Potencial da regeneração natural como estratégia para restauração ecológica da Mata Atlântica no Espírito Santo

• Ano de defesa: 2025
• Autor(a) principal: Angelo, Mônica Pagio de
• Orientador(a): Kunz, Sustanis Horn
• Banca de defesa: Dias, Patricia Borges , Sapdeto, Cristiani
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Tipo de acesso: Acesso aberto
• Idioma: por
• Instituição de defesa: Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo; Mestrado em Ciências Florestais
• Programa de Pós-Graduação: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Florestais
• Departamento: Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Engenharias
• País: BR
• Palavras-chave em Português: Sucessão florestal; Resiliência ecológica; Áreas degradadas; Diversidade florística; Restauração florestal; Forest succession; Ecological resilience; Degraded areas; Floristic diversity; Forest restoration
• Área do conhecimento CNPq: Recursos Florestais e Engenharia Florestal
• Link de acesso: http://repositorio.ufes.br/handle/10/19787

Successive land-use cycles in tropical regions, driven by agricultural and logging activities, have led to the fragmentation and loss of native forest cover, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services. In this context, natural regeneration emerges as a potentially viable strategy for ecological restoration, particularly in areas with forest remnants and seed dispersing fauna. This study aimed to investigate the potential of natural regeneration in areas with different abandonment ages in southern Espírito Santo, Brazil, to inform ecological restoration efforts. Four areas representing different successional stages were assessed: mature forest (MM), tall secondary forest (CA), low secondary forest (CB), and degraded pasture (PS). In each area, five plots measuring 4 m × 8 m (160 m² per area) were established, and all individuals with a minimum height of 60 cm and a diameter of at least 2.0 cm at ground level were inventoried. Structural parameters (density and dominance), diversity metrics (Shannon index [H’] and Pielou’s evenness), and floristic similarity (Jaccard index, Venn diagram, non-metric, multidimensional scaling [NMDS], and Morisita-Horn overlap index) were calculated. A total of 526 individuals were recorded, distributed across 33 families, 72 genera, and 118 species, with Sapotaceae, Fabaceae, and Myrtaceae being the most represented families. The abundance of individuals did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) among MM (155), CA (153), and CB (132), but PS showed significantly lower values (86). The diversity of CA (H’ = 3.43) was comparable to MM (H’ = 3.14), both higher than those observed in CB (H’ = 1.51) and PS (H’ = 0.75). The most abundant species were Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemão ex Benth., Actinostemon klotzschii (Didr.) Pax, and Varronia curassavica Jacq. According to the IUCN, D. nigra is classified as vulnerable and Couratari asterotricha Prance as endangered. MM and CA showed a predominance of zoochoric species, indicating progression toward later successional stages through natural regeneration. In contrast, CB and PS were dominated by pioneer species and exhibited low diversity. Floristic similarity between areas was low a common pattern in tropical forests likely influenced by historical land use, which plays a significant role in shaping forest regeneration dynamics. MM stood out for its advanced successional stage, moderate diversity, and presence of indicator species associated with mature ecosystems, such as those from Lauraceae, Myrtaceae, and Sapotaceae, serving as a reference point for restoration actions. Although still recovering, CA shared several features with MM, such as high Shannon diversity and a dominance of zoochoric dispersal, suggesting consistent successional advancement. Meanwhile, CB and PS, representing early successional stages, were characterized by a prevalence of pioneer species and low functional diversity. The high floristic dissimilarity among areas highlights the influence of multiple ecological and environmental factors, underscoring the importance of site-specific management approaches. Strategies such as enrichment planting with zoochoric species and the control of invasive grasses may accelerate ecological succession, enhancing connectivity and structural complexity. In conclusion, natural regeneration holds potential for ecological restoration, particularly in less degraded areas like CA, whereas CB and PS require adaptive management to overcome limitations in diversity and functional recovery