RESUMO
We present a floristic survey of the trees in the stricto sensu cerrado remnant. In total, 63 species belonging to 46 genera of 26 families were registered. The most represented were Fabaceae (16 spp.) and Vochysiaceae (six spp.) Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth was considered near threatened, e Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. is protected by a state law. Of the registered trees, 19% are endemic to the biome (12 spp.). We present a list of species, identification key and an assessment of the conservation status and endemism of the species found. Due to its "cerrado" representative florist composition, and in order to ensure the conservation of this important genetic heritage, this cerrado remnant should urgently became a protected area again.
O presente estudo apresenta levantamento florístico das árvores do remanescente de cerrado. No total foram registradas 63 espécies pertencentes a 46 gêneros de 26 famílias. As mais representadas foram Fabaceae (16 spp.) e Vochysiaceae (seis spp.). Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth é considerada como quase ameaçada, e Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. é protegida pela legislação estadual. Das árvores amostradas 19% são endêmicas ao bioma (12 spp.). Apresentamos uma lista das espécies, chave de identificação e uma avaliação do status de conservação e endemismos das espécies encontradas. Devido a sua composição florística representativa do cerrado e a fim de garantir a conservação desse importante patrimônio genético, esse remanescente deve urgentemente a ser uma área protegida.
RESUMO
ABSTRACT Ants can influence soil fertility and the spatial distribution of seeds, with possible effects on seedling recruitment. The ant species Pachycondyla striata Fr. Smith, 1858 and Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille, 1802) co-occur in many forest areas in the Neotropics. We assessed soil fertility and seed bank structure in soil samples close and distant (control) from ant nests in forest fragments. We also assessed the richness and abundance of seedlings on nests and control sites. In soil samples from ant nests, the concentration of phosphorus and potassium were respectively 55.6% and 36% higher than in control sites. Aluminium was 11-15% lower in soil samples from ant nests. In the greenhouse, soils from ant nests had higher plant abundance and species richness, but the same species composition in comparison with control sites. Although more plants emerged from soil samples of O. chelifer nests, in the field, the density and richness of seedlings were similar for the two ant species studied. Seedlings in the nest sites were, on average, 1.8 times more abundant and 1.6 times richer in species than in control sites. Our results showed that ant species can play a key role in seedling recruitment in forest fragments, where other animals with equivalent and positive effects, such as mammals, are missing.
