Structure of the arboreal component of Cafundó Natural Heritage Private Reserve, Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the forest horizontal structure of Cafundó Natural Heritage Private Reserve, located in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo. In order to that, twenty five plots were established (total area: 2,5 hectares) and all trees with DBH ≥ 5 cm were surveyed. A total of 4557 individuals were sampled, distributed in 255 species, 152 genera and 54 families. The diversity index (H’) was 4,13. The values of basal area (33,02 m2 .ha-1) and density (1823 ind.ha-1) are closed to the range of other Semideciduous Seasonal Forest in Southeast. The species with the highest importance value (IV) were: Astronium concinnum, Pseudopiptadenia contorta, Neoraputia alba. This forest fragment is composed predominantly by late secondary species and can be characterized as well preserved, with considerable species diversity and peculiar aboreal flora, standing out the ecological importance of this area for conservation in the south region of the Espírito Santo.