Análise comparativa da diversidade florística em afloramentos rochosos no cariri paraibano

Abstract

The Caatinga is a type of vegetation only found in Brazil. Its name is a Tupi-Guarani word meaning “white forest” because of its light tone in periods of drought; it is one adaptation of the vegetation to reduce water loss. Human intensified occupation in the upper basin of the Paraíba River contributed to intensify the desertification process in the area, and consequently, loss of plant species diversity. With that being said, the need to preserve biodiversity is emerging. This article’s objective was to perform transect samplings of arboreal/scrub vegetation between their anthropogenic biomes in order to distinguish their phytophysiognomy, density and diversity in the Engabelada’s mountain range and Salambaia’s outcrop, both are located in Congo–PB and Cabaceiras–PB. A total of 50 transects were made in each location–totaling 100 transects– in order to recognize floral diversity in both places, remote sensing techniques were used with the aim of spatializing the vegetation in the study areas. Besides the Caatinga’s endemic vegetation, species exclusive from humid environments were found as well.