Phenological patterns of zoochoric shrub and tree species in two areas of ibura national forest, northeastern brazil

Abstract

The phenology of zoochoric species is fundamentally important for understanding fluctuations in the availability of food resources for the fauna. The objective of this study is to describe the phenological patterns of shrub and tree species in the National Forest of Ibura, Sergipe. In addition, we sought to analyze whether phenological cycles are influenced by climatic seasonality. Sampling was done by means of plots, ten plots in an area of more conserved forest and ten in a eucalypt plantation (Corymbia citriodora). All individuals satisfying the inclusion criteria had their phenological cycles monitored monthly (November 2013 to May 2016). Results showed that leaf fall was more typical between December and February, while budding was more common from February to May. Flowering occurred between the months of December and March and consequent fruiting between February and May. Phenological data describe reproductive rhythms highly synchronized with precipitation, resulting in the development of flowering at the end of the dry season and fruiting at the beginning of the rainy season. Most individuals had a well-defined reproductive pattern with cycles influenced by seasonal conditions.