos propósitos do Instituto Nacional do Pinho e que as práticas de monocultivo construíram um agroecossistema florestal.

The Impact of Traditional Silvopastoral System on the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest Remnants

ABSTRACT The results of an evaluation of the impact of traditional silvopastoral system on floristic and phytosociology of the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF) remnants, named caivas, in the North Plateau of Santa Catarina, South of Brazil are shown here to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of human activities on natural environments,. There was significant heterogeneity in floristic and structural aspects among the remnants. They exhibited high floristic integrity, with the presence of species typically registered in MOF. On the other hand, the incidence of exotic species was inexpressive. The predominance of smaller plant individuals than expected for adults of the species, combined with the predominance of secondary and pioneer species indicate the occurrence of repeated disturbances over the years. It is urgent to identify technological alternatives to enable appropriate foraging and increase in livestock production, ensuring economic and social sustainability with less environmental impact.

A new species of Chusquea subg. Chusquea (Poaceae—Bambusoideae—Bambuseae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil: morphological evidence and phylogenetic placement within the Euchusquea clade

Chusquea gouveiensis is a new species of tropical woody bamboo from Brazil, herein described and illustrated. It is classified within C. subg. Chusquea, mainly based on its scandent habit, triangular central bud with vertical orientation, extra-or infravaginal branching, and lemma margins free at the apex. The new species is most similar to C. gracilis because they share culm leaves with undifferentiated sheaths and blades with a folded or twisted apex, and foliage leaves and spikelets of similar length. However, C. gouveiensis is distinguished from C. gracilis by having branch complements of 40‒90 usually ascending subsidiary branches (vs. 70‒195 mostly horizontally oriented subsidiary branches), synflorescences weakly paniculate to racemose (vs. paniculate), glumes I and II collectively 0.3‒0.7 mm long (vs. 0.1‒0.2 mm long), and glumes III and IV awned and abaxially pilose to pubescent at the apex (vs. mucronate and glabrous). The two species also differ in distribution: C. gouveiensis is only known from the region of Gouveia and Diamantina, in the southern portion of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, in forest fragments at 1,200‒1,300 m.a.s.l., whereas C. gracilis occurs in the southern Brazilian states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, in mixed ombrophilous forests between 550 and 880 m.a.s.l. Based on nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid DNA sequence data (ndhF and trnD-trnT), a sixth lineage within the Euchusquea clade was identified, herein named clade VI—Chusquea meyeriana clade, comprising a significant portion of the Brazilian species of Chusquea. The new species has phylogenetic affinities with the C. meyeriana informal group and is also distinct from C. gracilis in the phylogeny.

THE SLOPE DOES NOT INFLUENCE UNDERSTORY COMMUNITY ON A BRAZILIAN MONTANE ATLANTIC FOREST

The understory is a component of great relevance to the flora and structure of tropical forests. Mountain environments, through physical factors, can show differences in the structure and composition of this stratum. We aimed to analyze whether there is a correlation between the slope and the understory plant community. A transition area between the Montane Dense Ombrophilous Forest and the Araucaria Forest in the Atlantic Forest in South of Brazil was analyzed. 63 plots of 1 m² were made, being equally subdivided into three slope classes (0-25%, 40-60%, and >80%). 93 species, 63 genera and 42 families were recorded. The richest families were Myrtaceae (15 species), followed by Lauraceae (7), Dryopteridaceae (6), and Rubiaceae (5). The most frequent life forms were arboreal (43 species), followed by herbaceous (24) and shrubby (11). 58 species were transient and 35 were resident. The richness and diversity indices showed no significant differences between the structure and composition of the slope classes. The ordination analysis could not distinguish any slope class grouping. This is possibly justified by the environmental homogeneity of the sampled area created by the density and regularity of the canopy, climatic stability, high organic matter and shallow soil.

Diameter Increment Modeling in an Araucaria Forest Fragment Using Cluster Analysis

ABSTRACT The aims of the present study were to test the hypothesis that data stratification by cluster analysis and the use of other variables, in addition to DBH, can improve the precision of the estimates in diametric increment modeling for Mixed Ombrophilous Forest species. The study was carried out in the Irati National Forest. Data from 25 permanent sample plots of 1 ha each were used with all individuals presenting DBH equal to or greater than 10 cm being identified and measured. The increment modeling was performed for the whole forest (non-stratified data), ecological groups and species subgroups (stratified data) defined by cluster analysis. DBH presented a low correlation with the diametric increment and the use of other independent variables had a positive effect on the fitting, reducing the standard error of estimate and increasing the coefficient of determination. The data stratification did not make the models suitable to estimate the diametric increment; however, it provided improvements by reducing the standard error of estimate, suggesting that this technique can be better applied in the search for improvements to diametric modeling in natural forests.

DEFORESTATION IN MIXED OMBROPHILOUS FOREST IN THE SERRANA REGION OF SANTA CATARINA

ABSTRACT Since the enactment of Law No. 11,428/06, an expectation was created as to whether more restricted rules on the use and conservation of the Atlantic Forest Biome would be sufficient to reduce deforestation. In the same sense, the inspection bodies stood out due to their responsibility in the application of this important legal instrument. In this context, the objectives of this study were: 1) to analyze the history of deforestation in the Planalto Serrano of the State of Santa Catarina, whose forest covered area is characterized by the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest, after the validity of Law 11,428/06; 2) to verify the application of the Law in the occurrence of deforestation, and 3) to identify the reasons for deforestation. A documentary research was carried out on 543 criminal procedures instituted by the Environmental Military Police for deforestation between December 2006 and December 2015. From each criminal case the following data were extracted: date, number of occurrences per year and municipality, size, successional stage of the deforested area, motive and land use of deforested areas. The results indicated that there was an accentuated reduction of 58% in the number of deforestation between 2007 and 2015. However, the selective cutting of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze was predominant with a percentage of 62.07% of the total number of occurrences. It was also verified that 71.46% of deforestation reached the middle stage of forest regeneration. In most case (33%), the reason for deforestation was for commercial purposes. The law for the protection of the Atlantic Forest Biome, conjunctly with the inspection, contributed to reduce deforestation and the cut of araucarias. Nevertheless, advancements are still needed, especially in the recovery of deforested areas, since only 28% of deforested areas were effectively restored.

WOODY NECROMASS STOCK IN MIXED OMBROPHILOUS FOREST USING DIFFERENT SAMPLING METHODS

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to quantify the necromass stock in a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF) fragment in the National Forest of Irati, State of Paraná, Brazil. Two sampling methods were tested: FA1, consisting of a fixed area (FA) approach with sample units measuring 2,500 m2 (50 m × 50 m); and FA2, consisting of fixed area sampling units measuring 500 m2 (10 m × 50 m) and line intercept sampling (LI) using 50 m lines. Data were collected on permanent sample plots installed in the area, consisting of 25 square blocks of 1 ha. Fallen dead wood pieces with a diameter = 10 cm were used in the analysis. The dead wood was classified into three degrees of decomposition, and masses were calculated as the corresponding density at each class. The tested sampling methods were evaluated using coefficient of variation and relative sampling error, and the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the results between the methods. Volume size of fallen dead wood did not statistically differ between the methods, but variation in necromass volume was lower in the FA1 method, whereas the FA2 method had a smaller sampling error. Overall sampling error ranged from 23.4-27.92%; lowering the sampling error to 15% would require a high sampling intensity (FA1: 42 area units [a.u.], FA2: 99 a.u., and LI: 236 a.u.). Total necromass weights amounted to 4.67 Mg.ha-1 (FA1); 5.16 Mg.ha-1 (FA2) and 4.58 Mg.ha-1 (IL), and carbon stock estimates were 2.00 Mg.C.ha-1 (FA1); 2.20 Mg.C.ha-1 (FA2) and 1.96 Mg.C.ha-1 (IL).

Análise estrutural e dinâmica de Gymnanthes klotzschiana (Müll. Arg.) em um fragmento de floresta ombrófila mista

A Gymnanthes klotzschiana é uma espécie arbórea pioneira característica das planícies aluviais da Floresta Ombrófila Mista, importante para a conservação das matas ciliares. Portanto este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a estrutura e a dinâmica de G. klotzschiana em um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista. Os dados utilizados na pesquisa provêm de um censo (inventário 100%) realizado nos anos de 2007, 2010 e 2013 no Capão da Engenharia Florestal, situado na Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba (PR), com área total de 15,2 ha. As medições foram realizadas em intervalos de 3 anos, sendo mensuradas e identificadas todas ás árvores com circunferência à altura do peito superiores a 30 cm. As análises estruturais foram realizadas com base nos parâmetros populacionais por espécie e a dinâmica foi obtida por meio do acompanhamento do crescimento, ingresso e mortalidade entre os períodos de medição. Os resultados mostram um aumento de indivíduos entre as três medições, passando de 120 para 256 indivíduos, consequentemente, houve um incremento considerável em área basal entre as medições, de 3,26 m² para 6,2 m². A taxa de incremento periódico anual em diâmetro aumentou de 0,31 cm/ano para 0,34 cm/ano, e o incremento periódico anual em área transversal majorou de 0,0280 m² ha-1 para 0,0397 m² ha-1. A taxa de ingresso aumentou gradativamente, enquanto não houve mortalidade no período de medições. A G. klotzschiana possui alto valor de importância para a Floresta Ombrófila Mista, bem como uma dinâmica que favorece o desenvolvimento de outras espécies.

BEHAVIOR OF THE DIAMETRIC DISTRIBUTION OF ECOLOGICAL GROUPS IN A MIXED OMBROPHILOUS FOREST FRAGMENT

The Mixed Ombrophilous Forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems in Brazil. It is thus necessary to understand its dynamics of growth over time so that sustainable use and conservation management strategies be proposed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the behavior of the diametric distribution of two pioneer and non-pioneer ecological groups in a fragment of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest considering four years of evaluations: from 2002 to 2017. Exponential, Gamma, Weber and Weibull 3P density probability functions were adjusted. The diametric behavior of the forest and the ecological groups analyzed remained negative exponentially, being a characteristic of natural forests. The distributions that best adjusted were Weibull 3P for the forest as a whole and for the group of pioneers, and Weber for non-pioneers. We concluded that ecological groups have the same pattern of diametric distribution as the forest as a whole. However, different forest management strategies are necessary considering the intrinsic characteristics of each group.

Nutritional Efficiency of Forest Species in Natural Regeneration of Tropical Forest in Brazil

The knowledge of the nutritional aspects of native species, mainly in natural regeneration, may be important for understanding their establishment, particularly in areas with low nutrient availability soils, such as tropical soils. This study aimed to determine the biological utilization efficiency (BUE) of the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, and Mg of forest species of natural regeneration in a Lowlands Dense Ombrophilous forest fragment in Pernambuco, Brazil. A phytosociological study of the fragment was carried out and were defined the ten species with the highest absolute density (AD). Three individuals per species were selected. The N, P, K, Ca, and Mg contents were determined in the sample leaves of the species, and the foliar biomass was determined “in loco”. Nine individuals of each species were collected according to the following diameter intervals at the base (DBs): DBs<5 cm; 5≤DBs<10 cm and 10≤DBs<15 cm. The content, stock and BUE of nutrients were calculated per species. The BUE of nutrients by species varied according to the following decreasing order: P>Mg>K>Ca>N. The highest BUE of nutrients was of the species Protium heptaphyllum. In tropical soils of low natural fertility, the use of these species can be recommended in environmental reforestation projects. The difference in the nutritional demand of the forest species can indicate the planting of those with greater capacity of absorption and BUE of nutrients, being more efficient in areas of soils with low natural fertility like in the tropical forests.

Dispersão de sementes e densidade populacional de Psychotria nuda (Rubiceae) em fragmento urbano de Floresta Ombrófila Densa de Terras Baixas no sul do Brasil

O presente trabalho objetivou reconhecer os agentes dispersores de Psychotria nuda num fragmento de Floresta Atlântica e estimar a sua densidade populacional. A área de estudo compreende um fragmento de floresta ombrófila em estádio médio de regeneração. A densidade populacional foi estimada em área de 1 ha. O padrão de distribuição da espécie foi determinado pelo índice de Morisita. Vinte indivíduos adultos foram observados para determinação de dispersores e mais dez para avaliar a eficácia do tipo de dispersão mediante marcação de frutos e instalação de redes coletoras. Em 1 ha foram registrados 1.131 indivíduos. O índice de Morisita encontrado para a população foi de 1,317, sinalizando padrão agregado de distribuição. Os resultados obtidos para a dispersão mostraram que a barocoria é mais frequente que a zoocoria. Foi registrada apenas Tachyphonus coronatus (tiê-preto) como ave dispersora de P. nuda. Conclui-se que o padrão de distribuição agregado encontrado pode estar relacionado com a falta de um agente dispersor mais eficiente quando comparado à dispersão barocórica, o que justifica o padrão de distribuição agregado. Em termos populacionais, a espécie apresenta uma taxa balanceada entre recrutamento e morte de indivíduos, garantindo sua ocorrência no fragmento florestal.