Effects of cattle gazing on cloud forests in São Joaquim National Park, Santa Catarina state, Brazil

Abstract

The cattle grazing is a common economic activity on montane forests (MFs) in subtropical highlands of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. There is no study on this impact on MFs. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in floristic and structure in the MFs(~1,700m.a.s.l) with different successional and levels of impact of cattle grazing in farms not expropriated located in São Joaquim National Park. Six plots with 1000m2 were installed in the same mountain side (small variations in environmental conditions among sites) and two areas around the mountain. All arboreal component (shrubs and trees) in two classes (A= height>0,2m e DBH<1,9 cm e B= DBH≥1,9cm) were sampled. Most arboreal species of MFs tend to be tolerant of low and intermediate levels of cattle grazing. Species richness was higher in MFs with low and medium intensity impact grazing. Most other structural attributes varied their response to grazing levels and successional stage of the forest. In general, the intense grazing in understory changed over the composition and structure of the regenerative component (Alt> 0.2m and DAP <1.9cm) than with larger plants. To promote sustainable grazing systems in Legal Reserve Areas, many studies are still needed. However, passive restoration has proven effective to restore cloud forests which suffer the impact of with cattle grazing.