Levantamento da composição florística de um fragmento florestal na bacia hidrográfica do rio Uberaba, no município de Uberaba-MG

Abstract

Studies on floristic composition are of fundamental importance for understanding the dynamics of forest fragments, serving as a subsidy for sustainable practices and in public policy decisionmaking. This project aimed to carry out a floristic survey and characterize the main elements and natural aspects that make up a fragment of Cerrado forest located in the Uberaba river basin, in the municipality of Uberaba-MG. The collections of shrubby and arboreal botanical specimens were performed fortnightly in the period from September 2020 to August 2021, in 5 random transects. Samples of branches with flowers and/or fruits were collected, pressed and dried in the greenhouse, for storage in the botanical collection of the Herbarium of Uberaba. The identification of the taxon was based on the characteristics of the material examined, using identification keys, taxonomic reviews and by consultation with specialists. The mapping of georeferenced individuals, water resources and negative anthropic environmental impacts was also performed. To calculate the floristic similarity with other areas of Minas Gerais, we used the Sörensen similarity index. Were collected and georeferenced 103 specimens and sampled 82 species, distributed in 36 families, with emphasis on the family Fabaceae represented by 19 species (52.7% of the diversity). The similarity analysis showed comparative values of 14% and 37% with the other areas, highlighting common species protected by law as Caryocar brasiliense and Handroanthus chrysotrichus. By mapping the alternative use of the soil, it was possible to verify the superiority of the forest-dry phytophysiognomy (semi-deciduous seasonal forest) (40.39%) and cerradão (37.64%) and the presence of landscapes related to anthropic activities as a pasture area with reforestation (6.34%) and eucalyptus plantation (2.04%). There were six springs, four watercourses and an artificial bus. In the diagnosis of negative environmental impacts, we highlighted the motocross activities that have compacted the soil and accelerating erosive processes. Given the above, the data acquired are of great importance to subsidize future environmental studies in the field of conservation, recovery, biomonitoring and environmental education.