Ecological restoration based on remaining perches in abandoned pastures in the Serra do Itajaí National Park – Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Restoring degraded areas requires models to facilitate forest regeneration without compromising biodiversity. This study sought to evaluate the potential of using remnant natural perches (live trees) and dry perches (dead trees) in pastures in the Serra do Itajaí National Park, Santa Catarina, as an ecological restoration strategy.
Between January and December 2015, 55 live perches and 49 dry perches were evaluated in a 50 m strip on each side of the main road that crosses the study area. An area of influence of 4 m² was defined for both perch models. Eleven species
were identified under the canopy of the living perches, with Myrsine coriacea ((Sw.) R.Br.) being the most abundant, accounting for 287 individuals (72%). Under the dry perches, five species were recorded, totaling 111 plants, with M. coriacea
again being the most abundant (40%). Zoochory was the predominant dispersal syndrome, with both arboreal and shrubby life forms encompassing pioneer and secondary species in the successional categories. As nucleation points that increase environmental complexity, both perch models are recommended in ecological
restoration programs, as they facilitate the arrival and establishment of forest species via zoochorous dispersal.