We investigated the phytosociology, structure and dynamics of Pinus roxburghii in 40 stands in northern areas of Pakistan by using cluster analysis （Ward’s agglomerative clustering） and ordination （Non-metric Mult...We investigated the phytosociology, structure and dynamics of Pinus roxburghii in 40 stands in northern areas of Pakistan by using cluster analysis （Ward’s agglomerative clustering） and ordination （Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling）. Cluster analysis revealed three major groups associated with specific environmental characteristics： （1） P. roxburghii （2） Pinus-Quercus baloot and （3） Pinus-Olea ferruginea community types. NMS-ordination showed the major gradient as an amalgam of elevation （r2=0.441, p＆lt;0.01） and slope （r2=0.391, p＆lt;0.05） as the two topographic factors correlated with species distribution. The first ordination axis also showed positive correlation with soil variables like pH and electrical conductivity, suggesting that soil chemistry was related to topographic characteristics and probably acted as a secondary gradient. We also examined size class distributions, age structures and growth rates of the three communities in order to describe community development and dynamics. Total tree density was 14700 plants/ha, with P. roxburghii having a relative density of 82%to 100%. Density of juve-nile and total density and basal area of the subordinate tree species were low. The low density of trees in the smallest diameter size-class sug-gested that the recruitment of small P. roxburghii plants into the adult population may be lower than the required replacement rate for the stands. Pooled size-class distributions for the species showed a multimo-dal pattern with some regeneration gaps. Browsing, heavy logging and＆amp;nbsp;other anthropogenic activities were the overriding factors responsible for the poor recruitment of P. roxburghii. We concluded from the age struc-ture that the forests were characterized by the dominance of young trees. Growth rate analysis revealed that P. roxburghii was the fastest growing species among the conifers species in Pakistan. In view of its relatively fast growth and longevity, P. roxburghii seems to be a suitable choice for short-term cultural practices in order to enhance wood production in lesser Himalaya and Hindukush ranges of Pakistan.展开更多
The 170 samples obtained from ligneous investigation in Barkoissi,Galangashi and Oti-Keran protected areas（northern Togo） were subjected to floristic processing and several multivariate analyses in order to study pl...The 170 samples obtained from ligneous investigation in Barkoissi,Galangashi and Oti-Keran protected areas（northern Togo） were subjected to floristic processing and several multivariate analyses in order to study plant diversity,life form and chorological type distribution and to classify and identify the main plant communities with their demographic structure.First,the overall life form and phytogeographical type frequencies were calculated to analyze and show the distribution of the 68 plants species in this area.Then plant communities were determined by using the hierarchical clustering with wards method.The plant communities found were identified by the technique of indicator value（IndVal）.For each grouping diversity index such as specific richness,Shannon index and Pielou＇s evenness was set out.The canonical correspondence analysis（CCA） was also used to relate the impact of environment factors and the distribution of samples.Finally the variance analysis（ANOVA） associated to post-hoc test was used to compare the similarity between the groupings.From these 170 samples,12 plant communities were discriminated,three for the reserve of Barkoissi,three for the reserve of Galangashi and six for the reserve of Oti-Keran.The samples were well distributed in the factorial plan form by axe 1 and 3 of CCA.The plant communities were distributed along the moisture gradient in the ordination.The Sudano-Zambesian species followed by Sudanian species were the phytogeographical types most found in these areas.The microphanerophytes were the most represented life form.The structural parameters such as diameter and height means,the basal area and the densities determined and submitted to post-hoc test show some important similarity between some groups found.In overall,the vegetation condition of the three protected areas is somehow disturbed while most of the plant communities are stable.These preliminary ecological data obtained are essential and fundamental for the management and protection for these ecosystems.展开更多
Wildfires have environmental,economic,and social impacts,and can shape the landscape and benefit ecosystems such as the Cerrado.This study evaluated the diversity,similarity,and floristic and structural differences of...Wildfires have environmental,economic,and social impacts,and can shape the landscape and benefit ecosystems such as the Cerrado.This study evaluated the diversity,similarity,and floristic and structural differences of woody savanna and forest formations of the Cerrado,when affected and not affected by fire.Twenty-eight 25-400m2 plots were randomly allocated and divided into Burnt Cerrado and Unburnt Cerrado,Burnt Forest,and Unburnt Forest,and divided into three levels of inclusion according to diameter class(smaller than 2 cm,2-5 cm and larger than5 cm).Species were identified,DBH and height measured,and phyto sociological parameters such as volume,diversity,and floristic similarity evaluated.Burnt Cerrado had lower diversity,density,and dominance at all inclusion levels compared to the Unburnt Cerrado,and showed similarities between treatments at the inclusion levels.Burnt Forest had smaller differences in diversity,density,and dominance than Unburnt Forest.Forest formation was similar at level 1 of inclusion and in the total area.However,it was dissimilar at lower levels.The lower density and diversity of species at the lowest levels of inclusion was associated with mortality from fire.展开更多
Background： The ＇Khasi hill sal＇ forest ecosystem in Meghalaya, India represents the easternmost limit of sal distribution. We tested if tree diversity and compositional heterogeneity of this ecosystem was higher t...Background： The ＇Khasi hill sal＇ forest ecosystem in Meghalaya, India represents the easternmost limit of sal distribution. We tested if tree diversity and compositional heterogeneity of this ecosystem was higher than other sal-dominated forests due to moister environment. Methods： Vegetation was sampled in 11 transects of 10 m width and up to 500 m length covering 5.2 ha area. All stems ≥10 cm girth at breast height were enumerated. Results： We found a pattern of mixed dominance of Shored robusta （sal） and Schima wollichii and co-dominance of Pinus kesiyo and Careya arborea. The Shannon＇s diversity index （H＇） was 3.395 nats. This value is remarkably high and competitive to that of moist sal forests of eastern Himalayan foothills and sal-dominated forests of Tripura. A high value of H＇ was manifested by： a） high species richness （S = 123）, b） good equitability （70.6%）, c） ＇fair＇ resource apportionment, and d） abundance of rare species （84% species with less than one per cent of total individuals, 67% species with two or less individuals ha-1 and 59% species with one or less individuals ha-1）. The compositional heterogeneity was ＇fair＇ （Whittaker＇sβw = 3.15）. The presence of Fagaceae with six species commanding 4.3% of importance value （IVl） and of a pine （P. kesiya） in sal forest was remarkable. As many as 58 species showed ＇low density （〈 10 individuals ha-1）, uniform dispersion＇, five species achieved ＇higher density （〉 10 individuals ha-l）, uniform dispersion＇ and six of the top 10 species were ＇clumped＇. The forest showed an exponential demographic curve illustrating ＇good＇ regeneration of an expanding community. Vertical stratification was simple with a poor canopy and fair subcanopy, which together with low basal area （15.65 m2 . ha-1 for individuals ≥ 10 cm gbh） indicated logging of mature sal trees in the past. Conclusions： The ＇Khasi hill sal＇ forest ecosystem is richer in alpha and beta diversity than most sal-dominated forests, but past logging has reduced basal area. Selective removal of small timber and firewood, slash-and-burn agriculture and recurrent burning of forest floor are the principal anthropogenic factors controlling forest structure and regeneration of species.展开更多
The productivity of traditional agrisilviculture system(agricultural crops + trees) was investigated in the northern and southern aspects of mid-hill situation in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India during the 2004?2...The productivity of traditional agrisilviculture system(agricultural crops + trees) was investigated in the northern and southern aspects of mid-hill situation in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India during the 2004?2006.A total of 19 tree species were studied in both northern and southern aspects, out of which 17 tree species were selected in northern aspect and 12 tree species in southern aspect for phytosociological characteristic analysis of trees in agrisilvicultural system.The most dominant tree species are Grewia optiva, Celtis australis and Melia azedarach and successively grown under traditional agrisilviculture system.The results show that the annual productivity of all tree species was 3 775 kg·ha-1·a-1 in northern aspect(site-N) and 3 101 kg·ha-1·a-1 in southern aspect(site-S).G.optiva had the highest productivity in both site-N and site-S among the tree species, followed by M.azedarach, Quercus leucotrichophora and C.australis.The dominant agricultural crops were Eleusine coracana in summer cereals, Phaseolus vulgaris in summer pulses-oilseeds and Triticum aestivum in the winter season in the area.The average biological productivity of agricultural crops in northern aspect was about 16% higher than that in southern aspect under traditional agrisilviculture system.The sole agricultural crop productivity(without trees) in northern aspect was also higher than that in southern aspect.An obvious difference in annual productivity of trees and agriculture crops was observed between northern aspect and southern aspect.The overall productivity in traditional agrisilviculture system(crop + tree) was 24%(in northern aspect) and 21%(in southern aspect) higher than that in sole cropping system.展开更多
For the first time in this paper the forests of Betula platyphylla in Daxing’an Mountains are Subdivided by phytosociological methods. Three community types of B. platyphylla forest have been differentiated, e.g., Rh...For the first time in this paper the forests of Betula platyphylla in Daxing’an Mountains are Subdivided by phytosociological methods. Three community types of B. platyphylla forest have been differentiated, e.g., Rhododendron dahuricum-Betula platyphylla Corylus, Corylus heterophylla-Betula platyphylla community and Arternisia stolonifera-Betula platyphylla community. The distributed elevation, stand height, differential species, major composition species of tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer for each community were detail展开更多
The productivity of traditional agrisilviculture system （agricultural crops ＋ trees） was investigated in the northern and south- ern aspects of mid-hill situation in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India during the ...The productivity of traditional agrisilviculture system （agricultural crops ＋ trees） was investigated in the northern and south- ern aspects of mid-hill situation in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India during the 2004-2006. A total of 19 tree species were studied in both northern and southern aspects, out of which 17 tree species were selected in northern aspect and 12 tree species in southern aspect for phytosociological characteristic analysis of trees in agrisilvicultural system. The most dominant tree species are Grewia optiva, Celtis australis and Melia azedarach and successively grown under traditional agrisilviculture system. The results show that the annual produc- tivity of all tree species was 3 775 kg.ha-1.a^-1 in northern aspect （site-N） and 3 10! kg.ha^-1.a^-1 in southern aspect （site-S）. G. optiva had the highest productivity in both site-N and site-S among the tree species, followed by M. azedarach, Quercus leucotrichophora and C. australis. The dominant agricultural crops were Eleusine coracana in summer cereals, Phaseolus vulgaris in summer pulses-oilseeds and Triticum aestivum in the winter season in the area. The average biological productivity of agricultural crops in northern aspect was about 16% higher than that in southern aspect under traditional agrisilviculture system. The sole agricultural crop productivity （without trees） in northern aspect was also higher than that in southern aspect. An obvious difference in annual productivity of trees and agriculture crops was observed between northern aspect and southern aspect. The overall productivity in traditional agrisilviculture system （crop ＋ tree） was 24% （in northern aspect） and 21% （in southern aspect） higher than that in sole cropping system.展开更多
This study describes the tree community structure of three moist lowland Atlantic Forest fragments in Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. Two fragments were disturbed and an undisturbed one was used as referenc...This study describes the tree community structure of three moist lowland Atlantic Forest fragments in Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. Two fragments were disturbed and an undisturbed one was used as reference. Our hypothesis was that disturbed fragments show distinct structural patterns in comparison with undisturbed stands due to past disturbance practices and forest fragmentation. Four 100 ×5 m sampling plots were demarcated in each fragment and all live and dead trees with DBH C 5 cm were located, measured and identified. The results supported our hypothesis, due to the high values found for standing dead trees, an increase of dominance of a few pioneer species, lower values of large trees and species richness in disturbed fragments in comparison with the undisturbed one. The advanced fragmentation process in the Southern Brazilian lowland areas and the high species richness in undisturbed areas highlight these forest fragments as priority areas for conservation and management.展开更多
Background:In Cerrado humid areas,veredas are considered as hygrophilous communities,marked by the presence of the Mauritia flexuosa palm tree emerging in the wetter zones.Changes in veredas ecosystems due to drought ...Background:In Cerrado humid areas,veredas are considered as hygrophilous communities,marked by the presence of the Mauritia flexuosa palm tree emerging in the wetter zones.Changes in veredas ecosystems due to drought and changes in the water table,which represent important areas for biodiversity maintenance in the Brazilian cerrado,can lead to the emergence of new landscapes and ecosystems.Assuming that the veredas are changed in species composition due to anthropogenic factors,in this study,we evaluated the flora composition and described the current vegetation profile of two veredas under different disturbances levels that are located in the north of Minas Gerais State,Brazil.Results:Altogether,2,268 individuals of 91 species belonging to 36 families were recorded.Our results demonstrated that the studied veredas were floristically different in terms of the arboreous-shrubby species composition,richness,and diversity.Despite the hygrophilous forest formations and open areas in the two veredas present typical species from these environments(same species with high importance values),the drought in the water table caused an expansion of Cerrado species in the open areas and in the hygrophilous forest.Furthermore,in the hygrophilous forest there was an increase in the abundance of species that occur in less saturated soils.Conclusion:Our results demonstrate that the studied veredas are changing in species composition due to anthropogenic factors which leads to the drought of these formations(water balance effect).These anthropogenic effects cause a modification with the expansion and increase in the abundance of typical species of other areas of Cerrado and resistant to less saturated soils,leading to the veredas collapse.Finally,future studies should investigate other veredas on a broader scale to detect changes in the water table that lead to a consequent change in vegetation structure.In this way,we will have support for the conscientious management and conservation of these areas that represent equilibrium places for the Cerrado biome.展开更多
文摘We investigated the phytosociology, structure and dynamics of Pinus roxburghii in 40 stands in northern areas of Pakistan by using cluster analysis （Ward’s agglomerative clustering） and ordination （Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling）. Cluster analysis revealed three major groups associated with specific environmental characteristics： （1） P. roxburghii （2） Pinus-Quercus baloot and （3） Pinus-Olea ferruginea community types. NMS-ordination showed the major gradient as an amalgam of elevation （r2=0.441, p＆lt;0.01） and slope （r2=0.391, p＆lt;0.05） as the two topographic factors correlated with species distribution. The first ordination axis also showed positive correlation with soil variables like pH and electrical conductivity, suggesting that soil chemistry was related to topographic characteristics and probably acted as a secondary gradient. We also examined size class distributions, age structures and growth rates of the three communities in order to describe community development and dynamics. Total tree density was 14700 plants/ha, with P. roxburghii having a relative density of 82%to 100%. Density of juve-nile and total density and basal area of the subordinate tree species were low. The low density of trees in the smallest diameter size-class sug-gested that the recruitment of small P. roxburghii plants into the adult population may be lower than the required replacement rate for the stands. Pooled size-class distributions for the species showed a multimo-dal pattern with some regeneration gaps. Browsing, heavy logging and＆amp;nbsp;other anthropogenic activities were the overriding factors responsible for the poor recruitment of P. roxburghii. We concluded from the age struc-ture that the forests were characterized by the dominance of young trees. Growth rate analysis revealed that P. roxburghii was the fastest growing species among the conifers species in Pakistan. In view of its relatively fast growth and longevity, P. roxburghii seems to be a suitable choice for short-term cultural practices in order to enhance wood production in lesser Himalaya and Hindukush ranges of Pakistan.
基金supported by Chinese and Togolese governments under the direction of the Beijing Forest-ry University and Université de Lomé
文摘The 170 samples obtained from ligneous investigation in Barkoissi,Galangashi and Oti-Keran protected areas（northern Togo） were subjected to floristic processing and several multivariate analyses in order to study plant diversity,life form and chorological type distribution and to classify and identify the main plant communities with their demographic structure.First,the overall life form and phytogeographical type frequencies were calculated to analyze and show the distribution of the 68 plants species in this area.Then plant communities were determined by using the hierarchical clustering with wards method.The plant communities found were identified by the technique of indicator value（IndVal）.For each grouping diversity index such as specific richness,Shannon index and Pielou＇s evenness was set out.The canonical correspondence analysis（CCA） was also used to relate the impact of environment factors and the distribution of samples.Finally the variance analysis（ANOVA） associated to post-hoc test was used to compare the similarity between the groupings.From these 170 samples,12 plant communities were discriminated,three for the reserve of Barkoissi,three for the reserve of Galangashi and six for the reserve of Oti-Keran.The samples were well distributed in the factorial plan form by axe 1 and 3 of CCA.The plant communities were distributed along the moisture gradient in the ordination.The Sudano-Zambesian species followed by Sudanian species were the phytogeographical types most found in these areas.The microphanerophytes were the most represented life form.The structural parameters such as diameter and height means,the basal area and the densities determined and submitted to post-hoc test show some important similarity between some groups found.In overall,the vegetation condition of the three protected areas is somehow disturbed while most of the plant communities are stable.These preliminary ecological data obtained are essential and fundamental for the management and protection for these ecosystems.
基金Fundacao Grupo Boticário de ProtecaoàNatureza,CAPES,FAPEMIG and CNPQ。
文摘Wildfires have environmental,economic,and social impacts,and can shape the landscape and benefit ecosystems such as the Cerrado.This study evaluated the diversity,similarity,and floristic and structural differences of woody savanna and forest formations of the Cerrado,when affected and not affected by fire.Twenty-eight 25-400m2 plots were randomly allocated and divided into Burnt Cerrado and Unburnt Cerrado,Burnt Forest,and Unburnt Forest,and divided into three levels of inclusion according to diameter class(smaller than 2 cm,2-5 cm and larger than5 cm).Species were identified,DBH and height measured,and phyto sociological parameters such as volume,diversity,and floristic similarity evaluated.Burnt Cerrado had lower diversity,density,and dominance at all inclusion levels compared to the Unburnt Cerrado,and showed similarities between treatments at the inclusion levels.Burnt Forest had smaller differences in diversity,density,and dominance than Unburnt Forest.Forest formation was similar at level 1 of inclusion and in the total area.However,it was dissimilar at lower levels.The lower density and diversity of species at the lowest levels of inclusion was associated with mortality from fire.
基金Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, New Delhi provided principal funding for this work through a project grant to US (grant number BT/PR7928/NDB/52/9/2006)
文摘Background： The ＇Khasi hill sal＇ forest ecosystem in Meghalaya, India represents the easternmost limit of sal distribution. We tested if tree diversity and compositional heterogeneity of this ecosystem was higher than other sal-dominated forests due to moister environment. Methods： Vegetation was sampled in 11 transects of 10 m width and up to 500 m length covering 5.2 ha area. All stems ≥10 cm girth at breast height were enumerated. Results： We found a pattern of mixed dominance of Shored robusta （sal） and Schima wollichii and co-dominance of Pinus kesiyo and Careya arborea. The Shannon＇s diversity index （H＇） was 3.395 nats. This value is remarkably high and competitive to that of moist sal forests of eastern Himalayan foothills and sal-dominated forests of Tripura. A high value of H＇ was manifested by： a） high species richness （S = 123）, b） good equitability （70.6%）, c） ＇fair＇ resource apportionment, and d） abundance of rare species （84% species with less than one per cent of total individuals, 67% species with two or less individuals ha-1 and 59% species with one or less individuals ha-1）. The compositional heterogeneity was ＇fair＇ （Whittaker＇sβw = 3.15）. The presence of Fagaceae with six species commanding 4.3% of importance value （IVl） and of a pine （P. kesiya） in sal forest was remarkable. As many as 58 species showed ＇low density （〈 10 individuals ha-1）, uniform dispersion＇, five species achieved ＇higher density （〉 10 individuals ha-l）, uniform dispersion＇ and six of the top 10 species were ＇clumped＇. The forest showed an exponential demographic curve illustrating ＇good＇ regeneration of an expanding community. Vertical stratification was simple with a poor canopy and fair subcanopy, which together with low basal area （15.65 m2 . ha-1 for individuals ≥ 10 cm gbh） indicated logging of mature sal trees in the past. Conclusions： The ＇Khasi hill sal＇ forest ecosystem is richer in alpha and beta diversity than most sal-dominated forests, but past logging has reduced basal area. Selective removal of small timber and firewood, slash-and-burn agriculture and recurrent burning of forest floor are the principal anthropogenic factors controlling forest structure and regeneration of species.
文摘The productivity of traditional agrisilviculture system(agricultural crops + trees) was investigated in the northern and southern aspects of mid-hill situation in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India during the 2004?2006.A total of 19 tree species were studied in both northern and southern aspects, out of which 17 tree species were selected in northern aspect and 12 tree species in southern aspect for phytosociological characteristic analysis of trees in agrisilvicultural system.The most dominant tree species are Grewia optiva, Celtis australis and Melia azedarach and successively grown under traditional agrisilviculture system.The results show that the annual productivity of all tree species was 3 775 kg·ha-1·a-1 in northern aspect(site-N) and 3 101 kg·ha-1·a-1 in southern aspect(site-S).G.optiva had the highest productivity in both site-N and site-S among the tree species, followed by M.azedarach, Quercus leucotrichophora and C.australis.The dominant agricultural crops were Eleusine coracana in summer cereals, Phaseolus vulgaris in summer pulses-oilseeds and Triticum aestivum in the winter season in the area.The average biological productivity of agricultural crops in northern aspect was about 16% higher than that in southern aspect under traditional agrisilviculture system.The sole agricultural crop productivity(without trees) in northern aspect was also higher than that in southern aspect.An obvious difference in annual productivity of trees and agriculture crops was observed between northern aspect and southern aspect.The overall productivity in traditional agrisilviculture system(crop + tree) was 24%(in northern aspect) and 21%(in southern aspect) higher than that in sole cropping system.
文摘For the first time in this paper the forests of Betula platyphylla in Daxing’an Mountains are Subdivided by phytosociological methods. Three community types of B. platyphylla forest have been differentiated, e.g., Rhododendron dahuricum-Betula platyphylla Corylus, Corylus heterophylla-Betula platyphylla community and Arternisia stolonifera-Betula platyphylla community. The distributed elevation, stand height, differential species, major composition species of tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer for each community were detail
文摘The productivity of traditional agrisilviculture system （agricultural crops ＋ trees） was investigated in the northern and south- ern aspects of mid-hill situation in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India during the 2004-2006. A total of 19 tree species were studied in both northern and southern aspects, out of which 17 tree species were selected in northern aspect and 12 tree species in southern aspect for phytosociological characteristic analysis of trees in agrisilvicultural system. The most dominant tree species are Grewia optiva, Celtis australis and Melia azedarach and successively grown under traditional agrisilviculture system. The results show that the annual produc- tivity of all tree species was 3 775 kg.ha-1.a^-1 in northern aspect （site-N） and 3 10! kg.ha^-1.a^-1 in southern aspect （site-S）. G. optiva had the highest productivity in both site-N and site-S among the tree species, followed by M. azedarach, Quercus leucotrichophora and C. australis. The dominant agricultural crops were Eleusine coracana in summer cereals, Phaseolus vulgaris in summer pulses-oilseeds and Triticum aestivum in the winter season in the area. The average biological productivity of agricultural crops in northern aspect was about 16% higher than that in southern aspect under traditional agrisilviculture system. The sole agricultural crop productivity （without trees） in northern aspect was also higher than that in southern aspect. An obvious difference in annual productivity of trees and agriculture crops was observed between northern aspect and southern aspect. The overall productivity in traditional agrisilviculture system （crop ＋ tree） was 24% （in northern aspect） and 21% （in southern aspect） higher than that in sole cropping system.
基金supported financially by the Brazilian Ministry of Environment(MMA/FNMA)
文摘This study describes the tree community structure of three moist lowland Atlantic Forest fragments in Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. Two fragments were disturbed and an undisturbed one was used as reference. Our hypothesis was that disturbed fragments show distinct structural patterns in comparison with undisturbed stands due to past disturbance practices and forest fragmentation. Four 100 ×5 m sampling plots were demarcated in each fragment and all live and dead trees with DBH C 5 cm were located, measured and identified. The results supported our hypothesis, due to the high values found for standing dead trees, an increase of dominance of a few pioneer species, lower values of large trees and species richness in disturbed fragments in comparison with the undisturbed one. The advanced fragmentation process in the Southern Brazilian lowland areas and the high species richness in undisturbed areas highlight these forest fragments as priority areas for conservation and management.
基金supported by the Long-term Ecological Research Network(PELD-VERE)of the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnologico(CNPq 441440/2016-9,441583/2020-2,308877/2019-5),Coordenaçao de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES 88887.136273/2017-00)Fundaçao de Amparoa Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais(FAPEMIG APQ-04816-17,CRAPPM-00539-18,APQ-04816-17)+1 种基金FAPEMIG(FAPEMIG/RED-00253-16)for the supportthe second author scholarship.
文摘Background:In Cerrado humid areas,veredas are considered as hygrophilous communities,marked by the presence of the Mauritia flexuosa palm tree emerging in the wetter zones.Changes in veredas ecosystems due to drought and changes in the water table,which represent important areas for biodiversity maintenance in the Brazilian cerrado,can lead to the emergence of new landscapes and ecosystems.Assuming that the veredas are changed in species composition due to anthropogenic factors,in this study,we evaluated the flora composition and described the current vegetation profile of two veredas under different disturbances levels that are located in the north of Minas Gerais State,Brazil.Results:Altogether,2,268 individuals of 91 species belonging to 36 families were recorded.Our results demonstrated that the studied veredas were floristically different in terms of the arboreous-shrubby species composition,richness,and diversity.Despite the hygrophilous forest formations and open areas in the two veredas present typical species from these environments(same species with high importance values),the drought in the water table caused an expansion of Cerrado species in the open areas and in the hygrophilous forest.Furthermore,in the hygrophilous forest there was an increase in the abundance of species that occur in less saturated soils.Conclusion:Our results demonstrate that the studied veredas are changing in species composition due to anthropogenic factors which leads to the drought of these formations(water balance effect).These anthropogenic effects cause a modification with the expansion and increase in the abundance of typical species of other areas of Cerrado and resistant to less saturated soils,leading to the veredas collapse.Finally,future studies should investigate other veredas on a broader scale to detect changes in the water table that lead to a consequent change in vegetation structure.In this way,we will have support for the conscientious management and conservation of these areas that represent equilibrium places for the Cerrado biome.
