Establishment of native seedlings species as an indicator of ecological restoration of riparian forest, Cerrado, DF, Brazil

This study evaluated the survival of seedlings of native species of Cerrado - Brazil and its potential as an indicator of ecological restoration of riparian forests. The factors affecting survival were also analyzed. The experiment consisted of three planting models with three replications (T1 = nucleation: Anderson model; T2 = nucleation: Anderson model + artificial perches; T3 = filling line and diversity line). The influence of factors such as leaf herbivory, stem herbivory, absence of leaves (predation, dehydration or malnutrition) and sprouting/regrowth survival were assessed by cluster analysis. The survival rates ranged from 58.6 to 100% (average 73.6%). Out of eighteen species, fifteen showed survival rate above 60%, and could be potentially used in the restoration of degraded areas. The hierarchical clustering using survival efficiency and biotic factors resulted in the distinction of two groups of species with high frequency of leaves and stem herbivory, differing statistically (test “t”, p < 0.05) in the sprouting and regrowth. The survival efficiency shows potential of being used as a restoration indicator.