OBSERVATIONS ON THE VEGETATION OF MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL. V.* CHANGES IN THE WOODY SPECIES DIVERSITY OF A FOREST IN THE CERRADO–AMAZONIAN FOREST TRANSITION ZONE AND NOTES ON THE FORESTS OF THE REGION

Abstract

The changes in floristic composition, richness, species diversity and ecological groups of a semideciduous seasonal forest located at 14°49′32″S 52°06′20″W in the Cerrado–Amazonian Forest transition, in the area of Nova Xavantina, eastern Mato Grosso, Brazil, were determined between 2003 and 2008. Sixty permanent plots of 10 × 10 m were established, where the individuals with diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm were recorded and identified. The changes in floristic composition over the period were small and species losses and gains were limited to those of low abundance. The species richness and diversity did not change during this period and observations over a longer period will be necessary to determine whether it is a static community or in a succession towards the relatively nearby Amazonian forests. A review of existing works on the transition forest of Mato Grosso is also given.