Arboreal Vegetation Dynamics in an Anthropized Montane Araucaria Forest

ABSTRACT Changes in floristic composition, phytosociological structure and dynamic processes like ingrowth, mortality and diameter increment were studied between 2007 and 2009 in all trees with DBH ≥ 5 cm in a fragment of Montane Araucaria Forest in Boa Ventura do São Roque, Paraná, Brazil. The analyses showed the occurrence 2596 ind.ha-1, 25 families, 40 genera and 45 species, while in the survey conducted in 2009, 2558 indivuals.ha-1, 27 families, 41 genera and 47 species were registered, with Matayba elaeagnoides Radlk. being the most important species in both surveys. The forest fragment showed a mortality rate of 0.41% per year and recruitment of 1.75% per year. This indicates that the dynamics take place in a gradual manner, with a mean annual increment (MAI) of 0.328 cm.year-1. Based on the evaluated parameters, it follows that the fragment is in process of regeneration.