A study of tree community dynamics was carried out in two areas of gallery forest at the Panga Ecological Station, Uberlândia, MG. We analyzed changes in the tree stratum over a 13-year period (1989-2002). Thirty plots (10×10 m) were set out in each area and all live individuals with dbh > 4.8 cm were sampled. In area 1, a 1989 survey (T1) recorded 47 species and 501 individuals. The second survey (2002 = T2) recorded 50 species and 444 individuals. Loss of basal area (2.6 m²) did not surpass growth of the survivors (2.38 m²) plus increment provided by recruitment (0.57 m²). In area 2, 54 species and 324 individuals were recorded at T1 and 52 species and 260 individuals at T2. Loss of basal area (1.44 m²) surpassed survivors's growth (1.04 m²) plus the increment provided by recruitment (0.06 m²). Area 1 showed greater instability due to environmental changes, mainly in soil moisture, which led to the replacement of some species. Area 2, characterized at T1 as more stable, showed no important changes during the study period.
tropical forest; tree community; growth; diversity
