Floristic characterization and phytosociology of a Cerradão fragment in Cáceres, Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Abstract

The fragmentation of habitats has several ecosystem impacts. The high response of vegetation to environmental changes makes it a good indicator of biodiversity conservation condition. This work evaluated the conservation of a Cerradão fragment in the Cáceres municipality, Mato Grosso State, by analyzing the horizontal structure and diversity of species of the tree-shrub layer. The survey was based on two randomized conglomerates, totaling 8 plots and 0.8 ha. The criterion included was the diameter at 1.30 m above ground level ≥ 10 cm. A total of 411 individuals, 44 species and 21 botanical families were sampled. The families Fabaceae and Bignoniaceae presented the greatest species richness. The values of the Shannon-Weaver diversity and the Pielou Equability indices were considered high (3.18 and 0.84, respectively). The floristic similarity between the conglomerates was high, (Sørensen Index = 74.63%), indicating that the fragment is homogeneous. We observed inverted-J shape diametric distribution. The community presented an aggregate tendency, with an average Payandeh Aggregation index equal to 1.40. The richness and phytosociology indicated good conservation of the tree-shrub layer, as there were no floristic-structural changes in the fragment due to the anthropic activities surrounding the area.