Tree succession across a seasonally dry tropical forest and forest-savanna ecotone in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil

• DOI: 10.1093/jpe/rtw091
• Publication Date: 2016-09-16T03:23:35Z
• Authors: Polyanne A. Coelho; Paola Ferreira Sa...; Eduardo de Paiva ...; Deborah M. G. Apgaua; Bruno Gini Madeira; Gisele Cristina d...; Yule Roberta Ferr...; Rubens M. Santos; David Y. P. Tng
• Keywords: Ecotone; Basal area; Floristics

Understanding succession in tropical forest is an important aspect of vegetation science, but to date, successional processes seasonally dry forests (SDTFs) have received much less attention than evergreen humid forests. We aim fill this knowledge gap. investigated SDTF areas consisting three different stages (early, intermediate, late), and a SDTF-savanna ecotone the municipal district Juramento, north Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Using twelve 400 m2 plots each area, we compared parameters structural variables (absolute density basal area) examined floristic composition tree component find gradients change. found evidence species turnover along gradient, with intermediate stage showing highest richness diversity. This was accompanied significant increase number individuals area from ​early stage. However, late were more similar structure floristics. The most rich early respectively. These results will implications for guiding management recovery programs.