Woody vegetation of semi-arid regions at different altitudes

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the floristic diversity at different altitudes in the Araripe region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. For method purposes, the region was stratified into three levels of altitude: inferior (until 600 m), intermediate (>600 and <750) and superior (≥750 m). Nine forest fragments were inventoried, three by altitudinal stratum. Twenty rectangular sampling units of 250 m² each were distributed for each fragment, totaling a sampling area of 4.5 ha. All woody individual’s quantification, collection, and identification were performed with respect to the Circumference at Breast Height (CBH) greater than or equal to 0.10 m (CBH at 1.30m ≥ 0.10m). The richness and the floristic similarity among the fragments and altitude levels were analyzed. A total of 6,987 individuals were sampled and distributed in 35 botanical families, 82 genera and 153 species. The region presented great floristic richness, with variation among and within the three altitudinal levels and the diversity demonstrated to increase with the altitude. Most species exhibited little phenotypic plasticity, with occurrence and abundance restricted to the fragment or the altitude level. At short geographical distances, relevant phyto-physiognomic variations were diagnosed, which corroborates with the importance of altitude stratification and fragment replication in the sampling procedures. Due to the level of anthropogenic degradation and the intensification of forest activities in the region, it is, therefore, necessary and urgent to create public policies aiming sustainable practices in forest use and its conservation process. To this end, the negligence of this problem puts at risk of extinction a large representation of the Brazilian northeastern vegetation diversity.

Keywords:
Dry forest; Caatinga; Floristics