Vegetation Structure in Two Anthropic Fragments of Caatinga in Paraiba State, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the floristic and structural differences between two contiguous fragments of Caatinga vegetation in Paraiba state, Brazil. To this end, 25 plots of 20 × 20 m were allocated in each area (A and B), and all individuals with circumference at soil level ≥ 10 cm and height ≥ 1 m were sampled. Area A: 2.226 individuals of 21 species, 21 genera and 11 families. Area B: 1.930 individuals of 17 species, 16 genera and 9 families. The Shannon-Wienner index and Pielou equability values were 1.92 nats/ind. and 0.63 (area A), and 1.76 nats/ind. and 0.62 (area B), respectively. The Sørensen’s similarity index between the areas was 79%. Poincianella pyramidalis, Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Croton blanchetianus, and Combretum leprosum were the richest species found in both areas. The floristic and structural parameters measured in both areas showed differences between them, most likely because of the different levels of anthropic intervention, which were larger in the B area.