Indicator species and characterization of the woody and herbaceous layer in an Atlantic Forest ecotone area at the Paraná portion of Serra do Mar

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the degree of conservation, analyse the structural and floristic similarity of the woody and herbaceous layers of two ecotone forest communities and evaluate the indicator species of a Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF) and Dense Ombrophilous Forest (DOF). We outlined 30 sampling units of 100 m2 in each area (West and East), where we measured three woody and one herbaceous layers. Each species was classified into ecological groups, phytogeographic distribution and conservation status. We selected other 13 studies performed on similar ecosystems to carry out cluster and indicator species analyses. We registered 213 species, arranged into 63 families. The richest families were Myrtaceae, Lauraceae and Fabaceae. In the woody layers Araucaria angustifolia, Allophylus edulis and Cupania vernalis highlighted in West area, while Casearia sylvestris, Cyathea phalerata and Ilex paraguariensis highlighted in East area. Ctenitis paranaensis predominates in herbaceous layer of both areas. Our cluster analysis has formed two groups (MOF; DOF), including both study areas in MOF group. The study areas are in a maturation process. Serra da Baitaca State Park presents high conservationist importance. We list indicator species of montane MOF and DOF forests in the Paraná State, which can be used for monitoring alterations in vegetation caused by environmental changes.