Monumental tree trunks as indicators of forest degradation in southern Brazil

Abstract

The largest-size trees were the first ones to be extracted from forests. There are few records of the size of individual large trees for many species threatened with extinction. The objective of this technical note was to measure the monumental-size trunks of Araucaria angustifolia and Ocotea porosa and compare them with the current size of their populations in forest remnants. Trunk sizes over 2 m in diameter were sampled for both species. The monuments were visited on site, when photographic and biometric records of trunk perimeter were obtained by preferential sampling. Comparison with the now standing trees cataloged in the state forest inventories demonstrates the loss of large-size trees and highlights the environmental degradation. Presence of monumental-size trees in the Atlantic Forest thus may serve as an environmental indicator. Monumental-size trees represent a natural heritage that must be preserved and scientifically studied. Public policies for cataloging large-size trees should be prioritized. Classification of the largest trees by size must be made available to the society to further environmental preservation, scientific studies, management and nature tourism.

Keywords: Araucaria angustifolia; Ocotea porosa; Giant tree; Large old trees