We describe the tree structure of three Atlantic Forest fragments on the coast of Paraná, in order to detect differences in community structure throughout the succession process and to support future vegetation restoration projects. The study area was the Reserva Natural Rio Cachoeira, where three sites were chosen based on length of time since the last manmade disturbance (mostly agriculture and lodging); these were, respectively, 20-, 80- and 120-year-old forests. The 20-year-old forest had the lowest richness, diversity, basal area and volume. The 80-year-old forest had the highest density and richness. The 120-year-old forest had the highest diversity, equitability and volume. Diversity, basal area and volume were significantly different among the three sites. There were no important differences among structures of populations of species shared by the three areas. On the other hand, structural characteristics of exclusive species were important to determine differences among sites.
secondary succession; biodiversity; tropical forest; conservation
