Population structure and spatial distribution of tucumã-do-pará (Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.) in Salvaterra, Marajó island, Pará

Abstract

Astrocaryum vulgare Mart. is a palm tree that tolerates multiple environmental conditions, with complex development characteristics. The objective is to understand the population structure, the spatial distribution of this species in different environments and the effect of environmental gradients on its occurrence on Marajó Island, Pará. The hypothesis is that the population density of the species, as well as the spatial distribution, depends on the environment in which it is inserted. The study was carried out in 11 communities of residents of five different physiognomies, in which all individuals belonging to 42 sample units were mapped, measured and were categorized in height classes for further analysis. The results showed an abundance of juvenile individuals and a spatial distribution grouped across all physiognomies. The evidence points to a growing population, probably influenced by anthropic actions. Variables such as vegetation index of normalized difference, slope and distance from rivers were shown to be linked to the development of morphological characteristics. Finally, the occurrence of this species in physiognomies may be linked to the land use system, as it contributes to the creation of favorable environments for its development and, although differently, it has shown a high degree of adaptation to atypicals.

Key words
Amazon; biodiversity; conservation; Marajó; socioeconomics