EXTENDING THE LIMITS OF CAMPOS RUPESTRES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Campos rupestres are typical ecosystems of rock outcrops with high biodiversity and endemism, located in Brazilian territory, with vegetation analogous in Africa and Australia. The campos rupestres cover deeply dystrophic soils on highlands inserted in Amazon rainforest, Atlantic rainforest and Cerrado biomes. Despite recognition of campos rupestres as a global biodiversity hotspot, little is known its occurrence in dry forests. So, this work aimed to describe vegetable cover and soil properties in highlands associated to rock outcrops on Caatinga biome. A pristine area in Borborema plateau was chosen as study area. Frequency of species and life forms indicate high vegetable density and herbaceous habits predominance. Although the high similarity of species with Caatinga biome, presence of Albizia, Dalbergia, Poecilanthe e Platymiscium indicates a truly distinct floristic composition. Soils are shallower, less fertile and has lower water storage capacity than predominant soils in Caatinga. This work reveals the presence of campos rupestres beyond the areas previously considered favorable to its presence, extending its occurrence to regions of lower precipitation. The occurrence of the campos rupestres is attributed to an additional supply of water from fog in consonance with organic soils. Therefore, areas with similar characteristics should be prioritized to be preserved.