Floristic composition and environmental diagnosis of a Cerrado forest fragment in the Uberaba river basin

Abstract

Fragmentation promotes a reduction in the original habitat, the increase in the number of patches of vegetation and the distance between them, thus compromising ecosystem functions. The present study characterized a Cerrado forest fragment, located in the Rio Uberaba watershed, Uberaba-MG, in terms of areas of environmental restriction, negative environmental impacts and shrub and tree flora. Collections of fertile botanical specimens were carried out fortnightly for 12 months in 5 random transects. Samples of branches with flowers and/or fruits collected were pressed and dried in an oven for storage in the botanical collection of the Herbarium of Uberaba (URA). The identification of taxa was done through identification keys, taxonomic reviews and consultation with specialists. To calculate the floristic similarity with other areas in the region, the Sörensen index was used. By mapping the alternative land use, there was a predominance of dry forest (40.39%), cerradão (37.64%) and the presence of landscapes related to human activities, such as pasture with reforestation (6.34%) and eucalyptus plantations (2.04%). As for the negative environmental impacts, the motocross activities that have compacted the soil and accelerated erosive processes stood out. Eighty-two species were sampled, distributed in 36 families, with emphasis on Fabaceae (52.7% of the diversity). The studied forest fragment showed 14% and 37% similarity with other two areas, highlighting species in common protected by law such as Caryocar basiliense and Handroanthus chrysotricus. The results are of great importance to support sustainable practices and decision-making by local environmental managers.