Seed rain composition, structure and phenology at two restoration conditions in Atlantic Forest of Serra do Paranapiacaba

• Grant number: 08/03278-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2008
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Wesley Rodrigues Silva
• Grantee: Danielle Christine Tenório Leal Ramos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to compare the composition, structure and temporal dynamics of the zoochorous seed rain among sites under natural regeneration (capoeira) and induced restoration. The restoration process began in 2001 and 2002 with the planting of a high diversity of native species. The study area is located in Fazenda Intermontes, managed by the Companhia de Cimento Ribeirão Grande (CCRG), near the municipality of Ribeirão Grande (SP), southeast Brazil. Propagules deposited in traps will be monthly collected between July 2007 and June 2008. Seeds will be quantified, identified and classified according to their site origin in each area (arrived from capoeira, planted or other area) and successional stages to which they belong. The capoeira and planted sites will be also compared according to their plant species composition and the following variables: species richness, diversity, equity and similarity. These results will allow comparisons in the efficiency of planting techniques and restoration practices among Atlantic forest sites formerly subjected to extensive cattle farming. Besides, specific management measures can be indicated in order to optimize the restoration practices, through the increment of local interactions between plants and seed dispersal frugivores. (AU)