Tree species composition in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract In the present study a specific and comprehensive analysis of the arboreal flora of Ilha Grande, located in the municipality of Angra dos Reis, on the southern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is presented. Unpublished data and contributions from studies already carried out at the site that investigated issues related to the composition and richness of tree species, the degree of threat, endemism and the history of occupation and/or changes in land use were gathered and analyzed. This study is part of the PPBio Mata Atlântica – Programa de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade (Biodiversity Research Program) which, through phytosociological inventories of the tree component, has been contributing, since 2010, to the increase in the floristic knowledge of Ilha Grande. The inventory identified 509 tree species, belonging to 220 genera and 74 families. Of these, 34 species were categorized as threatened, two of which are critically endangered, 18 are endangered and 14 are vulnerable. 53 exotic tree species were indicated. The results presented here reinforce the importance of these inventories as indispensable tools for the construction of strategies and actions for conservation, restoration and management of diversity in the context of the Atlantic Forest.