Spatial patterns along an elevation gradient in high altitude grasslands, Brazil

The Brazilian high altitude grasslands are important biodiversity centers that contribute to human well being far outside their boundaries. They host many vulnerable species that may go locally extinct as a result of small changes in the environment. Performing studies on local species distribution is important to achieve biodiversity conservation in these areas. This study intended to characterize a high altitude grassland plant community along an elevation gradient in Southeastern Brazil. Simple logistic regression, chi-squared tests and indicator species analysis were performed to investigate respectively whether: (i) the occurrence of botanical families was related to the altitude; (ii) the richness and abundance of life forms varied along the gradient and (iii) there were populations associated with specific altitudinal belts. Rubiaceae and Polygalaceae had higher occurrence probability in higher altitudes. Hemicryptophytes and chamaephytes seem to be the most favored life forms un...